Some hearts embraced, while others steeped in sleep,
Dividing those whose spirits would uplift.
The Sower’s seeds find soil or rocky ground,
An allegory for the hearts of men,
Some hear, but do not truly comprehend,
While others grasp the truth and so abound.
Amid the weeds and wheat, a counterplay,
Good and evil intertwined do vie,
A challenge to discern the light of day,
Within the shadows where dark whispers lie.
The Mustard Seed, the Kingdom’s growth displayed,
From small beginnings mighty realms arise,
A vision of potential undismayed,
With faith, the hopeful heart in God applies.
Yeast works unseen, transforming all it greets,
A hidden force that quietly prevails,
Within the dough of life, it subtly beats,
The leaven of the soul, where grace entails.
Treasure hidden, Pearl of great esteem,
To those who seek with fervor uncontained,
A kingdom rich beyond the wildest dream,
For those whose hearts with true desire are trained.
Beneath the waves, the Net of judgment clear,
Gathering in both old and new alike,
The final sorting, truth at last appears,
The chosen from the wayward souls will strike.
***************^**************
Explanation:
In this poetic exploration of the parables found in Matthew 13, the focus is on presenting these enigmatic stories in a lyrical and reflective manner. Each stanza corresponds to a different parable, providing a poetic reimagining of the themes and messages contained within them. The choice of language seeks to capture the mysterious and symbolic nature of the parables, highlighting their deeper meanings that may not be immediately apparent.
The parables, as presented in the poem, serve as tests of understanding and insight, challenging readers to delve beneath the surface and grasp the spiritual truths they hold. By weaving together imagery and metaphor, the poem aims to evoke contemplation and introspection, inviting readers to ponder the hidden wisdom within these ancient stories.
I want to read this post and consider it and the following more thoroughly before I respond except briefly. My first caveat, though, is that we have no way of knowing what the historical Jesus actually said, either to the crowds or to his disciples.
What we have is a collection of oral and written stories and sayings, gathered, selected, and organized by a writer roughly a generation later. Probably a messianic Pharisee in the small Syrian Christian community of Antioch. How much of the notion of "secrets of heaven" arises from the teachings of the author of Matthew and why? What where the historical and religious contexts of that person and their community?
And, furthermore, what new insights might these passages evoke for American readers in the 21st century, trying to survive under the dominion of a new Roman Empire?
As you point out, they are hidden from those who believe they see and hear. Meaning, they are not conversion tools, but tests to determine the depth of believer's observation and understanding.
Title: Enigmatic Parables
Yvon Roustan ©
In Matthew’s pages, secrets veiled await,
Parables enigmatic, tales abstruse,
Disclosing depths beyond a shallow fate,
Concealed within each tale, a cryptic ruse.
Within these stories, wisdom lies concealed,
Not laid bare plain for all to comprehend,
For in their mystery, power’s revealed,
To those with eyes to see, the truth extend.
Jesus spoke in stories, veiled and deep,
Not to enlighten, but to test and sift,
Some hearts embraced, while others steeped in sleep,
Dividing those whose spirits would uplift.
The Sower’s seeds find soil or rocky ground,
An allegory for the hearts of men,
Some hear, but do not truly comprehend,
While others grasp the truth and so abound.
Amid the weeds and wheat, a counterplay,
Good and evil intertwined do vie,
A challenge to discern the light of day,
Within the shadows where dark whispers lie.
The Mustard Seed, the Kingdom’s growth displayed,
From small beginnings mighty realms arise,
A vision of potential undismayed,
With faith, the hopeful heart in God applies.
Yeast works unseen, transforming all it greets,
A hidden force that quietly prevails,
Within the dough of life, it subtly beats,
The leaven of the soul, where grace entails.
Treasure hidden, Pearl of great esteem,
To those who seek with fervor uncontained,
A kingdom rich beyond the wildest dream,
For those whose hearts with true desire are trained.
Beneath the waves, the Net of judgment clear,
Gathering in both old and new alike,
The final sorting, truth at last appears,
The chosen from the wayward souls will strike.
***************^**************
Explanation:
In this poetic exploration of the parables found in Matthew 13, the focus is on presenting these enigmatic stories in a lyrical and reflective manner. Each stanza corresponds to a different parable, providing a poetic reimagining of the themes and messages contained within them. The choice of language seeks to capture the mysterious and symbolic nature of the parables, highlighting their deeper meanings that may not be immediately apparent.
The parables, as presented in the poem, serve as tests of understanding and insight, challenging readers to delve beneath the surface and grasp the spiritual truths they hold. By weaving together imagery and metaphor, the poem aims to evoke contemplation and introspection, inviting readers to ponder the hidden wisdom within these ancient stories.
I want to read this post and consider it and the following more thoroughly before I respond except briefly. My first caveat, though, is that we have no way of knowing what the historical Jesus actually said, either to the crowds or to his disciples.
What we have is a collection of oral and written stories and sayings, gathered, selected, and organized by a writer roughly a generation later. Probably a messianic Pharisee in the small Syrian Christian community of Antioch. How much of the notion of "secrets of heaven" arises from the teachings of the author of Matthew and why? What where the historical and religious contexts of that person and their community?
And, furthermore, what new insights might these passages evoke for American readers in the 21st century, trying to survive under the dominion of a new Roman Empire?
As you point out, they are hidden from those who believe they see and hear. Meaning, they are not conversion tools, but tests to determine the depth of believer's observation and understanding.