Using Relevant Analogies and Examples in Preaching to Specific Audiences
Preachers throughout biblical history have employed analogies and examples to communicate spiritual truths effectively to their audiences [2, 3, 4]. This method of teaching, often referred to as using "similitudes" or "parables," involves comparing one subject to another to illustrate a point [1].
The Old Testament provides instances of this practice. The book of Ecclesiastes notes that "the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge, and gave ear, and sought out—he made right many similes" [2]. Similarly, the prophet Hosea records God stating, "I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes" [3]. This indicates that God himself utilized this teaching method through his messengers [8, 9].
In the New Testament, Jesus frequently used parables, which are a specific type of analogy. The Greek word parabole signifies "placing beside or together, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another" [1]. Easton's Bible Dictionary further defines a parable as a comparison of earthly things with heavenly things, often an "earthly story with a heavenly meaning" [7]. Jesus's use of parables was extensive, as Mark 4:33 states, "And with many soche similitudes he preached the worde vnto the after as they myght heare it" [4]. He explained to his disciples that he spoke in parables because "seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand" [6]. This suggests that parables could both reveal truth to those receptive and obscure it from those who were not [6]. Jesus's parables often used surprising or evocative imagery to emphasize concepts like the growth of the Kingdom of God or the contrast between humble beginnings and glorious outcomes [10].
Beyond parables, the Bible also highlights the importance of "examples." An example serves as a pattern or model for behavior or understanding [5]. The New Testament frequently points to Christ as the ultimate example for believers (1 Peter 2:21; John 13:15) [5]. Pastors are also called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) [5]. The experiences of the Jews in the Old Testament are presented as a warning (Hebrews 4:11), and the prophets are cited as examples of enduring affliction (James 5:10) [5].
The use of analogies and examples in preaching is therefore deeply rooted in biblical precedent. It allows for complex spiritual ideas to be communicated in relatable terms, helping audiences to grasp concepts by connecting them to familiar experiences or stories [1, 7]. This method acknowledges that people learn and understand at different levels, and effective communication often requires adapting the message to the audience's capacity for reception [4].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 12:9 (YLT) — And further, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge, and gave ear, and sought out--he made right many similes.”
- Hosea “Hosea 12:10 (ASV) — I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes.”
- Mark “Mark 4:33 (Tyndale) — And with many soche similitudes he preached the worde vnto the after as they myght heare it.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- Matthew “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand. -- Matthew 13:13”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Heb. mashal, a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a proverb (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chr. 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6). In the New Testament, (1) a proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or allegory (Matt. 15:15; 24:32; Mark 3:23; Luke 5:36; 14:7); (4) ordinarily, in a more restricted sense, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things, "an eart”
- Hosea (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hosea 12:10: I have also spoken - I have used every means, and employed every method, to instruct and save you. I have sent prophets, who spake plainly, exhorting, warning, and beseeching you to return to me. They have had Divine visions, which they have declared and interpreted. They have used similitudes, symbols, metaphors, allegories, etc., in order to fix your attention, and bring you back to your duty and interest. And, alas! all is in vain; you have not profited by my condescension. This text St. Paul seems to have had full in view, when he wrote, Heb 1:1 (note): "God who”
- Hosea (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hosea 12:10: I have also spoken to the prophets,.... Or, "I will speak" (b); for this respects not the Lord's speaking by the prophets of the Old Testament who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; though all they said were for the use of, and profitable unto, Christian churches; but his speaking by the apostles, prophets, and teachers, under the Gospel dispensation; by whom the doctrines of grace have been more clearly dispensed, and which are no other than the voice of Christ speaking in them; and which it is both a privilege to hear, and a duty to attend unto; see Eph 4:1”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:31: 13:31-33 Jesus used surprising, evocative imagery in these parables, either to emphasize the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through proclamation of the gospel or, more probably, to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, and to exhort the disciples to patience (see also 16:24–17:13).”