Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Striketh Thou Not The Son of Man

May weather should make a return this day, much to our relief. We know that by the age of 12 Jesus knew His Father and His mission. What about those brothers and sisters though? Did they defer to Jesus the elder brother as the Son of God? Imagine the younger ones following along as Jesus and Joseph make their way to work. A freshly plowed field holds the dirt clods that kids love to throw. Jesus turns with royal majesty and says to His brothers, "Striketh thou not the Son of Man, little children." Joseph groans a little, "Enough with the King's English, Son."

Alright, we know the Bible contains no such story (and the KJV-style language came along just a bit later). However, I have trouble thinking of how it must have been growing up with the Christ, the Son of God. And if I have trouble, imagine how difficult is must be for my sisters to imagine a sinless, gentle, good, kind, and never ever ever make a mistake with Scripture brother like Jesus. We have a tough time with that because we grew up with a bunch of imperfect parents, teachers, siblings, and everyone else in this life. In our youth, we even got biblical in the description: there was none who was perfect, no not one. Yet, the siblings and parents of Jesus enjoyed a few years growing with the perfect Son of God. Peter probably gives us the most insight into that relationship.

Our beloved first disciple at times gave our Lord some backtalk. Other times he didn't understand what the Lord said. Then, there was that time when Peter told the Lord He couldn't and earned a tough reaction. However, Peter also saw miracles, walked on water, and enjoyed a revealing look at Christ in His glory. Because of who Jesus is, the relationships with those He grew up with probably wasn't as tough as we might imagine. Our relationship today need not be overly formal or tough. After all, He knows our every thought already, what have we to hide behind a façade of formality?

Amen, come dear Jesus!

Bucky

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