One of my professors in Biblical studies used to say you can learn a lot from the Bible regardless of how historically accurate it is. What's the difference, he'd say, whether it's indisputable fact or simply great fiction? If the characters can move you to experience their joys and sorrows, and then shape your life for the better, that's what counts. And my professor's approach wasn't simply a secular or humanistic one; he was an ordained rabbi. He revered the Scriptures.
The power of the Bible lies in its ability to voyage beyond the historical and to transform its reader's inner self. To show the reader that some problems in life—and maybe even their God-inspired solutions—are universal. And that readers have the right to feel the power of the written word—from the Bible's proverbs to its stories, and everything in between.
Jesus must have believed this; he taught using parables. So often, in fact, that the Gospel of Mark says, "He was never without a story when he spoke." Mark 4:34 (Scripture taken from The Message, Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group). There are the favorites: the good Samaritan, See Luke 10:25–37 . the prodigal son, See Luke 15:11–32 . the sower and the seeds. See Mark 4:1–20 . And the lesser-knowns: the faithful and unfaithful servants, See Matt. 24:45–51 and Luke 12:42–48. the arrogant guest, See Luke 14:7–11 . and the wedding supper. See Matt 22:1–14 and Luke 14:16–24.
