The Parable of the Long Spoons is a story about heaven and hell. Although it does not appear in the Bible, it has been used by many preachers and teachers to teach about the importance of humility and love. This story teaches a lesson about the need to be selfless and generous in order to experience the joy that awaits us in heaven.
The Parable of the Long Spoons
Two groups of hungry people sit around large pots of stew. Each of them is given a long spoon to eat the stew. These spoons are so long that they cannot reach their own mouths to feed themselves.
The people sitting around one pot are in hell and the people around the other pot are in heaven.
The people in hell starve in anger and frustration, unable to feed themselves.
The people in heaven use their long spoons to feed each other. They have their fill of stew and feel grateful for each other’s presence.
The Origin and Meaning of Parable of the Long Spoons
According to some sources, this parable is attributed to Rabbi Haim of Romshishok. It has been passed on within many cultures throughout the world by various religious leaders including Jews, Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists. In some versions of the story, the people cannot bend their arms to feed themselves because their arms are in splints. In the Chinese version of the story the people hold chopsticks instead of spoons.
The parable is an allegory about the hearts of the people in heaven and hell. Those in hell think only of themselves and their suffering. They become angry and frustrated even resentful of God for the long spoons. The people in heaven, however, take what they have been given to give back to others. They look outside of themselves and their own suffering. They see their hungry neighbor and feed them.
The Parable of the Long Spoons Reflection and Discussion Questions
- Who do you think needs to hear this parable the most and why?
- The people in hell become angry, frustrated, and blame God for their suffering. When have you complained about something bad happening to you?
- The people in heaven ignore their pain and serve others. Who can you help today and how?
- Why do you think this parable has been used by world leaders to promote peace and cooperation?
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Download a PDF of this story along with the questions for reflection or discussion.
