Through A Carpenter's Eyes: Studies in Mark, Pt. 70

In the commencing verses of Mk. chapter 2, we encounter a terribly fascinating story. I've already approached this episode from one angle, arguing that is suggests that Jesus owned a home near Lake Galilee (click HERE to read that post). I've also argued that this story, as part of a larger narrative, was one that Mark used to begin to show mounting or building hostility towards Jesus by the political and religious leaders of His day. Here, I want to take yet another angle on the story and look at it through carpenter's eyes.

Of course, the carpenter I'm referring to here is Jesus. I do not wish to get into the argument about the Greek term "tekton" but I would say that the evidence is clear that it refers to someone who has worked with wood, stone, etc. It is my view that Jesus, indeed, worked in the field of construction. I have wondered too, if being so close to the Lake, He ever helped build boats? But to get to the point, in Mk. 2, we read of an instance where, when Jesus was teaching in a jam-packed house, two men tore apart the roof and lowered a man through, down to Jesus. Now, it is quite easy to jump to theological conclusions about this passage (e.g. determinism in antiquity, the divinity and humanity of Jesus, foreknowledge, etc.) but I want to come at this differently: through the eyes of a carpenter.

In fact, if we read this story in Mk. 2 through that lens, I would contend that what we see is, while everyone in the story appears to be so serious, Jesus is actually being humorous. Yes, He is serious at points but right after the roof is ripped off, He makes a comedic statement. I think this may be one of those points where we have to stop reading with such a "dry" mentality and add some flavor and tone to the story. What if we read Mk. 2.5 with a humorous tone instead of a serious one? For instance, "When Jesus saw their faith..." should be read humorously. As a carpenter, He knew what what it was like to build a roof and to take it apart. Seeing them tear the roof (perhaps His own roof!!!) off, He couldn't help but be suprised. And then, we hear the punch-line: "Son, your sins are forgiven."

What if Jesus' statement is like a double-entendre here? What if it has a serious meaning to it but is said with a joking tone? Can you imagine Him saying this and the people in the crowd laughing? I can! What if Jesus' remark has the idea of: "You seriously just tore my roof apart, you guys!!! But...I forgive you for it, I forgive your sins." In my mind's eye, I can see the whole place erupting in laughter while some teachers in the corner see no humor in the statement but rather a threat. And then, just as the laughter dies down, Jesus does the unthinkable and restores this guy. The move from humor to restoration, along with the mixed emotions of the crowd, is, in part, what gives this story such force.

As a carpenter, Jesus had an "inside" on what it took to tear that roof apart. As a homeowner, Jesus was surprised that people tore His roof apart. As a man with a sense of humor, Jesus was able to make light of the situation. As a teacher, Jesus was able to take the situation and turn it into a teachable moment. And as the Messiah, Jesus knew that saying and doing these things would ultimately get Him killed but He loved people so much that He followed through with it anyway.