“Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet:
‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables;
I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’” ~Matthew 13:34, 35
Jesus often taught using parables. The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke contain all 39 of them. The word “parable” comes from the Greek parabole (Latin: parabola) which means “to throw beside.” Parables, then, were little juxtapositions, little short stories that Jesus “threw beside” his listeners to teach an important spiritual truth
He himself indicated that he had a dual purpose to using parables: to both reveal and hide his truths. Through the parables, people who were willing to really listen to him, and think deeply about what he said, would actually understand the profound and divine truths contained in them. On the other hand, people who had hardened their hearts to the truth of Christ’s teachings would only hear the parables as little stories containing nothing more important.
Join us this Sunday as we welcome the Rev. Heather Kern to once again lead our service. She will elaborate on the meaning of some of the parables in Matthew, which liken the Kingdom of Heaven to various familiar objects.
Organ preludes will begin around 10:25 a.m. and the service will commence at 10:30 a.m. This is the link for this morning’s service is: https://youtube.com/live/cQ8ueCJUylk?feature=share
Previous services can be found on the St. Andrew’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/StAndrewsPresbyterianChurchKingston
Have a look at the Order of Service, scripture readings, hymn lyrics and announcements below – this electronic form includes hyperlinks for easy connection, but you can print the pages if you wish for reference as the hour unfolds, or even through the week. We invite you to join in worship, study and service as you are able.