1. What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The one key idea of Chapter 8 is "Called to be Dreamers." The whole theme of experiencing the Kingdom and having a relationship with God is what Jesus expresses through his miracles and parables. Jesus, as the master storyteller, expands our imagination and values so we accept his terms of righteousness and love. Jesus' parables were different stories than his audience were use to because they portrayed twist endings and sometimes no interpretation. He sometimes left his parables to portray God and his mercy and compassion. Other times the parables such as the Sower and the Seed provide not only a view of the Kingdom, but a personal reflection on our own lives. This idea of letting the mind and the heart reflect on parables and miracles allows us to experience relationship with Jesus and God. Jesus told these stories and performed these amazing deeds not to gain fame, but to help us become dreamers of a world of Jesus, a world of love.
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
One major idea that I want to remember from Chapter 8 is the image of Jesus as the master storyteller and the parables he spoke to us. Jesus was a foreign storyteller because of some characteristics his stories shown. For example his parables often contained twist endings such as the parable of the Prodigal Son. Most of Jesus parables were also left without a definant answer or interpretation. His stories were made to provoke imagination and form dreamers of the Kingdom. He challenged them and allowed them to reflect on the messages he proclaimed. His parables and stories dealt with cicumstances from the everyday lives of his audience. His stories were not for glory, but to build dreamers of God. I want to remember this idea because it allows me to reflect on a personal level on the parables and teachings of Jesus.
The second major idea that I want to remember from Chapter 8 is the image of Jesus as the miracle worker and healer. Eventhough Jesus was well known for his words and stories touching his audience, he was known to also physically touch them and cure them of the illnesses. The idea of Christ being a miracle worker emphasized the divinity within him. It was known for miracles to be God's power revealed. Many refered to these miracles as signs and deeds of power. However, no matter what they were refered to as, they all portrayed the conquering of God/Love over illness, the devil, nature, and death. I want to remember this major idea because it makes me realize that even though I encounter evil and sin in my life, I can turn towards Jesus and know that love and God conquer evil.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
What if Jesus only told parables and stories and never performed any miracles; would his message have spread as vastly?
Possible Answer: I think that the miracles were necessary in Jesus' teaching because they brought awe to his audience. Through his mystic deeds and healings, he radiated the power of God emphasizing that he was the Son of God. If Jesus didn't perform miracles than many would have only seen him as a prophet and not "THE MESSIAH."
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