Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
In this passage of scripture The Lord's manner of teaching is clearly revealed in how He taught the eternal truths of God's word in the current vernacular of the people. Christ's ways and methods should be studied closely by all those who endeavor to take present truths to those who now sit in darkness. When Christ spoke to farmers, he used sheep and oxen and seeds and plants as His references, so that His hearers could relate directly to what He was saying, and thereby they were greatly enabled to make practical applications to that which was thus presented. But when speaking with lawyers, He spoke of matters pertaining to the law and the prophets, for at their level, they too could easily relate to what He thus presented. Let's read:
Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
The same pattern of using current references, and speaking in the contemporary vernacular of the people should be adopted by Christians living in the now generation, for in today's world with fast cars and fast foods, and high-speed internet, and social media, today's multitudes will not generally relate to sheep and oxen, for these references are almost foreign to most of us. Christ once spoke of the lilies of the field, in referencing Solomon's glory, but to someone now living in one of the major metropolitan areas in the United States, surrounded by skyscrapers and man-made objects, the lily of the field might be somewhat abstract, for many of those who live in the big cities, scarcely ever go out in nature, and therefore those references may not readily resonate with them when the truths of God's word are being presented.
That's the reason why we use references to the gym and other health related subjects, for we are living in an age where millions of people are interested in health issues, and many people exercise with the intent of losing weight, thus the objects and references made in such areas will easily touch a responding chord in those who are familiar with such things. The truths of the Bible must be prepared to suit the various audiences that we we encounter on a daily basis, and with the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit, we will find that God can, and does use simple concurrent methods to reach earth's teeming multitudes. Thus in partnership with Him, we too can be used as effective vessels in taking the triumphs of the cross to a dying world.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to share the gospel, not in a slip-shod manner without any forethought, but rather by well-directed efforts that are tailor-made to suit the audiences of those with whom we come in contact, and with the rich blessings of God's presence, an abundant harvest of souls may be won to Christ. Let's read:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!