The Narrow Path Ministries

On Thursday Steve discussed, with caller Matt, about why there was no mention in the Gospels of Jesus laughing or smiling. I`ve nothing to add to that discussion per se, but I would like to relate a story which I strongly felt was an answer to prayer, albeit merely an exasperated prayer request from an irritated school bus driver. Assuming it was indeed an answer to prayer (rather than mere coincidence, which I suppose it could have been) then it is indication of God`s sense of humour in action:
All of the children I drive are physically handicapped or mentally impaired or sometimes both. One of them, a tiny 6 year old girl, finds it hilarious to emit a continuous stream of insults during the whole journey, though I personally find her regular shrill screams more grating on the nerves (mine is a small Toyota bus, not one of those big yellow buses you have over there. This girl`s vocal chords are 4 feet from my ears).
I prayed one day that the Lord would do something, I didn`t know what, about her behaviour. I didn`t ask for a permanent change, but just that coming journey, please!! Anyway, hardly had we left the school (homeward bound in the afternoon), but I heard a yelp from behind me. And said child was clutching her mouth with one hand. One of her front teeth had fallen out!! Now I later discovered that that tooth had been loose for a while, and would have fallen out anyway. But, ahhh, the timing of it!! She was very quiet for the rest of the journey.

It is an insignificant event in the wider scheme of things. But I believe it was God`s humour in action. And I relate the story for (hopefully) your edification.

I have not made the prayer request again (I don`t want the young lass to lose all her teeth!!). In any case the incident has upped my own tolerance level somewhat, which was clearly the desired outcome.

I didn't hear the radio discussion, but Jesus had a wonderful smile. I don't need Bible verses to know that.

TK

TK wrote:I didn't hear the radio discussion, but Jesus had a wonderful smile. I don't need Bible verses to know that.

TK

What do you mean?

Hi Michelle--

I wasn't trying to be mysterious. It's just one of those things I "know." There is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus smiled a lot, and that people were drawn to his smile. Now, I know that he was also a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, but He still smiled. Don't you think?

TK

TK wrote: Don't you think?

I think that since The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus had the whole range of human emotions, expressions, and body language at his disposal. So, yes, I think Jesus smiled.

Jesus welcomed the children who were brought to him for his blessing (as recorded in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18) and, for me anyway, it is hard to be around children very long without smiling. So, yes, I think Jesus smiled. But, perhaps that's not a good argument since I've heard that some people don't like being around children.

Jesus perfectly embodied the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22) - all characteristics that elicit smiles in others and perhaps also in the person exhibiting them. So, yes, I think Jesus smiled.

But, as every salesman, politician, and flirtatious girl knows, a smile doesn't have to be sincere and genuine to be powerful, so I'm a little uneasy saying that Jesus had a smile that drew people to him. You, TK, referenced Isaiah 53:3 when you said he was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." The verse right before that says, "...he had no form or majesty that we should look at him; and no beauty that we should desire him." Jesus had a following, but he also had plenty of detractors, including the people of the town where he grew up and even his family. If he had some kind of charming smile that drew people to him, it wasn't enough, apparently.

Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (John 12:32-33) It is Jesus' death and resurrection that draws people. I realize that you were speaking about people that followed Jesus before his death and resurrection, and that those of us who believe without seeing are blessed, but I'm not sure that Jesus gave those first century people the advantage of a wonderful smile.

After the miracles of feeding the multitudes, Jesus knew that people were seeking him not because they saw the signs that he was the Christ, but because they ate the loaves and were filled. Then he told them that he was the Bread of Life, and that whoever comes to him will not hunger. If Jesus had followers that were only around because his infectious smile made them feel good, might he not also be quick to remind them that quite apart from comfort, he is the way, the truth, and the life, that he did not come to bring peace, but a sword, that the gate is narrow and the way is hard?

Now that I've made myself a little sad, let me say again that I don't think that Jesus was dour and depressed all the time. If our life in Christ is to be marked by love, joy, peace, and all the other fruit, we're going to be happy and we're going to be smiling. Since unity among believers is a hallmark, and Psalm 133 starts by saying, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" then I'm sure that good and pleasant includes smiles and laughter. When the Apostle Paul prays, " May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope," I'm sure this joy, peace, and hope is shown with contented expressions. If we're to be like that in Christ Jesus, then he must have been like that himself.

P.S. I can go on and on about laughter as well.

MM

A while back I watched a video called "The Visual Bible- Matthew." The actor in that production portrayed Jesus as a man who smiled a lot. I am not sure how a person can really love people without smiling a lot. I am not suggesting that people were drawn to Jesus by a wonderful smile like they are drawn to Joel Osteen, for example. What I am suggesting simply is that I don't think Jesus was a glum individual. For example, when he dressed down his disciples for not having enough faith, I think he could have done it with a smile on his face. How? Well, that video I referenced shows how. Of course I realize that it's just a video, but I found it refreshing.

TK