The Puzzles of Jesus

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. (Matthew 13:10-13, ESV). Here’s a little riddle for you: Follow as I go from Adam unto death. Follow, for I am descending from life eternal. Cross me if you like. I don't get angry, I will not hold a grudge. If need be, I can feed you. If you like I'll give you drink. But where I end is a place of death. The answer is at the end of this writing. Don’t go there too soon though! I love a good puzzle! It is not often that I get the time to work on the crosswords in the local paper, but when I do, it is always enjoyable. There are times when I get stuck and can’t quite solve the clue. There are even a few times when I give up in frustration and leave the puzzle unfinished. Even then there is nothing lost. However, the “puzzles” Jesus used in His teachings carried with them messages that were essential to the understanding of grace. Our reading this morning answers the question why Jesus used such puzzles. The more I began to think about the parables (puzzles), the more I began to realize that the answers are not difficult to find. Just as with my crosswords, the answers are not difficult. There are many sources available to retrieve the answers. All I need to do is seek them! Jesus tells his disciples that all that is necessary is to listen. Spring is approaching quickly. It is a time of renewal and recommitment. I wonder if you have been listening. Perhaps some of the answers you seek to the puzzles of your life would become apparent if you would start listening more. You may need a little help with that exercise. Start with a search in the Scriptures. Then go to some of your trusted Christian friends and advisors and ask them for help. It may mean putting your pride behind you, but the answer will be well worth the sacrifice! Oh… as I promised, here’s the answer to the riddle I began with this morning: The Jordan River. Jordan means "descender." It flows from Galilee, which translates circle in Hebrew, or everlasting life, to the Dead Sea. The city of Adam is located on the Jordan River.