We tease the Pharisees about their poor grasp of Jesus’ divinity. How did they not see it? Consider, however, that the divine natures evident in Jesus rattled them to the core. A man cannot be God. This was their understanding, a foundational definition of who God must be, and who we are not.
The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
1 John 2:12-17
Luke 2:36-40
When a point is made in scripture, especially when it is repeated, we Christians should pay attention. We should never allow ourselves to be “ho-hum” about emphatic teachings. One such statement shows up more than a dozen times — several times in every gospel and at least three times in other New Testament books.
“The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22).
It’s almost too obvious to hear. Of course, if Jesus is God, then he’d be amazing. Ho-hum. Yet, the writers of the post-resurrection scriptures, over and over again, identify the shock at Jesus’ demonstration of the Spirit’s power, wisdom that could only come from God, and his divine miracles, healings, and raising folks from the dead.
Astounded folks are quoted so many times that we accept Jesus’ remarkable presence today on faith, a faith that translates into a common-sense-like ho-hum. But hear the surprise behind the words of those who encountered Jesus. Astonished Jews and Gentiles ask, “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” They are apoplectic, gobsmacked, and find everything about Jesus beyond understanding.
The many aspects of divinity we attribute to Jesus aren’t found in any other human beings. Of course, we say. Duh. However, consider the cumulative effect of his divinity and what that means.
Only a few knowledgeable scribes know the scriptures and ordinances of the law with uncommon skill. A holy prophet receives visions and insights that few can duplicate. The wisdom of a just and merciful king comes to a population with rarity. The channeling of God’s power in healings and raising people from the dead is even more rare. Miracles that manipulate the order of the universe emanate from God through the words of humans even less often.
Each of those categories, as awesome as they are, registers only a limited view of divine powers exhibited by Jesus, the Christ. They are icing on the cake, and do not cover the full range of Jesus’ capabilities, touching on only a few of the astonishing elements of divinity. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” (Matthew 13:54).
We tease the Pharisees about their poor grasp of Jesus’ divinity. How did they not see it? Consider, however, that the divine natures evident in Jesus rattled them to the core. A man cannot be God. This was their understanding, a foundational definition of who God must be, and who we are not. Then Jesus tells them that “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).
The religious leaders and legal minds of Israel knew the power of God. They had studied the testaments and learned the precepts handed to them, stewards of teachings from God. They sat in Moses’ seat. According to their calculations, the holiness of God was beyond human grasp.
Astonishment is the correct reaction. The Word was alive on scrolls they studied, yet Jesus claimed to be the Word made flesh. Their land, gifted to them, a chosen people, would disintegrate in order to convert the world, Jesus told them. The Temple would be torn down, demolished in 40 years, and the presence of God’s Spirit would instead live in Christ-followers. Leaders of a Gentile Church would form communities in lands they did not even know existed.
More importantly, further to astonish us, is what is coming next. Most likely, none of us will see the restoration of creation from our places here on earth. Even if our progeny should travel to other planets, they may not be here for the return of Jesus either. If they do, they will see the Son of God, partnered with the saints and angels, fly by them while the hosts repair the universe.
We will see all this, though, if we are willing to surrender to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ — from the mezzanine in Heaven when our life here has ended. Perhaps we’ll be among the restorative crew of saints?
At no point in our existence should “ho, hum” be appropriate. Our faith is one of constant astonishment, beyond the most amazing of imaginations.