Talking with a friend about fave Bible stories brought one to mind. After the crucifixion, Jesus has risen, but not everyone knows it yet. In John 20, verse 19, the disciples are together in a house 'with the doors locked", as they were afraid of being arrested for being associated with Jesus. "Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”"
now, picture this. The disciples are in a locked house, and Jesus suddenly appears in their midst with no warning! I bet they just about jumped out of the their skin! Eyes big as saucers! I suspect inwardly Jesus had a chuckle at their reaction. And maybe they all started laughing with surprise and joy at seeing Jesus risen!
sometimes when we are happy and surprised, we begin to laugh and can hardly contain it! the Gospels never say that Jesus laughed, but some things he said could be said with a twinkle in the eye, and would give his listeners a laugh. ("It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle..." what an image! He also told Peter to find a coin to pay taxes, in the mouth of a fish! and 'why worry about the speck in your neighbor's eye when you have a plank in your own eye!"
I suspect Jesus had a great smile, and loved to laugh, and that folks around him often felt a sense of joy just being nearby. Faith doesn't always have to be serious!
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