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Humor in Scripture: Touches of Laughter, Hyperbole, Irony, and Sarcasm

Building on last week's post, today we are sharing instances in the Bible that showcase the range of humorous tones (from subtle humor to more direct forms of wit and irony) that contribute to the richness of the narrative. 

Sarah’s Laughter (Genesis 17:17-19, 18:9-15; Genesis 21:1-7): In Genesis 18, Sarah laughs at the promise of bearing a child in her old age, emphasizing the skepticism surrounding God’s announcement. Fast forward to Genesis 21, and her laughter turns into joy as Sarah marvels at the fulfillment of the promise. The meaning behind Isaac’s name, “he laughs” adds one last playful twist to the joy Sarah and Abraham experienced. 

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’  Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”(Genesis 18:13-14)

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” (Genesis 21:6)

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20-40): Hilarity weaves its way into the dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Elijah, a staunch believer in the one true God, infuses facetious witticisms into his challenge to the prophets of Baal as they attempt to call down fire from their gods. His taunts, laced with humor, amplify the stark contrast between the true God's power and the futile efforts of the prophets of Baal.

“Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.” Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” (1 Kings 18:24-27)

Elisha and the Bears (2 Kings 2:23-25): As Elisha encounters a group of teasing boys, he quickly becomes the target of their jests; the boys taunting him about his bald head. Elisha calls on God, who responds with quite a fanciful remedy- sending two bears who mauled forty-two of the boys! Although it seems a bit over the top, there is no denying the event is marked with tomfoolery. 

From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. “Get out of here, baldy!” they said. “Get out of here, baldy!” He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. (2 Kings 2:23-24)

David Dances Before the Ark (2 Samuel 6:1-23): As David dances exuberantly before the Ark of the Covenant, his genuine and unrestrained celebration becomes a spectacle full of vibrant spirituality. 

Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. (2 Samuel 6:14-15)

Zacharias and Elizabeth's Son (Luke 1:5-80): Highlighted in verse 62, subtle amusement arises as Zacharias navigates communication challenges after God rendered him speechless. Zacharias, unable to speak but perfectly capable of hearing, becomes the unwitting recipient of sign language, a gesture typically used for the deaf. 

Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. (Luke 1:62)

Jesus and the Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27): The surprising discovery of coins in the fish's mouth adds a whimsical touch to Jesus' miraculous provision, illustrating His ability to turn an ordinary situation into a rib-tickling event.

“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (Matthew 17:27)

Paul's Use of Sarcasm (2 Corinthians 11:1-33): By wielding sarcasm as a tool, Paul addresses serious issues with a touch of banter, engaging his audience in a way that both challenges and amuses, revealing his rhetorical prowess and the versatile nature of his approach to conveying spiritual truths.

I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. (2 Corinthians 16-20)

Jesus' Hyperbolic Teaching (Matthew 23:13-39): The scathing rebuke delivered by Jesus is laden with biting sarcasm that exposes the hypocrisy of the religious elite. The candid gibes provide insight into the different approaches Jesus employed when addressing critical issues.  

“You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:24-25)

Peter's Escape from Prison (Acts 12:5-17): Capturing the excited awe after Peter’s miraculous escape, a servant goes to answer the door, after hearing Peter’s voice. Reeling, she ran off to inform everyone that Peter was at the door; leaving Peter, presumably dumbfounded and nervous, outside. The moment playfully depicts the giddy disbelief that can accompany answered prayers. 

Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” (Acts 12:13-14)

Jesus Teasing the Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42): During the conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus jovially teases her about her marital history. The interaction conveys Jesus’ approachability, understanding, and ability to connect on a personal level.  

He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

“I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” (John 4:16-18)

Paul's Wordplay (Galatians 5:11-12): Paul deploys a pointed and somewhat sharp expression to emphasize his frustration with those who were propagating a distorted version of the gospel. His wisecracks expose Peter's impassioned commitment to preserving the purity of the Christian message. While stern in tone, his commentary underscores the gravity of the situation with a touch of well-placed humor.

Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! (Galatians 5:11-12)

Paul and Barnabas Mistaken for Gods (Acts 14:8-20): While doing missionary work, the residents of Lystra confused Paul and Barnabas for Greek gods. This cultural misunderstanding injects a lighthearted element into their travels, revealing a more jovial side of Paul's missionary experiences. Rather than rebuffing the crowd's misguided perception with sternness, Paul and Barnabas seize the opportunity to redirect the people's worship toward the true God. 

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. (Acts 14:11-13)

Balaam and the Talking Donkey (Numbers 22:21-35): Instead of employing conventional means of divine intervention, God uses an unconventional and amusing method to convey a crucial message by utilizing a donkey to reprimand. Balaam's interaction with his seemingly vocal donkey induces a moment of surprise, perhaps even amusement, as he grapples with this unexpected phenomenon. 

When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff. Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.” The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?”

“No,” he said. (Numbers 22:27-30)

Zacchaeus Climbing a Tree (Luke 19:1-10): The visual of Zacchaeus, a respected figure of authority, perching in a tree to overcome his height challenge, creates a playful setting. His unconventional technique aptly expresses his eager gaiety in knowing he would see Jesus. 

He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:3-5)

Jesus and the Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-22): In Matthew 21, Jesus was hungry and anticipating a fig, only to find the tree devoid of fruit. Undoubtedly, Jesus could have produced a fig for Himself- but in a totally relatable fashion, Jesus’ humanity had shown through- He was just too hangry! He expressed His disappointment by cursing the tree. There is a deeper lesson about spiritual fruitfulness, but the scene invites a smile as we resonate with the amusing interplay between Jesus' physical hunger and his response to the unfruitful tree.

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. (Matthew 21:18-19)

Nicodemus' Confusion (John 3:1-21): Levity impregnates a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisee, Nicodemus. Struggling to understand the metaphor of ‘born again,’ Nicodemus can’t grasp just how someone can re-enter their mother's womb. Jesus patiently turns the exchange into a teaching moment, gently blending amusement with the deeper exploration of spiritual rebirth.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:3-4)

A Time for Everything

As illustrated throughout the stories we’ve shared, humor and laughter encompass diverse forms within the Bible; surfacing in moments of doubt, joy, instruction, and everything in between. The intricate show of emotion recounted in Scripture harmonizes beautifully with Ecclesiastes, confirming there is a time for everything. 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

-Torrance Church of Christ

Speaking of a time for everything….Feeling like it’s time for some jokes? Click here! 

Unpacking the Riches of Proverbs 3

Today we are exploring the heap of guidance and promises that overflow the passages of Proverbs 3; where the pursuit of wisdom, the dynamics of discipline, and the intricacies of righteous living converge to form a mosaic of guidance for our journey through life. 

Let’s Dive In

The Call to Kindness and Truth: Proverbs 3:3-4

Underscoring the importance of cultivating a spirit of kindness, love, and faithfulness in our daily lives, Proverbs 3 guides us in our relationship with God and encourages us in our interactions with others. 

Trusting in the Lord: Proverbs 3:5-6

Here, we are reminded that true wisdom begins with wholehearted trust in God. When we surrender our understanding to Him and submit every aspect of our lives, God promises to guide us on the straight and righteous path.

Honoring the Lord with Wealth: Proverbs 3:9-10

Proverbs 3 encourages us to honor the Lord with our wealth, acknowledging that every blessing we receive is a gift from Him. This verse underscores the importance of stewardship and generosity, asking us to acknowledge gratitude for the abundance He provides.

Discipline and Correction: Proverbs 3:11-12

This passage denotes that God's correction is an essential part of our growth. Embracing His discipline with humility and understanding allows us to become more aligned with His purpose for our lives.

