On May 3, 2001 I was on the set of the film Minority Report. My friend Jim, and I, briefly discussed a special effect sequence with Steven Spielberg who was directing the film. As the crew prepared to film the scene we moved off set. Jim and I stood close enough to Steven to hear him coaching a young underling sitting next to him.
I remember hearing Steven say: “You’ve got to hook them in the first ten minutes.”
Let’s return to Dr. John Medina’s book Brain Rules. In the chapter on his fourth brain rule he states: “Audiences check out after 10 minutes, but you can keep grabbing them back by telling narratives or creating events rich in emotion.”
Mr. Spielberg is perhaps the posterchild for this brain rule. At the very least, Dr. Medina’s fourth brain rule helps to explain Mr. Spielberg’s success.
Now consider Jesus. He taught in Parables, or Stories with Intent, as Klyne Snodgrass puts it. The Parables of Jesus are brief, engaging stories spoken by our Lord. Some of the parables are only two or three versus in length. They are excellent.
When I read a parable, Jesus has me hooked. He has given me a riddle to dig into. They require a bit of effort and reflection, but there is treasure to be found.
These stories from our Lord capture my attention and give me a quick way to learn about the kingdom of God, the character of God, and what God expects from me. I am moved to action.
“He who has ears to hear, let him [and her] hear.” Jesus is saying, pay close attention, this stuff is important.