Daily Christian Journey

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The Power of Biblical Storytelling

Stories have a way of captivating our hearts and minds. They inspire us to take action, to share the Good News with others, and to grow in our faith. The Bible is filled with incredible stories that have been passed down through generations, shaping us and guiding us towards a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Choosing the Right Story

When it comes to preaching a sermon on a biblical narrative, the first step is to select the right pericope. This might seem obvious, but it’s essential to choose a story that can be told in a way that does justice to its details. For example, the story of Samson in Judges 13-16 is a long narrative that could be broken down into five sermons, each focusing on a unique plot point. On the other hand, some stories, like the three short miracle stories in Matthew 8:1-17, are meant to be told together to convey a single message.

Reliving the Story

Once you’ve chosen your story, it’s time to immerse yourself in it. As Leland Ryken puts it, “The stories of the Bible will succeed only to the extent to which we exercise our imaginations and allow ourselves to be transported from our own time and place into another time and place.” To do this, you need to understand the setting, characters, and plot of the story.

The Importance of Setting

Let’s take the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 as an example. The setting is crucial to understanding the story. We’re introduced to Jesus, who is passing through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, and Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who is rich and short in stature. Each detail sets the stage for the events that unfold. Because Zacchaeus is short, he needs to climb a tree to see Jesus. Because he’s a tax collector, he’s despised by the Jews. And because he’s rich, his declaration of repentance is all the more remarkable.

Focusing on Characters

To truly bring the story to life, you need to focus on the characters involved. Here are four steps to help you do this:

1. List all the characters in the story.
2. Divide them into major and minor characters, and determine their function in the action.
3. Observe and analyze each key character, looking for traits and characteristics that make them relatable.
4. Seek to identify with the characters, putting yourself in their shoes and understanding their motivations and emotions.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to craft a sermon that brings the biblical narrative to life, inspiring your congregation to engage with the story and apply its lessons to their own lives.