The Blessings of Wisdom: Proverbs 3:13-18

Proverbs 3:13-18 extols the incomparable value of wisdom, likening it to precious jewels and silver. The passage describes the manifold blessings that accompany wisdom, including long life, prosperity, and joy. 

The Bounty of Wisdom: Proverbs 3:19-20

Building upon the theme of wisdom, Proverbs 3 uncovers the Creator's role in establishing the foundations of the world. This verse reminds us that true wisdom originates from the very essence of God Himself. As we seek wisdom, we align ourselves with the divine order that governs the universe.

Security in God's Protection: Proverbs 3:23-26

Here, believers are reassured of God's constant protection and guidance. This promise reminds us that, as we walk in obedience and wisdom, we can trust in God's dedication and care. Fear is replaced with peace, and the assurance of divine protection becomes a source of rest and sweet sleep.

The Lord's Disposition Toward the Righteous: Proverbs 3:32-35

Finally, the last three verses serve as a warning that stresses the importance of upright living and the blessings that flow from a life aligned with God's principles. God's favor and confidence are bestowed upon those who choose righteousness.

Wrapping Up

In Proverbs 3, we discover a rich collection of insights that connect to the core of the human experience, guiding our relationship with God, and interactions with others, and inspiring us to walk in the light of God's Word. We encourage you to allow the teachings of Proverbs 3 to illuminate our paths and draw you ever closer to the heart of our Father.

- Torrance Church of Christ

Biblical Hospitality: What the Bible Teaches about Welcoming Others

Replete with stories and teachings about welcoming others with open arms, demonstrating love, and building a sense of community, hospitality is a practice deeply rooted within the sacred pages of Scripture. Hospitality goes far beyond mere etiquette or social niceties, rather, it is a sweeping expression of love, kindness, and community. Hospitality invites us to mirror the heart of God by welcoming all, just as He does. To gain a greater appreciation for hospitality, today we will use the Bible as our guide as we unpack its pragmatic attributes and provide practical insights, empowering believers to put it into practice.   

Biblical Accounts of Hospitality

The following examples underscore that hospitality is not merely a cultural norm or an act of courtesy; it is a practice deeply embedded in our faith. As we open our hearts and homes to others, we position ourselves to receive blessings that extend far beyond the immediate moment, creating a ripple effect that pulsates throughout our lives and the lives of others.

Zacchaeus and Jesus (Luke 19:1-10): In the town of Jericho, a tax collector named Zacchaeus sought a glimpse of Jesus. Climbing a sycamore tree, he caught the attention of the Savior who not only noticed him but chose to dine at his house. In this simple act of hospitality, Zacchaeus experienced a radical transformation. He not only welcomed Jesus into his home but into his heart, prompting a declaration of repentance and a promise to make amends for any wrongs he had committed. The blessing of salvation and reconciliation flowed from a moment of genuine hospitality.

Philemon Welcomes Paul (Philemon 1:4-7): The letter to Philemon unfolds a story of hospitality that goes beyond the customary welcome of a guest. Philemon opened his home and heart to the apostle Paul, demonstrating a generosity that would become a hallmark of hospitality. The blessing that ensued was not only personal but extended to the entire community. Paul prayed for Philemon, expressing gratitude for his love and faith, and the blessings of encouragement and fellowship multiplied.

Lot's Hospitality in Sodom (Genesis 19): In the thick of the morally corrupt city of Sodom, Lot demonstrated hospitality by welcoming two angels into his home. Despite the impending doom of the city, Lot's hospitality led to divine intervention, sparing him and his family. The blessings extended beyond mere physical safety, emphasizing the penetrating impact of extending hospitality even in challenging circumstances.

Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17): During a severe famine, the widow of Zarephath welcomed the prophet Elijah into her home, sharing her last meal with him. In return for her hospitality, God blessed her with an ongoing supply of flour and oil, ensuring that her resources would not run dry. This poignant story showcases how God honors and multiplies the simple acts of hospitality, meeting both physical and spiritual needs.

