Introduction
Matthew 26:26-29 – Some take this literally. This is a metaphor. It was figuratively his body and blood.Why does God use figurative language?
Figures make language more vivid, interesting, memorable, and powerful.I Peter 5:8II Peter 2:21-22How about the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15)?The basic message is that we should rejoice when sinners repent, but by presenting that as a parable, Jesus turns it into a memorable story.When should we take a word or phrase figuratively?
A good rule of thumb is to understand a passage literally unless there is a good reason to believe otherwise:When it is said to be figurative.John 2:18-21Ephesians 6:17Isaiah 9:2When a literal understanding contradicts another passage.Mark 1:5; Luke 7:29-30 – Not absolutely all people came out to obey Jesus.When it matches a pattern of figurative language in other passages.John 6:27; I John 3:18; I Peter 3:3 – Not-but passages.When a literal understanding contradicts known facts or common sense.John 3:3When should we NOT take a word or phrase figuratively?
When a literal understanding simply contradicts our beliefs.I Corinthians 7:1
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