The Three Ways of Jesus
I’m a big fan of Sherlock Holmes. I first fell in love with the series in an unconventional place, when Data from Star Trek solved mysteries on the holodeck of the Starship Enterprise (catching my geeky vibes yet?). I was then later enthralled, shocked, and thoroughly amused by the more modern version starring the ever-quirky and entertaining Robert Downey, Jr.
Given the long-standing popularity of the series (it first started in 1887!), it seems mysteries are beloved by many. I find that interesting since most of us are really not a fan of suspense in our own lives. I guess it feels okay to sit in the unknown when you are watching it play out for someone else—and when it wraps up by the end of a feature-length movie.
In all the time I’ve spent watching Sherlock Holmes, very rarely can I figure out the answers ahead of time (the goal of a mystery). Usually, it develops over the course of the story, with bits and pieces of evidence coming together as we go along. Of course, I love it at the end when all comes clear and I can finally say, “Of course! I can see it all now!” That space is so much more comfortable than the suspense of the unknown.
The suspense of the unknown. Anybody recognize their walk with Jesus in that phrase? I imagine so. We sure do prefer when we can see what he’s up to rather than living in uncertainty.
In our own stories, occasionally God is super clear. Other times, we only get bits and pieces of information until he reveals the ending. I have no idea why he chooses one way over another, but I think it’s fun to look at the different options. Below are just two examples of his strategies from the very end of his time here on earth.
When Jesus Was Crystal Clear
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:25-29 NIV)
Just as he was with Thomas, sometimes Jesus is super clear with us. These are rare, merciful times when he lets us see and feel exactly what he is up to. At these times, we exclaim like Thomas that he is so clearly our Lord and our God. These times when he is so viscerally real to us are precious.
When Jesus Let the Story Develop
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him…As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:13-16, 28-32 NIV)
Unlike Thomas, with whom Jesus was so clear, he left these travelers in the dark for a bit. Why? I have no idea. But, I know that if he’s only letting out little bits of information at a time, there’s a reason for it. Eventually, he made everything clear. Then they went and told everybody about him. I suspect that is his goal most of the time when he leaves us in suspense only to thrill us in the end.
When Jesus Stayed Dark
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Heb. 11:1 NIV)
For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor 5:7 NIV)
Finally, there are times when Jesus doesn’t reveal what he is doing. This, of course, is the really hard option. But it’s also maybe the one that blesses us the most because we must rely on faith alone. It’s the place where we grow. It’s the place where the strength of our faith is tested and the knowledge of his character sustains us. It is when the mystery remains a mystery that we have to trust and wait to see how it all turns out either here or on the other side of heaven where, of course, everything will be revealed.
Whether you are in a season of seeing God clearly, having evidence revealed bit by bit, or in the dark just feeling around with your faith hands, he is with you. Whether we fully understand or not, he always does. What a great comfort in our mystery.
is an author, speaker, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist and veteran coach’s wife. She and her husband Tim have two children and are passionate about reaching people for Christ and sharing information on coaching, marriage, family, and mental health. Read more from Anne at www.annerulo.com.
Photograph © Sam Moqadam, used with permission
