Jesus Uses Some Philosopher's Tricks
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Last week, David’s message included some reflections on Jesus as philosopher and the tricks that Jesus uses to get his audience’s attention. In Luke 12, Jesus teaches about how not to worry, but his message starts off on a bizarre note with his line, “Consider the ravens.” Ravens, known for eating carrion and abandoning their young, would not have been the most hopeful image from creation that Jesus could have picked. But that’s just the beginning of the shocking and humorous lines Jesus throws out.
Here’s a summary of Jesus’ philosophical punch lines:
God provides for all things (so there’s no need to worry).
God even provides food for ravens and clothing (wildflowers) for the grass of the field.
By the way, King Solomon - big thumbs down.
Also by the way, worrying doesn’t do any good. You can’t even do such a small thing as add an hour to your life by worrying!
THEREFORE, God will certainly provide for y’all humans, you of little faith!
To recap, Jesus uses some provocative examples from creation. Then he critiques one of his audience’s big heroes (Solomon). Finally, he backhandedly insults everyone by saying they can’t do anything so small as add an hour to their lives by worrying and that they have little faith!
All of these lines are Jesus’ philosopher moves to wake up his audience so that he can then address the underlying issues related to worry and fear. And now that Jesus gains everyone’s undivided attention, he offers one of the most lovely pastoral lines in the gospels:
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom!”
Next time you find yourself worrying, consider the ravens. Then after you laugh a little, try turning to Jesus to hear his reassuring voice.