Sermon On The Art Of Narration

Edward Miller, an American-born author and illustrator of children’s books once remarked: “Stories are our primary tools of learning and teaching, the repositories of our lore and legends. They bring order into our confusing world. Think about how many times a day you use stories to pass along data, insights, memories or common-sense advice.” Philippians 4:8 reminds us: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Storytelling is defined as the activity of writing, telling, or reading stories. It is considered the physical or in-depth art of narration through words specifically detailing a particular circumstance or situation. Stories have existed, or been formed, in various guises, for thousands of years, they may be considered fictional or factual, humorous or sad, purposeful or aimless. Many children first encounter the initial benefits of stories at bedtime, from a young age. Some are both traditional and often meaningful. Many youngsters come to rely upon them for the necessary calmness or peace in readiness for slumber.

Jesus often told stories to emphasize important points. The parables of Christ are often apprised for teaching purposes, as apologues are inclined to be more easily understood. The simplification of each allegorical narrative allowed difficult, but profound truths or morals to be conveyed and easily remembered. Each comparison referred to many quotidian situations, in such a way that they would become more meaningful. Matthew 13:10-17 reminds us: “Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Stories are an effective means of communication. They are often considered a fundamental part of humanity. They allow one to share an experience, knowledge or set of circumstances previously encountered with another, in an often interesting or sometimes emotional way. They may disclose feeling, strength of character or even fear in the narrative which may enhance the intentional effect of the ingredients. In life, there are both good storytellers and bad, some have a natural and interesting way of conveying any story well, which automatically commands attention and an unmediated connection with others. Jesus was predisposed to this effective art of narration. However, the important ingredient in any story told, should wherever possible, always be accuracy or truth.

Jesus was truth. Ephesians 4:15 reminds us: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Truth, in life, is extremely important. If people are wrongfully led to believe that certain ideals are true, and adapt their lives accordingly, then life itself can become false or unreal. When life becomes false, it has no purpose. If there is no purpose to life, then life has no meaning and significant problems may occur. John 14:1-6 reminds us: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”