A “little” Biblical Humor…I know, very little…religious humor is subtle, it is dry, it is harder to catch…
It is far from slapstick or comedic.
This happens to be one of those texts – that goes “right over the heads” of “most people.”
You have to “listen carefully” and at the same time, you have to “watch” to see “what is going on.” We have “all” heard the text many times before. Perhaps that is part of the problem that it is so well known.
It is playful. And meant to be.
It is really playful.
It is Jesus playing with Nathaniel.
If there is a score to be kept, it is Jesus 1 – Nathaniel 0.
It is a strange story…about an even stranger – encounter.
It was probably a meeting that was “meant to take place,” as in “nothing is ever coincidental.”
“This” – was one of those “God things.”
Nathaniel had no desire to meet Jesus.
Why would he?
Jesus was just another guy from a backward – back woods ho-dunk little out-of-the-way-town. Another town-ey! There were lots of them. They were a dime a dozen.
Nathaniel could not be bothered!
The only reason that he agreed, if, in fact he did agree, was because he was doing it, as a favor for a friend.
Really?
Honestly?
Meeting some one – as a favor for a friend? Well yeah, a lot of us have done that before.
You do realize that “the One” we are speaking of – is the one whom the prophets spoke?
Remember his baptism? The clouds? The dove? The voice?
Not to mention, shepherds, angels, wise men.
I have heard, even healings are being attributed to him…
He is one … who speaks with a different kind of authority…or so it has been said.
And the only reason you agreed to meet him – is because – you promised a friend?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, so he probably heard that this rabbi was a self-appointed teacher from some unheard of – barely known place called “Nazareth.”
Big Deal!
Rabbis’ were everywhere in Israel. All kinds of guys thought of themselves as being “teachers.” The good ones were from Judea, not Galilee.
Judea was where the money was…
Judea was where the power was…
Judea was where the Temple and all the action was…
The funny thing was…this Jesus-guy had a sense of humor.
He wasn’t at all afraid to “mess with ya.”
He wasn’t beyond having a little fun.
Had someone told him – about Nathaniel’s prior comment about “nothing good coming out of Nazareth?”
How did Jesus know he said that?
Certainly he knew something…
Why was he being so playful?
You could see a gleam in his eyes…and kind of a half-smile on his mouth….
I am sure that was meant as a “quip” or a “jab” as in a “barb.” A gotcha!
What else could it – have been?
Didn’t he just say, “Glad to meet you, Nathaniel” …an Israelite “without deceit.”
What was “that” all about?
What did he “mean” by that?
What could he have “meant?”
Certainly he didn’t hear me say, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Why was he saying that to me?
Was it because I speak my mind?
Was that supposed to be some kind of back-handed compliment?
He must have been saying – he didn’t take “offense” at my “Nazareth dig!”
I think there was even a double meaning there…that is implied.
Jesus calling Nathaniel an “Israelite”…also brings to mind – echoes of the old “Jacob story.” Remember Jacob was another name for “deceiver”…he whole stole his brother’s birth right and his father’s blessing. His name was later changed to Israel. Israel, of course meaning, “he who struggles or wrestles with God.”
Now Nathaniel is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit. Good job, Jesus. Well played. Ok, you know your Hebrew History, you know your Torah. You know the sacred writings.
I take it all back…you are not just “a run-of-the-mill backwoods rabbi.” You know your stuff.
You know things. You obviously hear things. And, you perceive things…
Well played sir.
You scored one in this conversation about hometowns.
You know more than you are letting on…
This is “intriguing.”
It may be a strange and unlikely beginning for a relationship. But you got me.
My mind is racing, there is obviously more to this guy, than meets the eye. I think I have found a new “sparring partner.” Well played Jesus, well played.