Pastor's Corner: A master storyteller tells the story

If you’ve ever done much reading in the Gospels — that is, the first four books of the New Testament — you’ve probably noticed Jesus was a master storyteller. Someone would ask him a question and he would reply by telling a story (or a parable, if you will). Why did he do that? We may not know for certain but I suspect there are at least a few reasons.

First, almost everyone can understand a story, regardless of one’s age, background or level of education. Isn’t that why children so often plead with their parents, “Tell me a story”? Second, stories tend to hold our attention better than some other forms of communication, such as a list of logical points (although that has its place). Third, we often identify with one or more characters in the story, which can stir our emotions and motivate us toward some action.

For example, consider the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke chapter 10:

On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

So, here we have an example of a question posed to Jesus by an expert in the law. Jesus allows the expert to give his opinion and then basically says, “good answer.” However, when the gentleman asks for more detail, not because he really wants to understand but rather “to justify himself,” Jesus responds by telling a story.

Perhaps you’re like me in the sense that you can picture the story in your mind’s eye as you’re reading it. Most likely, the people hearing Jesus recount the story did that same thing. As you may know, Samaritans were looked down upon in the culture of Jesus’ day, so making the Samaritan the hero probably drove the point home more effectively than having one of the other characters, such as the Levite, be the good guy.

As effective as it is to read or hear this story, consider how much more powerful it might be to see it enacted as a dramatic presentation. Havre is very blessed to enjoy numerous productions each year by the high school drama students, the Montana Actors’ Theatre, and other groups and troupes. Some of our churches present great skits and puppet shows — have you seen any of the presentations by the puppeteers of Community Alliance Church, for example?

In May, the New Life Drama Company out of Scottsdale, Arizona, sent a team to Havre to share their talents and their hearts with us for almost 2 weeks. They conducted a workshop, did some service projects in our community, and performed numerous skits in various venues, such as church youth group meetings, Timber Creek and Eagles Manor, the Boys & Girls Club and the Set Free Ministries day in Pepin Park.

Another team will be here for a few days next week performing and ministering in some of the same locations. The following two evening events are open to everyone and will be held at Abundant Life Ministries, 405 6th Street: Wednesday, July 26, 6:30 p.m., and Thursday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. The Thursday session is a workshop designed to provide ideas and practice some skills to help anyone who might want to develop skits of their own. We are especially hoping and praying for a good turnout among the youth of our community. No need to register ahead of time, just show up. Best wishes for a wonderful rest of the summer!

Vicki Barrows

Abundant Life Ministries