This is one of my favorite episodes of this first season.
The episode opens with Jesus praying. He's seeking the Father's presence, leading, and guidance. There's a sense that's he's preparing for something big - that he's maybe even nervous about what's to come. If you've seen The Passion of the Christ, it's reminiscent of Jesus praying in the garden.
In this episode, we finally get to see Jesus up close! He's camped on the outskirts of Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee. He's living a solitary life. I'm totally convinced Jesus was an introvert!
The great thing about this episode, for me, is seeing Jesus through the eyes of the children that happen on his campsite. They're curious, a little bit afraid, but quickly learn to trust this man they've just met.
I can't help but think back to the story The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. The Pevensie children are just learning about Aslan. Mr. Beaver is telling them of the prophesy, that Aslan will return to Narnia to free it from the White Witch's spell. As they hear Aslan's name, they all experience their own sense of magic and wonder at his name.
"Aslan is a lion - the Lion, the great Lion."
"Is he - quite safe?" Susan asks.
"Safe?" replied Mr. Beaver. "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you"
We see Jesus make them laugh, putting them at ease with silly sound effects. He puts them to work, simple tasks that busy their hands as they ask him question after question about his life. He shares food with them, gathers them around a camp fire and tells them stories. He never turns them away, never makes them feel silly or unwanted - even when they wake him earlier than he'd maybe have liked.
"You couldn't have come a half hour later?" he asks squinting in the morning sunlight.
I don't know about you, but I love the thought of Jesus wanting to sleep in - of not being the most energetic morning person! That's a Jesus I can definitely relate to!
We see a Jesus who is relatable. He's personable and easy to be around. (The Jesus I know and love is definitely approachable and easy to be around.) He encourages the children to ask their questions, to be hungry in their quest for knowledge and faith. He celebrates them when they answer his questions correctly and empowers the girls to continue learning (along with the boys). He grows emotional as they recite the Shema prayer. (Whether his emotion is at the worship of his Father or the easy faith of these children is hard to say). He sings songs with them, modeling ways in which worship of the Father can be part of regular everyday life. He never once expresses impatience or annoyance at their presence.
And when questioned by the boys (the boys who regularly attend Torah classes) about a conquering messiah, he gently tells them that maybe they shouldn't expect a messiah to come riding in on a horse.
In episode 2 Mary tells Nicodemus that the time for man to know Jesus has not yet come. But, I love the idea, that just before beginning his ministry, as Jesus prepares for his life's mission he reveals himself to a group of children. He doesn't view them as inferior. In fact he empowers them to be faith-sharers among their families and friends.
This is the type of youth pastor I want to be - a living example of daily worship to the Father. A gentle spirit guiding others in their faith. I want to be patient with the students I have. I want to encourage their searching, the quest for understanding. I want to be confident in my answers to their questions. I want to encourage them to be faith-sharers. I want to be like this Jesus!