Understanding Parables

Understanding Parables

Read the following parable carefully and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to the characters, plot, and the moral lesson conveyed.

The Young Tree and the Wind

Once, in a vast field, stood a young sapling. It was proud and rigid, believing its strength lay in its unyielding stand against the elements. When the wind blew, it would stand stiff, its branches unmoving, often losing a leaf or two in the struggle. Nearby, an old willow tree swayed gracefully with every gust. The young sapling often mocked the willow, calling it weak for bending so easily.

One day, a great storm arose. The wind howled and roared, tearing at everything in its path. The young sapling, true to its nature, resisted with all its might. It stood firm, pushing back against the powerful gusts, but its roots began to strain, and its trunk groaned under the immense pressure. Meanwhile, the old willow bent low, its branches sweeping the ground, yielding to the wind's fury.

When the storm finally passed, the young sapling lay broken, its trunk snapped in two. The old willow, though battered and wet, stood tall once more, its branches slowly rising back to their usual position. The young sapling, in its broken state, finally understood that true strength is not in resisting every force, but in knowing when to bend.

1. What was the main characteristic of the young sapling at the beginning of the story?

2. The old willow tree swayed   with every gust of wind.

3. After the storm, the young sapling lay  .

4. What did the young sapling learn about true strength by the end of the parable?

5. The young sapling admired the old willow's way of dealing with the wind.

6. Think of a time when you had to be flexible or 'bend' in a difficult situation. Describe what happened and what you learned.