Leadership CertificationLeadership

Certification

By Evelyn Glass andCarolyn Kujawa

L E V E LL E V E L

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• Metaphors and similes are comparisons. They are

comparisons between two things that are basically unlike, except

in one way. For example: when a mother says her child has a

“sunny disposition,” she doesn't mean he can burn her skin or he disappears every evening. She

means he is cheerful and pleasant to have around.

• Metaphors and similes are comparisons. They are

comparisons between two things that are basically unlike, except

in one way. For example: when a mother says her child has a

“sunny disposition,” she doesn't mean he can burn her skin or he disappears every evening. She

means he is cheerful and pleasant to have around.

• Figures of speech help to make clear important concepts and reveal an intimate relationship between God and His people. Jesus uses figurative language to help us comprehend deep lessons. Understanding figurative language helps us to understand the Bible better.

• Figures of speech help to make clear important concepts and reveal an intimate relationship between God and His people. Jesus uses figurative language to help us comprehend deep lessons. Understanding figurative language helps us to understand the Bible better.

• A simile is a comparison of two things, which are essentially unlike, but alike in one aspect, directly stated using the words "like" or "as." For example, "All flesh is like grass."

1 Peter 1:24

• A metaphor is also a comparison of two unlike things, but it does not use the words "like" or "as." For example, "The Lord is my Shepherd." Ps. 23:1

• A simile is a comparison of two things, which are essentially unlike, but alike in one aspect, directly stated using the words "like" or "as." For example, "All flesh is like grass."

1 Peter 1:24

• A metaphor is also a comparison of two unlike things, but it does not use the words "like" or "as." For example, "The Lord is my Shepherd." Ps. 23:1

• The Bible is full of figures of speech. Understanding its figurative language will help us understand Biblical principles more clearly and enhance our appreciation of the book as literature.

• The Bible is full of figures of speech. Understanding its figurative language will help us understand Biblical principles more clearly and enhance our appreciation of the book as literature.

• Anyone who has baked a loaf of bread understands the

illustration of the kingdom of heaven's being like yeast.

"Another parable spake he unto them; the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures

of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matt. 13:33

• Anyone who has baked a loaf of bread understands the

illustration of the kingdom of heaven's being like yeast.

"Another parable spake he unto them; the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures

of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matt. 13:33

Yeast

YeastYeast

Good Seeds/Bad SeedsGood Seeds/Bad Seeds• Perhaps no other illustration has

been used as often as seeds. Jesus teaches the importance of sowing good seed in order to have a bountiful harvest. ". . .He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one." Matt. 13: 37-38

• Perhaps no other illustration has been used as often as seeds. Jesus teaches the importance of sowing good seed in order to have a bountiful harvest. ". . .He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one." Matt. 13: 37-38

• In another metaphor, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Bread of Life. In John 6: 35, 48 and 51, He

calls Himself the Bread of Life and the Living Bread. Knowing how important a staple bread is, He

again chose an object that would be easy for everyone to

understand.

• In another metaphor, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Bread of Life. In John 6: 35, 48 and 51, He

calls Himself the Bread of Life and the Living Bread. Knowing how important a staple bread is, He

again chose an object that would be easy for everyone to

understand.

Bread of Life

Bread of Life

Sheep/ WolvesSheep/ Wolves• Jesus often uses a familiar metaphor of

sheep and wolves. Just as sheep are precious to the shepherd and wolves are a threat to the flock, the sheep represent those who make good choices, and wolves are those who choose evil. Jesus warns: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matt. 7:15.

• Jesus often uses a familiar metaphor of sheep and wolves. Just as sheep are precious to the shepherd and wolves are a threat to the flock, the sheep represent those who make good choices, and wolves are those who choose evil. Jesus warns: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matt. 7:15.

Kingdom of HeavenKingdom of Heaven• Jesus often compared the kingdom

of heaven to familiar objects. In one place He says, "The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field." Matt. 13:31.

• The mustard seed was smaller than any other seed sown by the farmers of Palestine; yet it became a tree so large that birds could nest in its branches.

• Jesus often compared the kingdom of heaven to familiar objects. In one place He says, "The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field." Matt. 13:31.

• The mustard seed was smaller than any other seed sown by the farmers of Palestine; yet it became a tree so large that birds could nest in its branches.

Great TreasureGreat Treasure

• "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which

when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that

he hath, and buyeth that field." Matt. 13:44

Here one can see that the kingdom

of heaven is worth more than one's bundle

of earthly possessions.

• "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which

when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that

he hath, and buyeth that field." Matt. 13:44

Here one can see that the kingdom

of heaven is worth more than one's bundle

of earthly possessions.

