Double Entendre

March 21 2025

Many events in the Bible have more than one meaning, in that they can be taken as purely historical events or in an allegorical sense, combining with a deeper meaning. This is like a double entendre which means a word or a phrase which has “ambiguous meaning arising from language that lends itself to more than one interpretation,” and where ambiguous means “a word or expression that can be understood in two or more possible ways.” — MerriamWebster.com.

In like manner, Jesus taught many times in parables which were stories found in real life but had something else to say, to instruct, teaching a lesson by painting a picture- something ordinary folks could relate to.

Our perception of such lessons are not to be misconstrued into something contrary to any precept in the Bible incidentally or more seriously like making contradictions to the Ten Commandments.

For example, in the parable of the treasure hidden in a field, it does not tell us to go out to some field and randomly start to dig so we can suddenly strike it rich, now, does it? No. Rather, it tries to convey how valuable seeking the kingdom of heaven is, and when we discover it, we will make obtaining it our priority.

Importantly, that parable is placed together with several other parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, painting pictures which reveal views from different angles or perspectives.

Have you ever heard of Art connoisseurs saying, for instance, that viewing the famous “Mona Lisa” from different angles makes interpretations of her expressions very different?

Now, Bible history is a plain record of historical events. Still, the stories have deeper and multifaceted meanings, practical life lessons, and revelations about God and His character, and His expectations of each and every one of us.

The Bible is expressed from all different angles, a multi-faceted treasure trove for us to be able to obtain living the full and complete life — a life which Jesus’ sacrifice has provided for us all.

Note that by “sacrifice,” Certainly doesn’t mean some ritualistic platitude, trite and stale. No! It was selfless love He expressed at Calvary,: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame…” — Hebrews 12:2. NIV.

The shame, of course, was being beaten half to death, stripped of his outer garment and then, in full view of the public, tortured to death on a Roman cross.

What possible joy could there be in that?!?

Jesus taught, “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” — Luke 15:10, NIV.

People — People coming into the Kingdom of Heaven. People are the joy He saw — people having eternal life in the presence of God. People, dear readers, people.

To conclude, I’ll end with this excerpt from the story of Jesus and challenge you to understand, not only the events themselves, but to see that taking our eyes off of Jesus has dramatic consequences.

Alan Jackson — Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

You can probably see more and more depth in this story but that’s up to you to take the time and ponder on it.,, Maybe move here and there to get different angles…

“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” -Matthew 14:22–32, NIV.