Making Examples More Relatable and Relevant to Modern Audiences
Making Biblical Examples Relatable and Relevant to Modern Audiences
The use of relatable examples is a hallmark of biblical teaching, as seen in Jesus' method of drawing "the most striking illustrations of great truths from the most familiar objects and incidents of life" [1]. This approach is not unique to Jesus; biblical writers throughout the Old and New Testaments employed everyday examples to convey deeper spiritual truths.
Biblical Foundations
The biblical concept of using relatable examples is rooted in the understanding that effective communication requires connecting with the audience's experiences. The book of Proverbs, for instance, uses everyday situations and objects to teach wisdom. Matthew Henry notes that Solomon "sought out and set in order many proverbs" to continue teaching the people knowledge [2]. These proverbs often rely on common, recognizable scenarios to illustrate moral and spiritual principles.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul also used his own life as an example to teach others. By working to support himself, Paul provided a tangible illustration of the importance of diligence and self-sufficiency, as noted in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 [5]. This method of teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world.
Principles for Making Examples Relatable
To make biblical examples more relatable and relevant to modern audiences, several principles can be applied. First, understanding the original context of the example is crucial. This involves recognizing the cultural, historical, and social background in which the example was given. For instance, Jesus' reference to "cup and platter" in Luke 11:39 would have been immediately understood by his audience, who were familiar with the practices of the Pharisees [1].
Second, identifying the underlying principle or truth being conveyed is essential. This allows the example to be translated into a modern context. For example, the principle behind Paul's exhortation to be "imitators of God, as beloved children" (Ephesians 4:32-5:1-2) remains relevant today, even if the specific cultural practices have changed [6].
Third, using contemporary illustrations that parallel the biblical examples can help make the message more accessible. This might involve drawing on modern experiences or objects that serve a similar illustrative purpose. The biblical writers themselves demonstrate this adaptability, as seen in the varied ways they present wisdom and moral teachings.
Historical and Theological Perspectives
The early Church Fathers, such as John Chrysostom, recognized the power of using relatable examples in teaching. Chrysostom notes that past events have "greater force than those which are yet to come, and appear to be both more wonderful and more convincing" [6]. This perspective underscores the importance of connecting biblical teachings to the lived experiences of the audience.
The Puritan tradition, represented by commentators like Matthew Henry, also emphasizes the value of practical, everyday examples in conveying spiritual truths. Henry's observations on the book of Proverbs highlight the use of "wise and weighty sentences" to teach the people knowledge [2]. This approach reflects a broader Protestant academic emphasis on the importance of biblical teaching being grounded in the realities of everyday life.
Application and Relevance
The challenge of making biblical examples relatable to modern audiences is not new. Throughout history, biblical interpreters have sought to apply timeless truths to their contemporary contexts. By understanding the original context and underlying principles of biblical examples, and by using contemporary illustrations, modern audiences can better grasp the relevance and significance of these teachings.
The biblical emphasis on using relatable examples to convey deeper truths remains a powerful tool for communicating the Christian message. As seen in the teachings of Jesus, Paul, and other biblical writers, this approach has been effective across different cultures and historical periods. By continuing to apply this method, biblical teachings can remain relevant and impactful for modern audiences.
The use of everyday examples in biblical teaching serves as a model for effective communication of spiritual truths. By drawing on familiar objects and incidents, biblical writers were able to convey complex moral and spiritual principles in an accessible way. This approach continues to offer valuable insights for making biblical teachings more relatable and relevant today.
The historical development of this doctrine is seen in how different traditions have understood and applied it. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, for example, places a strong emphasis on the role of imitation in the Christian life, as seen in the writings of John Chrysostom [6]. In contrast, the Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, focuses on the practical application of biblical teachings in everyday life [2, 3, 4].
Sources
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 11:39: cup and platter--remarkable example of our Lord's way of drawing the most striking illustrations of great truths from the most familiar objects and incidents of life. ravening--rapacity.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 25 (introduction): This verse is the title of this latter collection of Solomon's proverbs, for he sought out and set in order many proverbs, that by them he might be still teaching the people knowledge, Ecc 12:9. Observe, 1. The proverbs were Solomon's, who was divinely inspired to deliver, for the use of the church, these wise and weighty sentences; we have had many, but still there are more. Yet herein Christ is greater than Solomon, for if we had all upon record that Christ said, and did, that was instructive, the world could not contain the books that would be wr”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 22:17: Solomon here changes his style and manner of speaking. Hitherto, for the most part, since the beginning of ch. 10, he had laid down doctrinal truths, and but now and then dropped a word of exhortation, leaving us to make the application as we went along; but here, to the end of ch. 24, he directs his speech to his son, his pupil, his reader, his hearer, speaking as to a particular person. Hitherto, for the most part, his sense was comprised in one verse, but here usually it is drawn out further. See how Wisdom tries variety of methods with us, lest we should be”
- Ecclesiastes (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 3 (introduction): Solomon having shown the vanity of studies, pleasures, and business, and made it to appear that happiness is not to be found in the schools of the learned, nor in the gardens of Epicurus, nor upon the exchange, he proceeds, in this chapter, further to prove his doctrine, and the inference he had drawn from it, That therefore we should cheerfully content ourselves with, and make use of, what God has given us, by showing, I. The mutability of all human affairs (Ecc 3:1-10). II. The immutability of the divine counsels concerning them and the unsearc”
- 2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:7: 3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily XVII. Ephesians iv. 32 and v. 1, 2 “And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.” The events which are past have greater force than those which are yet to come, and appear to be both more wonderful and more convincing. And hence accordingly Paul founds his exhortatio”