Why is it important to discern between literal and figurative language in Scripture? Setting the Scene in John 11:13 “Jesus had been speaking about His death, but His disciples thought He meant actual sleep.” A Moment of Confusion • Jesus uses the gentle figure of “sleep” for death. • The disciples, taking Him strictly literally, assume Lazarus will simply wake up. • Their misunderstanding delays their grasp of the miracle Jesus is about to perform. Why Distinguishing Literal from Figurative Matters • Guards the accuracy of doctrine – taking a figure as literal (or vice-versa) skews truth. • Protects us from error – misread figurative warnings (e.g., “beware the leaven,” Matthew 16:6) and we risk missing moral dangers. • Deepens worship – metaphors such as “the Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) stir the heart when we see the intended beauty rather than flatten them into mere facts. • Clarifies prophecy – literal fulfillments (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5-6) versus symbolic visions (Daniel 7) demand different expectations. • Strengthens witness – explaining Scripture accurately shows unbelievers its coherence. Scripture Illustrations • Luke 8:52-53 – “She is not dead but asleep,” and the crowd laughs, echoing John 11:13. • John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life,” clearly figurative, yet grounded in literal truth: only Christ satisfies. • Revelation 1:16 – “Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword,” a picture of the penetrating Word (Hebrews 4:12). • Proverbs 30:5 – “Every word of God is flawless”; literal trust in the reliability of all forms God chooses. Practical Helps for Discernment • Read the immediate context – Jesus quickly clarifies Lazarus is dead (John 11:14). • Compare with the whole canon – parallel passages shed light (John 11 and Luke 8). • Note literary clues – similes (“like,” “as”), visions, parables, and poetry flag figurative use. • Remember genre – history (Acts) leans literal; apocalyptic (Revelation) teems with symbols. • Let clear texts guide the obscure – foundational doctrines rest on plain wording (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The Blessing of Accurate Understanding When we honor every word—recognizing whether God is painting with imagery or stating bare fact—we avoid confusion, embrace the full counsel of Scripture, and, like the disciples after Jesus’ explanation, stand ready to witness His power without delay. |
    |