bible stories

I'm struck, as I work through a story in John for my Wednesday night teaching, by how many people were often involved in the stories from both the Old and New Testaments.

I'm afraid as were read the often simplistic stories from the Bible, we lose track of the myriad of characters.

Take, for instance, the merchants in the story of the blind man receiving sight from John 9. When we read the story, we often might think of the blind man's emotional response (he's seeing for the first time!) or perhaps the Pharisee's anger at being told off by a simple beggar. Or perhaps we concentrate on the disciples... their teacher just spoke and acted in a way which not only overturned one huge social faux pas (doing miracles on the Sabbath) but he also circumvented - even ignored - one of the most prized debate topics by spiritual leaders of the day: the earthy punishments for sin.

But think with me to the merchants. They're certainly not the main characters in this story - neither are they a perpetual character. In fact, this might be their only interaction with Jesus in their entire lives. They're simply selling their wares - and average day. They're used to seeing Blind Bob on the street, begging. They're used to hearing spiritual questions, and they've probably overheard countless Rabbi's answer the same questions for their students.

But suddenly, here's this Jesus fellow, spitting in the mud. Mud... dust... these merchants are familiar with the Torah - with the Pentateuch. Their minds go back to Genesis: God making man from the dust of the earth. Confusion. What's he doing? What's he saying? Jesus commands the man to go and wash - not only does this Jesus presume that he even has the power to heal, but that his power would travel with someone if that person was sent (thus is the name of Siloam, where Blind Bob washed)! Who is this?

And then Bob comes back - but not as Blind Bob! Is that even Bob? I don't even recognize him... but sure. Same clothes? Water still dripping from his nose and from his beard... but that smile! I've never seen Bob smile before. Of course - I've never seen anyone smile like that before. Really?

Who is this Jesus?!

Who is this man?!

The reactions of those around Jesus - of the "one story characters," are terribly interesting to me. They add life and soul to the stories of Jesus. And they seem to bring those stories back to reality - when we remember that there was a blessed and glorious time in history when Jesus truly walked with men and women such as you and me. When he touched those hurting... and they were healed. When he smiled on those children following him, and when his face turned to grimace on the cross. When he overturned tables in rage at capitalistic greed, and when his eyes filled with tears for his dear friend Lazarus.

He was real - he is real.

Know him.