"Persistent Widow" painting by unknown artist

The Radical Rabbi Who Made Up Stories

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8 (NRSV)

Jesus didn’t just tell us about prayer, perseverance, compassion, or faith, he told us stories about what these things look like in our daily lives. Jesus’ stories made his teachings become living and breathing lessons that were totally unforgettable. His stories are timeless and timely and they grow up with us as we grow old. Thank God that Jesus’ teachings weren’t just a bunch of dos and don’ts, bullet points, or propositions and principles to memorize. Jesus used earthy things imaginatively—soil and seed, money and fishing nets, sheep and goats, widows and kings to talk about deeper truths for real life. Stories don’t just convey information, they draw something out of your heart, your mind, and your creativity. Stories invite—even demand a response. They stick in your brain and keep working on you. In our passage, through a story, Jesus told his disciples and us about the need to pray continually—and to keep on praying and to never lose heart—even when everything inside of you wants to cave in.

 

July 26, 2020 Service Bulletin and Bible Study

Sermon Art: “Persistent Widow” (artist unknown)

All Sermons by Dr. John C. Tittle are available in our Library of Sermons.

 

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