My dictionary defines metaphor as "A figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable, in order to suggest a resemblance: She is the flower of my life. Whether we realize it or not we use metaphor constantly in our everyday speech. We just may not have thought of it in terms of it having a label.
Metaphor is an indirect way of placing the hearer in the story without accusation. Rather, the hearer was to place themselves in the story and think about it. If they got it, they were so much the better. If not, it was worth the try, and we get the advantage of the teaching which not only lasts forever but might be just the story to allow my Aha! moment.
Metaphor is the spiritual language of the Bible meaning there’s more to it than meets the eye. It is the means by which to indicate the words are more powerful than the language can handle. It’s as if to ask the question What does it really say. When Jesus withered a fig tree, what does that have to do with the plight of Israel? When the Ten Bridesmaids were chastened to get more oil so their lamps wouldn’t go out, what has that to do with what the kingdom of heaven is like? When Jesus was asked "Who is my neighbor", the Good Samaritan parable rolled off his lips, sagacity for all time.
When Jesus held bread and wine in his hands at the Last Supper and declared them to be his body and blood, what does that have to do with life? To the apostles, it was likely a shock to hear the words. Further, to them it was more than food; it was grapes and wheat, living symbols of their livelihood and religious observance; one and the same. Grapes and wheat were the outward evidence of their blood, sweat, tears, prayer and care to bring their produce from seed to harvest; the difference between life and death. Jesus offered himself to them as that difference; the way, the truth, the life. The metaphor being overlaying his essence onto the consciousness of their everyday affairs.
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