Posted by D J Lancaster on July 07, 1998 at 20:29:15:
Whether or not the character Jesus Christ is real or imagined doesn't matter as much as what is being described by the writer, or the man. It is clear that this man, JC, real or imagined by a writer, was seeking to impress the people of the time that what they had perceived as reality, was about to collide with a Roman perception of reality. The shiftings and shapings of reality were so completely understood by this writer, or actual being, that he made men feel foolish for the way they looked at life.
When approached with the question of arms and might, for example, there is a sarcastic rhetorical like response to the effect of, "What, who would be that stupid to put 10,000 men against an army of 100,000? Obviously 'JC' thought it quite astonishing that anyone could or would even consider the possibilty for battle knowing the odds.
How lost must have been the minds of these people, to believe that
picking corn when your hungry was even worthy of thinking about in terms of a division of days. This character, real or imagined, was so detached from the formalities of doctrine that he appears quite astonished at the scolding from the pharisees. The character or man JC trys to put the matter in perspective both for his disciples, and the pharisees, saying "And if you had understood the meaning of the words: "What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. 'For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.'" Another translation of this idea would be, look, the law has become crippling to your good sense. If you believe it appropriate to deny yourself an ear of corn on a specific day what else will you believe? Will you believe also,that you are not better equipped to sieze the day's opportunities than, the birds, or the lillys?
There is an obvious reaching out to the people of the times to instill a non judgmental approach to daily living. He knew things were changing, and through story and other dialogue sought to soften the blow of the forthcoming radical change. There is a deliberate attempt on the part of the character or person to shake people free to 1)think about things in a new way, and 2)to call to question those in power.
These people needed to be in a position to move without judgment when and if Rome came to capture Jerusalem. The character or man called JC knew this and worked to achieve their psychological liberty. What happens if those in authority lose their lives to the Romans? Men and women must understand that they are quite capable of deciding the days events for themselves, especially when the days lose their order, and rituals and customs cannot be maintained.
Some prophets and/or writers speak through characters, and some speak more directly. What is important is to understand their focus of discussion.
JC's clarity in those times and to whom he was speaking is evident. That his words would, could, or should mean anything to anybody today is a question up for grabs. Personally, I do not find anything useful in the new testament exchanges except that by my knowing the content, I am free to communicate with others about these matters.
Superstitous learning is still very thick,even in these times of great knowledge. There are still people who would believe that if a rafter fell on 10 people and they were standing an inch away that it would mean they were selected for something 'special' and that the others would not qualify for whatever reason. There are still people who cling unnaturally to authority and blindly follow their traditions.
That men and women come and go attempting to speak ever more clearly to the times they inherit will always happen. Those moments most memorable, however, will be those recorded in the books and in minds.
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