Abraham's Hospitality (Genesis 18): Before we move on, we cannot overlook the iconic example set by Abraham in Genesis 18. Abraham had been sitting at his tent's entrance when three strangers approached. Without hesitation, Abraham leaped to his feet, bowed to the ground, and warmly invited them to rest and refresh themselves. Unbeknownst to Abraham, these visitors were none other than divine messengers. His immediate and gracious response to strangers did not go unnoticed by God. As the story unfolds, we see that his act of welcoming these strangers brought unimaginable blessings. Among them was the promise of a son to Sarah, a miraculous fulfillment of God's covenant. 

Jesus Teaches Us to Embracing the Stranger

Emphasizing the intimate connection between hospitality and our service to Him, in Matthew 25:35, Jesus says: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Christ’s teachings about hospitality reinforce the need for love, compassion, humility, and inclusivity in our interactions with others. Let’s take a look at a few of them now. 

Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): Jesus tells a story about a compassionate Samaritan who extends hospitality to a wounded stranger, emphasizing the principle of loving our neighbors and showing mercy.

Feeding the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21): Jesus performs a miracle by multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd. This event underscores the importance of providing for the physical needs of others and demonstrates extravagant generosity.

Washing the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-17): Jesus models servant leadership by washing the feet of His disciples. This act underscores the importance of humility and serving others, setting an example for discipleship through acts of kindness and hospitality.

Inviting the Little Children (Matthew 19:13-15): Jesus welcomes children, highlighting the significance of treating everyone, regardless of age or status, with kindness and hospitality. His actions challenge societal norms and emphasize the value of inclusivity.

Eating with Sinners (Mark 2:15-17): Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners, challenging the cultural norms of His time. His actions convey the message that everyone is worthy of God's love and hospitality, regardless of their past.

Encouraging a Generous Banquet (Luke 14:12-14): Jesus advises hosts to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to their feasts, promoting the idea that true hospitality extends to those who cannot repay the favor. He encourages a selfless and inclusive approach to hosting.

Sending Out the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:1-12): Jesus instructs the seventy-two disciples to enter homes with peace, partake of what is offered, and bring healing. This mission reinforces the idea of relying on the hospitality of others and reciprocating with goodwill.

Practical Tips for Practicing Biblical Hospitality

The examples of hospitality found in the Bible are more than a one-time event, instead, they exemplify adopting hospitality as a lifestyle. We’ve put together some simple, yet constructive tips to incorporate into your daily routine that aid in creating an environment where love and community thrive. 

Open Your Home: Create a welcoming space where others feel comfortable and valued.

Share a Meal: Food has a unique way of bringing people together. Consider hosting potlucks or inviting someone over for dinner.

Listen and Engage: Take time to genuinely connect with others, listening to their stories and offering support.

Be Attentive to Needs: Pay attention to the needs of those around you, whether it be a kind word, a helping hand, or a shoulder to lean on.

Extend Hospitality Beyond Your Home: Look for opportunities to welcome newcomers in your community, church, or workplace.

Serve with Joy: Approach the act of serving others with joy. A cheerful heart in serving reflects the love of Christ and enhances the overall experience for both you and the other party.

Practice Humility: Approach hospitality with humility and recognize that you are a steward of the resources and space you've been given.

Practice Prayerful Hospitality: In everyday encounters, make it a practice to lift the needs, concerns, and joys of those around you to God. 

Embrace Hospitality as an Expression of Love 

Hospitality is not merely a social courtesy but a powerful expression of love that builds bridges, enriches connections and upholds inclusion. Take time to reflect on the warmth of Abraham's tent, the transformation in Zacchaeus' home, the generosity of Philemon, and the widow’s simple, yet powerful kindness. Let these stories not merely be tales of old but wellsprings of wisdom for today, and consider how you can apply these lessons in your interactions with others. Strive to make hospitality a real, everyday part of your life, one that reflects the love and fellowship found within revered pages of the Bible.

- Torrance Church of Christ