In our daily lives, we often use “parables” (metaphorical stories) when trying to explain things. The Bible is full of clues to the troubles of life, and there are many records of Jesus Christ using parables to teach people. The parable that formed the basis of the manga “The Four Messengers” is one of these. (If you haven’t read this manga yet, please read it first.)
One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Luke 8:4-8)
The Bible continues with Jesus explaining this parable, so if you are interested, please read it at Luke 8:9-15).
“The Four Messengers” uses a fantasy style to creatively express what Jesus is trying to teach in this story. The Emperor in the manga represents the God of the Bible. The good news that the Emperor proclaims is the seed, the teachings of God). The four messengers who deliver the emperor’s proclamation are farmers sowing the seeds. The four neighboring countries represent the condition of the farmland where the seeds are sown, but also the state of mind of the people who listen to the teachings of God.
In the final scene, the Emperor says, “Not all who hear good news will listen.” The good news from the Emperor delivered by the four messengers was the same, but the reactions of the four neighboring countries varied. When you’ved heard good news from someone, you may have had the experience of rejecting it, or listening to it with joy but then forgetting it immediately, depending on your state of mind. Also, anyone who has grown a plant from seed knows well that whether the seed will demonstrate its vitality depends largely on how the soil is prepared and watered.
God’s teachings (the Bible), represented as seeds, are full of clues to solve life’s problems, like we said. But in reality they contain much more than that: “good news” that has the power to change your life.
If you have never read the Bible, the comic “Four Messengers” may have played the role of messengers conveying God’s teachings (the Bible) to you. If you are willing to listen, God is inviting you to be like the neighbors to the west, who listened to the good news from the Emperor and reaped an abundant harvest.
All of the manga featured on Waypoints have biblical themes. Please try reading the some of the others if you haven’t already!