In what parables does Christ choose a definite locality well known to his hearers, definite characters, a definite point and only one, a definite purpose, and a clearly defined and applied moral? In the presentation of which parables do we not find simple language, direct discourse, a dramatic style, and a question in order to drive home the point?
Try the effect of substituting in any one of the parables indirect discourse for direct, statements for questions.
Make a study of the Sermon on the Mount with a view of finding opportunities for picture-work.
On how many and on what occasions did Jesus use objects in his teaching? Might he not have gotten along without using the objects themselves on those occasions? What seems to have been his purpose? What was the result?
Seeing. Suppose that you were an artist searching in the Bible for scenes to paint:
1. What picture would you find in Matthew VIII., verse 1? verse 2? verse 3? verse 4? Can you see (and hear) each of these?
2. What is the picture in the whole passage (verses 1-4)? How many elements has it, in respect of number, form, color, sound, atmosphere?
3. Which of these should be chosen in telling the story to children, and in what order?
4. How many pictures are there in verses 5-13? What is the central picture?
5. In verses 23-27. How many pictures are there in this passage? Which is the central picture? How would you lead the pupils to see it? What first? what next? what last?