Many Christians are confused about the need to study the word.
They think of it as kind of an option, something to do if you are especially religious.
But that is not what it is for at all. It is for those who want to find out what life is all about.
It ought to interest anyone, anywhere. That is the character of the Word of God.
The parables are very exciting and challenging portions of Scripture. They are like mystery novels; there is always something secret about them, something hidden; thus they are enticing, challenging. There are clues given in each of the parables to lead us to the meaning of it. This is God's way of stimulating us to investigate and discover a hidden truth which will be a real treasure to us, enriching our lives in fantastic ways when we act upon it. The study of the parables can be as exciting as reading a mystery novel -- even more so -- because you are always involved in the parable and there is a treasure to be found at the end.
