He did not say anything to them without using a parable. (Mark 4:34a)
Our modern world is inundated with messages. Our brains are saturated with the content of channels, podcasts, networks, social media platforms, websites, apps and streaming videos. Speaking the good news of God’s grace into a flood of competing messages can be disheartening. Perhaps the best antidote to a maelstrom of media is a little bit of mystery.
Getting someone to listen to your message is an introductory level of communication success. Getting someone to ask questions on their own about what you are saying and doing is communication magic. Even if we gain the attention of someone with our message, much of what we say can be dismissed or misunderstood by those listening. When we do things or say things that are out of the ordinary or that defy convention people often become inquisitive. Instead of trying to win the communication game with convincing arguments, what would happen if we communicated in a way that provoked curiosity and intrigue instead?
Jesus often spoke to crowds of people in parables. He spoke in stories that mysteriously veiled the good news of the Kingdom to increase inquiry from those interested and to dampen fiery opposition from those who were just looking for a fight. Jesus said, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables” (Mark 4:11). The word “secret” here is the Greek word “mystērion” which means something that is unknown, veiled, or known only by insiders. Jesus often created more interest in his message by provoking more questions than by giving more answers.
How can we, like Jesus, inject a little “mystery” into our culture? I would like you to consider joining in the Parable of the Plate. Imagine preparing a good meal in your home, complete with a variety of dishes that all (vegans, vegetarians, hindi, gluten free, halal, kosher, etc.) could enjoy. You prepared this meal for people who were far from home and who had never entered an American home. The meal was free to all who came and you even sent the guests home with leftovers. And you prepared such a meal monthly or perhaps even weekly. And if you couldn’t host the meal yourself you gave your time and effort to help others prepare and serve this meal.
Offering a plate of food and a table of hospitality to someone far from home provokes many questions. “Why would you do this?” “What makes you want to open your home and use your time to welcome strangers?” “Why would you do so much for others for free?” These and other questions are signals of the effect of the “secret or mystery of the Kingdom.” Hospitality can be the “mystery” of the Kingdom that sets the table for deeper discussions of the gospel.
Every week, people from churches around the US host meals for international students from campuses all over the country. Many families open up their home once or twice a semester to host meals on Friday nights. Other volunteers bring dishes of food and desserts to these gatherings. Some provide students with transportation from campus to the homes or lead discussions and Bible studies during these dinners. Others serve students in many other tangible ways such as airport pick-ups, coffee catch-ups, day trips, furniture moving, driving lessons and other acts of service. International students who are far from home make many friends and are moved deeply by the love they experience while sharing a meal and getting to know American friends.
The Parable of the Plate is a living example of people loving strangers through hospitality that provokes a myriad of Kingdom questions. The answers to these questions all point to the love of Jesus. Consider joining in the Parable of the Plate! Help spread the mystery of the Kingdom through loving service and hospitality!
For more information about how you can join the effort to reach out to international students near you, check out internationalstudents.org.
Related links:
- "How to Do Global Ministry Without Leaving Your City" - The Table podcast (video and transcript)
- International student ministry at Central Bible Church and at UT Arlington