The use of comparison is essential to the gospel message.

“It’s like …”

“Think about it this way …”

“Here is an illustration of that …”

“Imagine with me …”

These might appear to add very little value to our understanding of the work of Jesus, but in reality, they are how we come to know what it means for us.

It’s like a law court, where a verdict of guilty is handed down. That’s justification.

Think about Jesus’ work like the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Jesus is the lamb.

One illustration of freedom is paying a ransom so that a prisoner can go free. That is Redemption.

Imagine that God is like a father who has two sons. That is grace.

One beneficial practice in sharing your faith in Jesus with others is to share not only Biblical stories but also practical analogies. Find stories and concepts that will resonate with the person to whom you are speaking and use them to bring clarity. Often, the best way to bring understanding is through comparing something people already know. Many people have come to know Jesus with a conversation that started with, “It’s like …”