F. Cell Parable: Hunger
Once upon a time the master gathered with his five disciples, each one at a different level of spiritual maturity. “Today,” he announced, “we will talk about the problem of hunger.”
“I’m not really hungry yet, Master. It’s at least an hour before lunch,” the spiritual newborn announced.
“What does the Bible say about it?” the spiritual child asked curiously.
There was silence for a moment. “Master,” the new spiritual parent said tentatively, “I’m inviting two homeless men, Roger and Bill, to my house tonight for supper. Is this what you mean?”
The Master smiled and nodded. He looked at the most spiritually mature man present, the spiritual grandparent, and they exchanged nods. He knew the older man was coaching the younger in how to love his neighbor as himself.
“Master, I’ve done more,” the spiritual teenager interrupted excitedly. “Yesterday I volunteered at the soup kitchen and served lunch to over a hundred hungry, homeless people!” The master was quick to notice the look of self reproach in the eyes of the man who would only be feeding two and decided a lesson was in order.
“How wonderful a thing you have done,” the master said to the spiritual teenager, who beamed with pride. “Now please name each of them and we will pray for them all.”
QUOTE [1]
NOTE
DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
[1] The quote is a selection from David O. Kueker’s Fuller Seminary Doctor of Ministry project submitted in September, 2007, entitled Diagnosis, Dialogue, and Decision: A Threefold Process of Revitalization For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
It is shared here in recognition of its 12th Anniversary along with comments to update and provide perspective on the material. The original project was a Training Manual/Study Guide of three Seminars supported by three chapters of research and an Introduction. The material is available for download at www.disciplewalk.com/Resources.html. In 2009 it was provided for purchase as a softcover book entitled Designing Discipleship Systems: Christian Disciple Making For Any Size Church, Any Theology through CreateSpace.com.
[2][3] [4][5] [6][7] [8]
All Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Please review the page How and Why We Use Quotes.