Jesus was a storyteller.
But what is a storyteller? Well, a person who tells stories. In more eloquent words, it is someone who weaves a tale, often with a protagonist and an antagonist. Here’s the thing, though, stories don’t have to be written. Jesus told his stories. The Old Testament Tabernacle, and later the Temple told a story through its layout, colors, fabric choices, sculptures, metalwork, etc. As a creative, you are a storyteller, no matter your medium.
So why do we tell stories? We tell stories to entertain. We also use them to convey something that happened or to impart a lesson. It’s easier to remember a moral if it is conveyed through a story. It can also help to bring awareness. Art is often used to reflect the world in ways the viewer may not have ever experienced before. Stories help shape our values and show how those values can be expressed in our daily lives.
Stories are important. Seeing a lesson in action makes it hit home; makes it easier to internalize
Jesus spoke in stories. Matthrew 13:35 NIV says,
“Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the beginning of the world.’”
Jesus conveyed Kingdom principles through the medium of fiction. He also used parables to hide truth from those who didn’t want to hear it while revealing it to those who wanted it. (Matt. 13:10-16).
So, what can we learn as storytellers? Remember, stories have the power to convey lessons. However, the story must be good to convey the message. This is why we work on developing the skills God has put into us. We become excellent storytellers to effectively convey whatever message we choose to portray.
Stories have the power to change people. So, use your power wisely.
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* heart * M.R. Anglin
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