How Can This Be?

“Did a big fish really swallow Jonah?” my seven-year-old son asked as I closed his children’s Bible. Barrett recently took up fishing, so bass and bluegill are on his mind a lot these days. He watches tutorials on fishing lures and practices tying them in the garage. He also studies the saltwater species. We know the exact shelf in our library that holds books on sharks, whales, and dolphins. On this occasion, my son’s analytical mind tried to connect the dots between what he knows about fish and a rebellious prophet rescued from the sea.

In seventeen years of reading the Bible to my children, I always answered these questions confidently. This time, however, I confessed, “I’m not sure, buddy.” After years of prideful certainty, this humble uncertainty felt strange but refreshing.

I started reading the Bible in the late ’80s. It was on my list of “Things Christians Do.” The fundamental church of my childhood emphasized certainty over doubt. The Bible says it, so that settles it! Through the years, my understanding of Scripture was influenced by preachers, teachers, radio broadcasts, Bible studies, and Christian living publications.

“The problem comes when we think we know what it says before we approach it” (Mike Erre, Voxology podcast, Episode 310).

For thirty years, I thought I knew what the Bible said before I started reading it. Recently, I began the process of reconsidering. Instead of reading the Bible with a framework built on religion and publishing companies, I am starting from the ground up.

This process of relearning and reframing reminds me of Nicodemus, the teacher who approached Jesus under the cover of night.

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” (John 3:1-2 NIV)

In the dialogue that follows, Jesus deconstructs Nicodemus’ understanding of the kingdom of God. This teacher who thought he knew asks, “How can this be?” (John 3:9 NIV). Jesus connects the dots between Moses and himself, sharing the good news: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:17-18 NIV).

I imagine Nicodemus’ pulse raced as Jesus answered his questions with more mystery than he could comprehend. I like to think he left his conversation with Jesus and went straight to the scrolls to reread the account of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, searching for the hidden truths Jesus had just revealed. The same passages he learned from his youth now had more depth and meaning.

If Nicodemus can ask Jesus, “How can this be?” we can sit with our questions, our open Bible, and wait for the good news to be revealed. This is permission to not know what the Bible says before we read it, no matter how long we have been reading it. To start with questions and wait for answers. We can look for God and learn about his character even in the passages that leave us wondering, How can this be?

How can this be? How can a man survive inside a fish for three days? I don’t know the answer to that one. That night, Barrett and I talked about what we do know to be true. God is merciful. He provides a way for us to make a better choice next time. He can do miraculous things. He has command of creation. He loves us so much, he searches for us in the deepest oceans. And with God, anything is possible—even a prophet (or lobster diver—it really happened!) being swallowed by a whale.

Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. No one can do what you have done. We have so many questions, so many pieces that don’t fit together with human sensibilities. We look to you to help us understand how these things can be. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17 NIV)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:14-17 NIV)

Reach for More

Don’t sit with your questions alone. Look for a trusted mentor or friend to discuss questions you may have about the Bible. Choose discussion partners who can also approach the Bible with openness and humility. Consider keeping a journal or notepad nearby as you read the Bible. Write down your questions and keep looking for answers.

Kelly Smith is a small town girl who married a small town man. They have three children. In the quiet minutes of her day, you will find her at the keyboard or curled up with a book–always with coffee. Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.

Photograph © Sixteen Miles Out, used with permission