What strikes me in the scene when Chris and Ty first meet is how incredibly unlikely it is that they would have anything at all in common to talk about. As already outlined, there is a chasm between them. Nobody, especially Jerry, would expect Chris to take time out of his busy day to make conversation with a child.
However, much to everyone’s surprise, Ty knows exactly who Chris is. Chris is intrigued with Ty’s knowledge base, particularly relating to politics. He is also impressed that Ty is not easily intimidated, he speaks his mind openly, and has a sharp sense of humor. Jerry is already annoyed that Chris is taking time off to walk his dog, and views Ty as another avoidable distraction. With a tangible amount of disdain, Jerry tries to bring the conversation to a stop. Chris, however, is not easily dissuaded. In fact, ruffling Jerry’s feathers only increases his enjoyment of his connection with Ty.
The whole scenario reflects an encounter Jesus had with children. Jesus was a well-known and sought after public speaker and teacher. He was gaining respect, renown and popularity among the people. His disciples had very high hopes for Jesus’ career. They hoped he would one day be the leader of Israel just as Jerry hoped that Chris would win his seat in the Senate.
There is however, one big difference in the two scenarios. Jesus was God in skin. He was so much more than merely an important man in his day. He was the Ancient of Days who stepped out of eternity and into time.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
John 1:1-2, 14
So immeasurable and impenetrable is the chasm between us and God that it is unfathomable to us. Dr. Brad Burke, in his book Why Doesn’t God Stop Evil?, describes it like this: “ . . . in relation to God’s infinite and majestic being, we are far, far less than tiny insects. In fact, we are far less in comparison than the unicellular bacteria that inhabit the crevices and hairs of our bodies.” (p. 18)
The prophet Isaiah explains this immense gap between man and God like this:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8
Not only was Jesus our eternal creator wrapped in earthly flesh, but also he was here for more than just a friendly visit. He had immeasurably significant things to do. Jesus made clear early in His ministry exactly what His mission was. He opened up the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and read aloud His job description in the synagogue in His hometown.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18-19
Jesus was so much more than an important man, a busy man or a public figure. He was God incarnate, and He had a Kingdom agenda to fulfill. And yet, He took time to heal the sick, talk to women, and especially bless the little children who approached Him.
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