I have this book called “Understand Rap”. It’s a useless book really but the entertainment value is AWESOME! It basically quotes rap lyrics and translates it to normal everyday english. Here’s an example from the famous song “Juicy” performed by the late rapper “Notorious B.I.G” : “I had the red and black lumberjack with the hat to match.” So, to translate that rap quote to regular english would be : “My wardrobe previously consisted of a dual-coloured wool coat and cap in a plaid pattern, which was a fashionable style popularized by men who cut down trees and, now that I have shifted my attention to more expensive things, it is pleasing to me as I reminisce about my past and how my tastes have changed to match current fashion trends.”
I myself am a lover of hip hop music (mainly 90’s cause i’m old school), and I’ll be the first to admit that some of the stuff they “rap” about I don’t really understand or believe, but it sounds good! It kind of makes me think about the things Jesus said to His disciples or to other people He encountered. Jesus, like many rappers, likes to use metaphors to get His point across, and I’m sure some of the people were scratching their heads trying to understand or even believe what He said. But maybe He likes making us think, so that we can really understand and ponder on His words. What if someone made a book called “Understanding Jesus Quotes”. Breaking down some of His famous quotes and translating it to everyday english:
“Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you.” Translation: God is ready to bless you. Ask.
“The first will be last and the last will be first.” Translation: It is better to serve, than to be served.
“Take up your cross and follow Me” Translation: It’s not an easy road, but it’s worth it.
“I am the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Translation: Follow My example and believe in me. That is the only way you’ll get to Heaven.
Jesus had the best quotes. I know sometimes it takes awhile to really understand, but when we do, it was like having a “light bulb” moment or a “Ooooohhhhhh” moment! Like when you see someone do a crazy dance move or when someone says something super clever during a poetry slam competition. I bet you the crowds had those moments when Jesus corrected the High Priest’s and the hypocrites. And it’s not like He was trying to embarrass them, He was just speaking the Truth!
We don’t need to translate what Jesus says to us in order for us to “get it”. We just need to believe! Why? Because He said it and He only speaks the truth.
Like how our Risen Lord conquered death so that we can have a brand new spiritual life every Easter, that would make anyone scratch their heads in confusion and disbelief. But because I believe in Him and in what He says, it’s easy for me to “get it”. Our faith makes anything understandable.
So every Easter Sunday, when the gospel re-tells the story of an empty tomb, I have that “OOOOHHHHHHHHH” moment because Christ is risen, indeed He has Risen!
Jesus, You the Truth foreal!
Amen!
HAHAHA…