Playing Catch
Playing Catch
He would speak the word to them with many parables like these, as they were able to understand. (Mark 4:33)
Bible Baseball
The word “parable” comes from a Greek word made up of two roots—para, which means “alongside of,” and ballein, which means “to throw.” When Jesus wanted to teach a principle about the kingdom of God, He would throw out a story and see who would “catch” it. “A certain man had two sons. . . . A shepherd lost a sheep. . . . A man planted a vineyard.” He was, in effect, playing a spiritual game of catch with those who would listen to Him.
Perhaps this also gives us some direction for parenting. Is your primary method of teaching your kids that of rules and regulations? Do you constantly nag or criticize them when they fail?
Internalizing the Truth
Jesus taught His followers by telling stories and asking questions. This forced them not merely to obey His orders but to learn what the truth was and how blessed they would be when they followed it. His disciples learned to love God from the inside out instead of being motivated by a big stick.
You’ll find many resources for teaching your children. Another option is simply to listen to your kids. When they ask a question, ask it right back to them. Help them process truth in their minds and hearts. They may even “pop your glove” with a surprise answer or two. That’s great. It shows that they’re thinking. Remember, your job is to nurture faith, not enforce it.
Bottom Line
Listening and asking questions takes more time than simply quoting rules and laws, but it teaches your kids to uncover truth for themselves.