Balancing Relevant Examples with Cultural Sensitivity in Biblical Teaching
Biblical teaching often employs examples to illustrate spiritual truths, a method Jesus himself utilized through parables [1, 2]. These parables draw analogies between common aspects of life and spiritual concepts, requiring an understanding of their historical and textual context to grasp their central message [1]. For instance, Jesus' parables in Matthew 13:3-9 address the varied responses to his message [1]. Similarly, the psalmist in Psalm 78:2 uses a parable to recount Israel's history, aiming to impart wisdom and insight [2].
When presenting biblical examples, teachers must consider cultural sensitivity. The Bible itself provides examples of individuals whose lives serve as models, both positive and cautionary. Timothy, for example, received instruction in the Old Testament Scriptures from his Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice, whose lives reinforced their teaching [5]. This highlights the importance of lived examples in conveying biblical principles.
However, not all biblical examples are to be emulated without discernment. John Calvin, in his commentary on Genesis, notes that while some biblical figures demonstrate "honorable and moderate liberality," certain actions, like drunkenness, are not to be excused by appealing to the examples of "holy fathers" [4]. This underscores the need for careful interpretation, distinguishing between actions that reflect God's will and those that do not.
The author of Hebrews, for instance, expresses confidence in his readers, motivating them by affirming that their lives demonstrate a true relationship with God [3]. This approach, common among skilled speakers and writers, encourages adherence to biblical principles by highlighting positive examples [3]. The High Priest, Jesus, is presented as an ultimate example, sympathizing with human temptations while remaining sinless, thereby serving as a motive for believers to "hold our profession" [6].
Sources
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 78:2: 78:2 The psalmist recites Israel’s story (78:5-72) in a parable in order to teach wisdom and insight. • Jesus quoted this verse to explain why he taught in parables (Matt 13:35).”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 6:9: 6:9-12 Having confronted his readers with a stern warning (6:4-8), the author now softens that warning by greeting them as dear friends, expressing confidence in them, and giving them further encouragement. 6:9 We are confident: Skilled speakers and writers express confidence in those they address to motivate them (cp. Rom 15:14). • The author is confident that his hearers’ lives give evidence of a true relationship with God, including salvation. In the New Testament, salvation primarily refers to Christ’s work on the cross (Heb 5:9-10; see also study note on 2:3)”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 20.15: implied, (so that drunkards may not plead the example of the holy fathers as a pretext for their crime,) but an honorable and moderate liberality. I acknowledge, indeed, that the word has a double meaning, and is often taken in an ill sense; as in Genesis 9:21 , and in similar places: but in the present instance the design of Moses is clear. Should any one object, that a frugal use of food and drink is simply that which suffices for the nourishing of the body: I answer, although food is properly for the supply of our necessities”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:14: 3:14-15 from childhood: Timothy’s Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice (see Acts 16:1-3), provided his education in the Old Testament Scriptures (see 2 Tim 1:5), and their lives reinforced their teaching. • The Old Testament Scriptures give the wisdom to receive . . . Christ Jesus. In turn, Jesus Christ is needed to understand the Old Testament Scriptures fully.”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 4:15: For--the motive to "holding our profession" (Heb 4:14), namely the sympathy and help we may expect from our High Priest. Though "great" (Heb 4:14), He is not above caring for us; nay, as being in all points one with us as to manhood, sin only excepted, He sympathizes with us in every temptation. Though exalted to the highest heavens, He has changed His place, not His nature and office in relation to us, His condition, but not His affection. Compare Mat 26:38, "watch with me": showing His desire in the days of His flesh for the sympathy of those whom H”