Jesus used metaphors drawn from nature and stories to teach people about who He was, who God was, and what the kingdom of God was about. His teaching style is fascinating to study. Jesus was very different from what his listeners conceptualized God to be. He did not use lofty language and grand proclamations in his preaching and teaching. He stayed away from intellectual arguments. His simple lessons were ones people could relate to, taught in stories all could understand, and most importantly, spoke to the conditions of their hearts.
In two of the gospels, writers Matthew and Luke narrate Jesus’ efforts to encourage his followers to think about lilies, how they grow. Without much effort on their part, lilies appear resplendent and beautiful in the world. To the Jewish people of the dusty province of Galilee, King Solomon was legendary. Stories of King Solomon’s fame, his achievements, his wealth and gold, his lavish lifestyle, his numerous wives and children, and his poetry and godly wisdom surely took root in their imaginations as they were passed down through the generations. King Solomon, larger than life, would have been culturally embedded in their minds and hearts as the epitome of human splendor and majestic glory. He was greater than all the kings in the earth in both possessions and wisdom.
Within this common understanding, Jesus says a startling thing. A simple, yet unique flower possesses a beauty that far surpasses the splendor and wisdom of Israel’s greatest king. Jesus tells the crowd that God dresses the lily with so much beauty it outshines the full array of Solomon’s glory.
Jesus’ message is timeless, speaking powerfully into lives over the centuries. These ancient words remind his followers today to consider the lilies. How they grow. And how they do not have to work to burst out in shimmering color. And the reason for that.
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The essential donkey
Until a pair of white and grey donkeys appeared on my father’s farm, I didn’t think much about these odd-looking animals. When a donkey shows up anywhere in the world, it’s usually in a political cartoon or a kid’s movie. And let’s face it, the donkey doesn’t typically come out on top land an honorable role
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Being in
Do you remember the feeling of being “in”, in high school? Or being “out”? It is so much a part of high school culture. There are kids who are in with some, and out with others. There are kids who are in with none. And there are the fortunate few who are in with everybody.
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Taking Refuge
It’s freezing today in Connecticut. Although it is January and cold is expected, this cold snap has reached “dangerous” zones. The chill has dipped well below zero at night. And, I, along with many, have sought shelter inside my cozy home. Those who live outside, without a home to go to, need to find a
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in the plan
A story in Genesis jumped out at me the other day. As it is the beginning of the year, I’m starting over with reading the Bible, and Genesis is the first book. Hagar, who is first mentioned in chapter 16, is an Egyptian slave to Sarai (Abraham’s wife). Sarai was childless, and because the Lord
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A Prayer
Lord, High and Holy Meek and Lowly, Thou has brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be
Consider the Lilies 
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