IF JESUS SPOKE OUR LANGUAGE

IF JESUS SPOKE OUR LANGUAGE

A boy who was mute was brought before Jesus and Jesus drove the demon from him and he began to speak.  The crowd was amazed but the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.” (Matthew 9: 32-38)

So often the lofty language of the Gospels sets Jesus apart from the reader.  If Jesus talked like we do, we would be able to relate to him far more easily.  For example, in this reading, when the Pharisees put forth the ridiculous idea that Jesus drove out demons with the help of demons, can you imagine Jesus standing up and, in a tone of disdain, say,  “Does this make any sense to anyone here?”

When Peter suggested that they avoid going to Jerusalem after Jesus said he would die there, instead of “Get thee behind me Satan,”  Jesus could have said,  “Please Peter, don’t tempt me. This is going to be tough enough. I will need you to be strong for me.”

At Cana, Mary said, “Jesus, they have no more wine.”  Jesus replies, “Mom, I told you it’s not time.”  Mary just smiles and walks away throwing “Do what he tells you.” over her shoulder.

This is in no way a criticism of Scripture or of the translation.  For example, I am a fan of Jane Austen novels, which are difficult to read until you get used to the idioms of that time and the way they phrase things.  The characters are quaint and remain so. Those books belong in the 19th century and there is no need to change the language.  But the Gospels are different.  The Gospels are about Jesus and Jesus must remain relevant no matter what century it is.  Jesus must never be thought of as quaint, and of another time, because Jesus is for all time. The idea of rewriting the gospels in contemporary language is not a good one, however. That sort of thing leaves the possibility of error too likely. If, however, we change how we readthem, we may find a more contemporary Jesus.  And we need Jesus to be contemporary so that we will know him as a friend to whom we can speak freely.

Try this. Take the story in which the mother of James and John asks Jesus to place her sons at his right and left side when he comes into his kingdom.  (She may have thought that was going to be an earthly place).  Jesus almost laughs at her as he tells them they have no idea what they are asking.  The best part of this story is when the other disciples get wind of it. Read the chapter first and then imagine what your own family and/or friends would say under similar circumstances. 

(Matthew 20:20-28)

May God help us to find and keep the real Jesus in our lives.

Carol Lemelin, OPA