My Corner of the Web
There are some passages in the bible that surprise you by showing a raw, imperfect side of the people and events. To me, this view into the imperfections, weaknesses and struggle of the people in the Bible are joyous and valuable jewels that speak much more about its authenticity than the well-worn passages. I believe this is fulfillment of the principle, "truth being stranger than fiction." In other words, reality has that raw, edgy quality that is the opposite of pre-fabricated fiction. This page is part of the "Should You Believe? Blog" and dedicated to highlighting those sparks of serendipity in the bible:
- John 1:46 - And Nathanael said unto him, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?"
You don't really expect to see an insult in the bible. Nathanael's expression of doubt and skepticism is very natural for someone who was just told that they had found the Messiah. The person who had been prophesied about throughout the old testament.
Of course, the answer to his question is "yes" ... and shows us that the way of man is not the way of God. - John 2:4 - Jesus saith unto her, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."
This happens right after Mary told Jesus that they had run out of wine. Jesus complaining to his mother that she is asking him to something that he should not do (yet). Almost like he is saying, "Woman, you are messing up 'the plan'!" Of course, he does it for his mother because he loves her and that is the true message of "the plan" anyway.
This shows us that love is more important than the rules ... a theme Jesus repeats many times. - John 3:4 - Nicodemus saith unti him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?
Nicodemus is confused. A learned Jewish scholar befuddled by Jesus' message yet knowing he desperately needs it. Jesus is particularly gentle with Nicodemus and spends the whole rest of the chapter explaining things in quite a bit of detail. - More soon ...