Holy Week (Tuesday)

on being foolish

Today’s scripture reading¹ shows me a growing distance between Jesus and the crowd. He is becoming more distressed. They don’t know why he’s distressed, but it bugs them. They were intrigued by a teacher who is clever, who pushes back on the powers-that-be. Plus, the miracles were cool.

But a teacher who is sad … growing more urgent in his invitations … talking about death … that’s less entertaining.

*glances at phone* “What are you talking about, Jesus…?”

And he withdraws.

Later, the early church recognizes it.² They shrug, acknowledging it. It’s foolish. Death on a cross is embarrassing, shameful. So much for pushing back on the powers-that-be. So much for those teachings and parables that seemed so wise.

Look where it landed him.

*awkward grimace*

Why would you follow … that?

Foolish.

1. John 12:20-36 You can read it here. Notice Jesus’ emotions. Notice the crowd’s response.

2. 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 You can read it here. It’s a small excerpt from a letter written to one of the first little churches, probably meeting at someone’s house. I love that they say it right out loud, that this faith seems foolish. I mean … it does, n’est-ce pas?