by John Ellis
Interestingly, when his disciples asked Jesus why he often spoke in parables he replied, “The secret of the Kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that they may ever be seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven (Mark 4:10-12).” Offering an interpretation of these verse, Sinclair Ferguson explains, “[Jesus] says, ‘I’m giving these explanations to you because you’re my disciples. But one of the reasons I tell these parables is because when I tell the parables it actually makes clear whether people really grasp the meaning of the kingdom or not.’”
While exhibiting some minor differences – most notably the use of animals and inanimate objects speaking – fables are basically the same thing as parables; they both fall under the umbrella of allegory. Piggybacking on Sinclair Ferguson’s interpretative claim, the use of allegories to impart knowledge and/or a moral requires some level of investment from the listener. For example, if I say, “Using angry, loud words while trying to convince someone to do what you want” is liable to receive a nod of an agreement while going in one ear and out the other. However, relating Aesop’s fable about the bet between the north wind and the sun will likely sink the moral deeper into the listener with ears to hear.
Below is a modern parable (talking animals wouldn’t have made sense, hence a parable and not a fable). I don’t intend it to be inaccessible, and I don’t believe it is. While I have some specific applications in mind, the knowledge/moral can be applied widely in the age of the internet. So, let those who have ears to hear ….
The Oncologist Versus the Optometrist
During his annual physical, Jim somewhat apologetically told his doctor about a specific pain he’d felt the last few weeks. In his mind, the pain was merely part of the cost of aging. No big deal. Similar to how his increasingly creaky knees and aching back seem to increase with each birthday. The doctor, however, didn’t respond to Jim’s hastily tossed out information as Jim expected.
“Really?” the doctor shot back with a furrowed brow.
A little taken aback by the doctor’s reaction, Jim shrugged it off. “Yeah. It’s no big deal. I’m just getting older, right?” he laughed.
Grunting a response, the doctor typed something on his laptop and then snapped his head up. “I’ve ordered some additional blood work.” Seeing the look of concern invade Jim’s face, he quickly added, “but it’s probably nothing.”
A few days later, Jim’s phone rang. It was the doctor’s office.
After hanging up a few minutes later, Jim tried to focus on the doctor’s assurance of “it’s probably nothing” but the word “oncologist” drug his thoughts through fear.
After more bloodwork, tests, and an MRI, Jim finally sat across the desk from the oncologist, hoping for answers – good answers.
Silently shuffling through her notes for what felt like an eternity, the oncologist finally looked up and said, “Well, Jim, I have some bad news, some good news, and some less good but not necessarily bad news.”
“Let’s get the bad news out of the way,” Jim attempted to laugh. A lump had somehow developed in his throat, though, and Jim thought his words made him sound like he was drunk as he listened to himself speak.
“You have cancer. That’s the bad news. However, the good news is that this type of cancer is treatable. If you go through the treatment plan and follow the diet and lifestyle regiment I prescribe, you’re almost completely assured of beating this.”
Jim couldn’t help but release a sigh as he said, “Oh. Okay. That’s good. Right? But what’s the ‘some less good but not necessarily bad news you mentioned’?”
Looking Jim squarely in the eyes, the oncologist responded gravely, “I’m not going to lie; it’s going to be a hard road. The treatment is harsh and will make you feel terrible. You’ll likely be out of commission from almost everything for a couple of months, at least. The diet and lifestyle regiment are very rigid and not fun. I promise you, though, that if you trust me and stick to the plan, you’ll beat this cancer and get your life back.”
While driving home, after finally wrapping his brain somewhat around everything he’d just heard, Jim decided to phone his longtime friend Dave.
Knowing that Jim was visiting the oncologist that day, Dave was quick to answer the phone. “Hey, man. What’s the news? Good, right?”
After relaying everything he could remember the oncologist telling him, Jim moved to the real purpose of his call. “Dave, I have a favor to ask.”
“Sure,” Dave was quick to respond. “Anything. You know that. All you have to do is ask.”
“Thanks. I know you’re in my corner. But I want you to almost literally be in my corner. The next few months are going to be rough. From what I understand, the treatment plan is going to kick my butt and the diet and lifestyle plans aren’t going to be easy. But the oncologist assured me that if I trust her and do what she says, I’ll beat this. However, I’m afraid that I’m going to want to give up. That I can’t do this. I want you to make me. Don’t let me quit, man.”
“Definitely,” Dave assured Jim. “I will 1980s-era P.E. teacher this thing. You’ll get to the top of this damn rope even if I have to throw things at you while screaming nonsensical insults. You may hate me in the moment, but on the other side you and I are going to laugh about it over beers.”
A few days later, while getting his eyes checked, Jim noticed the optometrist peering at him. “How many years have you been coming to me?” the optometrist blurted out. “Almost fifteen? A long time. This is the quietest you’ve ever been. Maybe it’s none of my business, but is everything okay?”
Relieved to be able to tell someone, Jim brought his optometrist up to speed. While Jim was telling him about the treatment plan and the diet and lifestyle regiment, the optometrist shifted uncomfortably on his stool. “Jim,” he said quietly. “I don’t want to overstep, but your oncologist is wrong. I’ve done some research on this type of cancer and it’s not that difficult to beat. There’s no reason to suffer that terrible treatment plan nor to adhere to such a strict diet and lifestyle regiment. If you have a few minutes, I’d love to tell you how to beat this cancer.”
On his way back to his car, Jim felt noticeably lighter. “That’s what they mean when they say a burden’s been lifted,” Jim happily thought.
Once again, Jim phoned Dave from the car.
“Guess what?” Jim blurted out before Dave even had the chance to say hi.
Speaking quickly in his excitement, Jim shared with Dave the good news that his optometrist had told him. “It looks like I don’t need you to be in my corner after all, man! My optometrist has told me what to do to beat this cancer and it’s so much easier than what that oncologist lady said. Great news, right?”
What do you think Dave’s response should be?
Practically Known Theology 