Page 146 - A Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy

Finally, one of Jesus’ characteristic figures of speech is hyperbole. 184 Hyperbole is a

form of exaggeration or overstatement. Yet, according to the degree of exaggeration, hyperbole

differs from overstatement. Hyperbole expresses “the gross exaggeration” that makes “literal

fulfillment impossible.” 185 Jesus employed the figure of hyperbole when he spoke, “You blind

guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!” (Matt.23: 24).

Jesus used the simple language of his people so that they could comprehend him. By

utilizing the word pictures of everyday life in Palestinian culture, he left an indelible picture of

the invisible truth in their mental canvas. Jesus used the concrete to express the abstract. He

also utilized a variety of figures of speech and spoke to the hearts to change minds. His message

was filled “with images, with emotional impact, with stories and parables that highlight and drive

home the content of our message.” 186 He was a master communicator and a timeless model for

every preacher in history.

184 Matt. 6:2-4, 7:3-5, Mark 10:24-25.

185
Stein, Method and Message, 11.
186
Bert Decker & Hershael W. York, Speaking with Bold Assurance: How to Become a
Persuasive Communicator (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 155