Everyone loves a good story and a good storyteller.

But there is no storyteller like the Lord Jesus, and there are no greater stories told than the ones Jesus shared.

In this study, spiritual stories, we consider the parables Jesus told

and their application to us. These are truly the greatest stories ever told, and the Lord

has something He wants to say to you through them. Let's join Scott Pauley now.

I find myself in conversation often when I'm trying to explain something, especially pausing and saying,

do you know what I mean?

Are you understanding this? Do you understand? Well, Jesus did that.

He did it in fact at the end of this chain of parables we've been studying in Matthew chapter number 13.

And it really is a fascinating question and a fascinating answer that they give to him and then a fascinating application that he gives back to them let's read it together matthew chapter 13 beginning in verse 51 remember this

is right on the heels of the parable of the treasure and the pearls and the net the the principle

of his work with the jews and the church and the principle of his work with the Jews and the church and the Gentiles.

And so verse 51, Jesus saith unto them, have ye understood all these things?

They say unto him, yea, Lord.

In other words, yes.

Now, let's just stop there for a second and point out that probably they had not understood all these things.

In fact, we know from Scripture there are some things that it's going to be after the resurrection before they fully realize them.

But I do believe they were beginning to understand.

Maybe they were trying hard to understand.

When you get to the book of action, the rest of the New Testament, I think they had come to a much deepened understanding of it.

And maybe this is a good place for us all just to pause and breathe a prayer to God.

Lord, give me greater understanding.

...