Gardeners, Vines, Branches

Gardeners, Vines, Branches

• Things of nature often appear in the parables and lessons of Jesus. Gardeners will appreciate the illustration of Jesus as the Vine and each of us as a branch off that vine. In John 15:1 and 2, Jesus tells us that He is the true vine and His Father is the gardener. This metaphor

would be a common scene to His hearers. Many would have tended

grapevines.

• Things of nature often appear in the parables and lessons of Jesus. Gardeners will appreciate the illustration of Jesus as the Vine and each of us as a branch off that vine. In John 15:1 and 2, Jesus tells us that He is the true vine and His Father is the gardener. This metaphor

would be a common scene to His hearers. Many would have tended

grapevines.

ParablesParables

• Jesus' stories illustrate deep truths about God and His kingdom. The parable of the wedding catches our attention. We love weddings, and when one receives an invitation to the wedding of a friend or family member, she plans what she'll wear and selects a special gift. In Jesus’ parable, ten virgins were awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom.

• Jesus' stories illustrate deep truths about God and His kingdom. The parable of the wedding catches our attention. We love weddings, and when one receives an invitation to the wedding of a friend or family member, she plans what she'll wear and selects a special gift. In Jesus’ parable, ten virgins were awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom.

Stumbling Block/Stumbling Stone

Stumbling Block/Stumbling Stone

• Some Bible figures of speech remain fixed in our memories. For example, Romans 9:32: "For they stumbled at that stumbling stone." In Romans, Paul says the Jews believed they could be righteous by doing good works, but righteousness comes only through faith. Because this was Jesus’ message, the Jews stumbled

over their own ignorance.

• Some Bible figures of speech remain fixed in our memories. For example, Romans 9:32: "For they stumbled at that stumbling stone." In Romans, Paul says the Jews believed they could be righteous by doing good works, but righteousness comes only through faith. Because this was Jesus’ message, the Jews stumbled

over their own ignorance.

Solomon's WritingsSolomon's Writings• Solomon's writings are filled with a

variety of figures of speech. In Proverbs 25:11, Solomon speaks of apt words that are "like apples of gold in settings of silver." Some think words are not as significant as deeds, but words can have a powerful impact on lives. We need to choose carefully the words we speak.

• Solomon's writings are filled with a variety of figures of speech. In Proverbs 25:11, Solomon speaks of apt words that are "like apples of gold in settings of silver." Some think words are not as significant as deeds, but words can have a powerful impact on lives. We need to choose carefully the words we speak.

Point to Ponder #3:

Point to Ponder #3:

• Spend a few moments reviewing words you have spoken recently. Were you tired and short with someone you care about? Were you kind to the co-worker who didn't do the job right or who said something you didn't like? How did you respond when the waitress got your order wrong?

• Our words should be like beautiful perfect apples.

• Spend a few moments reviewing words you have spoken recently. Were you tired and short with someone you care about? Were you kind to the co-worker who didn't do the job right or who said something you didn't like? How did you respond when the waitress got your order wrong?

• Our words should be like beautiful perfect apples.

The “I AM” MetaphorsThe “I AM” Metaphors

• Jesus compares Himself to many things, all of which tell us about the character of God. In John 8:12, He says, "I am the light of the world." Light represents many things. A bright person perceives what others might not. We say one "sees the light." All shades of meaning represent "seeing" what was not visible until the "light" showed the way.

Jesus in John 10:11 says,

"I am the good shepherd." He even explains the metaphor. A good

shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. Shepherds, however, are trained to protect themselves as well as the sheep, doing everything possible to avoid death. But Jesus

came for the express purpose of giving His life for us, His flock.

Jesus in John 10:11 says,

"I am the good shepherd." He even explains the metaphor. A good

shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. Shepherds, however, are trained to protect themselves as well as the sheep, doing everything possible to avoid death. But Jesus

came for the express purpose of giving His life for us, His flock.

Figures of Speech as they

Relate to Jesus

Figures of Speech as they

Relate to Jesus

1. Jesus The Good Shepherd

1. Jesus The Good Shepherd

• Just as Jesus used scenes that were familiar in daily life, David wrote about what he knew. He had been a shepherd. He knew a good shepherd would lead the sheep in pleasant pastures where they could feed or rest.

Later in this psalm, David changes the scene. He imagines being invited to a wonderful meal spread out for him.

2. ROCK• In the Bible, God is often referred to as

a rock. Psalm 18: 2 says, "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Here we see many terms that refer to God.

• Rock • Fortress • Buckler • Horn of my salvation • High tower

• In the Bible, God is often referred to as a rock. Psalm 18: 2 says, "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Here we see many terms that refer to God.

