Getting into story

How we read a story determines what it says. We all presuppose things of each story, and much of the time the presuppositions will determine the outcome or interpretation of the story. This is inevitable, thus we must recognize it and explicitly state that the result rests on our presupposition. One might take this knowledge and say that it makes reading the Bible irrelevant, as our conclusion will by predetermined by our presuppositions. How then can one come to the text?

This was something I wanted the students, I was teaching, to see, but not in a cynical disheartening way. I wanted to show the brilliance and excitement the text can reveal when one cogitatively changes one’s presuppositions and is willing to see an alternative result/interpretation. So change your presupposition to that of suspense…

Do we let ourselves to enter into the story and be vulnerable?

This is a question we need to entertain. With what ears are we listening to this story? With what eyes are we seeing this story? When was the last time you were held in suspense by the plot, when were you entertained by the action, when were you emotionally invested in the Character of Jesus or one of the disciples?

Often I think we experience the story the way we experience the latest action movie, or the latest Quentin Terintio movie. We know what to expect, we still enjoy the show but we await the final plot twist. When the twist arrives we do not revel in its brilliance, instead we sit back and point out to those around us “Hey there it was, classic Quentin twist that was”. We smile, relax, and detach ourselves from the characters, often not experiencing the ramification to the twists and suspense in the way the character would have felt or experienced the twist.

When have you pondered the vulnerability of Christ? A man who put himself on the line, who face rejection when he offered the question “Come follow me”. He offers himself, offers friendship. He puts himself at the feet of his disciples, so to speak. He positions himself humbly, in a position of weakness. The disciples could have said no, they could reject, and many did. There are accounts of disciples leaving. So do we allow ourselves to feel that vulnerability in the text? Do we allow Jesus to have human emotions?

I want you to read two passages. I want you to clear you mind of the ending. I want you to enter the story as if for the first time. I know this is impossible, but it is an exercise in experience. Then reflect on what new insights you saw in the texts. These texts specifically offer something about the humanity of Christ. If you are willing, post any insights in the comments section below.

Matthew 13:53-58
New International Version (NIV)
A Prophet Without Honor
53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”
58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Mark 11:1-19
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna![a]”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Courts
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’[c]? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’[d]”
18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples[e] went out of the city.