The Parable: 3 Kinds of These Short Stories Used by the Master Storyteller

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

An online devotional for writers

A Word From the Word

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. (Mark 4:33, NLT)

A Word For Writers

Short stories are a way to illustrate a point in your content writing.

Jesus was a master at this.

By using short stories – parables – Jesus was able to paint word pictures that appeal to our senses and reveal a spiritual lesson at the same time. 

His parables boil down to three main types. 

1. Comparison: In these parables, Jesus used an object lesson to explain a spiritual truth. He often used “like” or “as” and made a direct comparison between an object and a lesson. Examples: The Parable of the Mustard Seed or The Parable of the Yeast

2. Narrative: In these parables, Jesus told a tiny short story to teach a lesson. The story included a main character, a problem, and a resolution. Examples: The Parable of the Lost Coin, The Parable of the Persistent Widow.

3. Example: In these parables, Jesus gave a clear model of behavior to be followed or avoided. Examples: The Parable of the Good Samaritan or The Parable of the Rich Fool.

Surely if the Master Storyteller used short stories to make a point, then I can, too. 

A Wise Word

Use short stories to illustrate a point in copywriting and content writing.

A Word To Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Jesus’s parables. They are beautiful examples of how to make a point. I want to use word pictures to reveal lessons to my readers. Show me how to follow His model.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.

---

More Devotionals for Writers

The Novel: It’s All About a Character's Life Change ...

The Turning Point: Write a Pivot That Surprises ...

The Case Study: Research in Story Form ...

The Ending: How to End a Story So That It Sticks ...

The Metaphor: Use It to Express an Intangible Idea Tangibly ...

The Storyteller: Give A Vicarious Experience, Move Readers to Act ...

The Illustration: Write a Story with Purpose. Jesus Did!

The Testimonial: Write a Letter of Reference ...

The Story: 3 Story Writing Tips from the Master Storyteller ...

The Author: A Writer with Authority ...

More Devotionals for Writers on our Pinterest board ...

Wise Words: Devotionals for Writers ...

Online Course: Writing Devotionals That Stick ...

Get more devotionals for writers delivered to your inbox each week.

Return from The Parable to Nonprofit Copywriter home

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Powered by SBI! Learn more here.