• Rock • Fortress • Buckler • Horn of my salvation • High tower

The Bright and Morning Star

The Bright and Morning Star

• Looking up at the sky on a clear night we see the stars that shine in their glory. At dawn, we are able to view the morning star. It is very bright, bringing hope for a new day. Christ is often compared to this star.

Rev. 22:16 says of Him, "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

• Looking up at the sky on a clear night we see the stars that shine in their glory. At dawn, we are able to view the morning star. It is very bright, bringing hope for a new day. Christ is often compared to this star.

Rev. 22:16 says of Him, "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

House of the LordHouse of the Lord• "I was glad when they said unto

me; Let us go into the house of the Lord" Psalm 122:1. The

phrase "the house of the Lord" is used frequently in the Bible. This

phrase instills in us a sense of reverence and awe. The phrase “house of the Lord” reminds us

that we are going to a very sacred appointment. We are in

God's presence.

• "I was glad when they said unto me; Let us go into the house of

the Lord" Psalm 122:1. The phrase "the house of the Lord" is

used frequently in the Bible. This phrase instills in us a sense of

reverence and awe. The phrase “house of the Lord” reminds us

that we are going to a very sacred appointment. We are in

God's presence.

Eagle’s WingsEagle’s Wings

• Many expressions in the Bible are clearly figurative. For example, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;…run, and not be weary;…walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31. Christians at times feel weak. How can we endure life's troubles? This text promises strength like the power of a mighty eagle.

• Many expressions in the Bible are clearly figurative. For example, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;…run, and not be weary;…walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31. Christians at times feel weak. How can we endure life's troubles? This text promises strength like the power of a mighty eagle.

Crossroads and Ancient Paths

Crossroads and Ancient Paths

• Jeremiah 16:6 says, "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for you souls. . . ." This picture is that of a traveler looking for the best road. Having lost his way, the traveler stands at the junction, wondering which way to travel.

• Jeremiah 16:6 says, "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for you souls. . . ." This picture is that of a traveler looking for the best road. Having lost his way, the traveler stands at the junction, wondering which way to travel.

Potter and ClayPotter and Clay

• Another vivid comparison is that of a potter working with clay. This would have been a familiar scene, with a potter's shop in most towns. The potter's skillful hands know how much clay to put on the wheel, the right speed to turn the wheel, and when the vessel is complete. But some pots are flawed or just refuse to cooperate with the potter.

Harvest and LaborersHarvest and Laborers Harvest is an exciting time. From the harvest of fruit, grain, nuts, and vegetables comes the products that

nourish our bodies. Another harvest, even more thrilling, will be the harvest of souls when our Lord

returns. The time of the final harvest is nearing, and we all have

a work to do to be ready for the coming of the reaper.

Harvest is an exciting time. From the harvest of fruit, grain, nuts, and vegetables comes the products that

nourish our bodies. Another harvest, even more thrilling, will be the harvest of souls when our Lord

returns. The time of the final harvest is nearing, and we all have

a work to do to be ready for the coming of the reaper.

• We read in Matthew 9:37 & 38,

"Then saith he unto his disciples,

The harvest truly is plenteous, but

the labourers are few; Pray ye

therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he will send forth labourers

into his harvest."

• We read in Matthew 9:37 & 38,

"Then saith he unto his disciples,

The harvest truly is plenteous, but

the labourers are few; Pray ye

therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he will send forth labourers

into his harvest."

• Christ compares the literal harvest with the work of reaching souls for His kingdom. We speak of "reaping" so often that we forget it is figurative, not literal. The reference to harvest time would be familiar to Jesus' disciples; perhaps they were walking past fields that were being harvested as He spoke to them of the tremendous task ahead.

• Christ compares the literal harvest with the work of reaching souls for His kingdom. We speak of "reaping" so often that we forget it is figurative, not literal. The reference to harvest time would be familiar to Jesus' disciples; perhaps they were walking past fields that were being harvested as He spoke to them of the tremendous task ahead.

• Jesus did not use figures of speech

to impress His listeners. He told

stories and used figurative

language to make clear His

message of love and God's plan for

our salvation. Even small children

loved to hear Him speak.

• Jesus did not use figures of speech

to impress His listeners. He told

stories and used figurative

language to make clear His

message of love and God's plan for

our salvation. Even small children

loved to hear Him speak.

• Recognizing figures of speech makes Bible study more interesting. Just as people in Jesus' day recognized everyday scenes—baking bread, tilling the soil, herding sheep—we can find lessons in our daily lives. Studying the figurative language of the Bible deepens our understanding of God's plan for our lives.

• Recognizing figures of speech makes Bible study more interesting. Just as people in Jesus' day recognized everyday scenes—baking bread, tilling the soil, herding sheep—we can find lessons in our daily lives. Studying the figurative language of the Bible deepens our understanding of God's plan for our lives.