In the Greek-speaking word of that day, there were two levels of language: formal and informal….

If someone were to sit down and consciously write for posterity, it would of course be written in the formal language with its learned vocabulary and precise diction.

But if writing was routine – shopping lists, family letters, bills, and receipts – it was written in the common, informal idiom of every day speech, street language.

And this is the language used throughout the New Testament.

Some people are taken aback by this, supposing that language dealing with a holy God and holy things should be elevated – stately and ceremonial.

But one good look at Jesus – his preference for down to earth stories and easy associations with common people – gets rid of that supposition.

Jesus is the descent of God to our lives, just as they are, not the ascent of our lives to God, hoping he might approve when he sees how hard we try.

Introduction to the New Testament in The Message

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Jesus told many stories or parables. He would later explain them to his disciples.

Matthew 13:20-23, “The seed cast in the gravel – this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm.

(21) But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.

(22) The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it.

(23) The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.” The Message

Am I producing a harvest? If not, I need to ask myself:

• How’s my character?
• Am I led by emotions?
• Am I worrying?
• Am I wanting everything under the sun?
• Am I listening, really listening?
• Am I taking in what I hear?

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