Andrew paused from his work to listen to the sounds of children’s laughter.  Children were endlessly entertained by John’s stories of his days with Jesus.  Today he was re-telling one of their favorites – the night Jesus, and then Peter walked on the water.  The old man always had re-newed energy as he imitated Peter sinking into the waves.  Andrew loved to eavesdrop on these impromptu events when the children would make their way over to sit at John’s feet.  In these days, the laughter of children was a precious and rare thing.  Work could wait while Andrew savored the moment.  He would often wistfully wonder how many moments like these were left remaining.  Andrew quickly rebuked his thoughts.  Such sad images could not be permitted to take away from the beauty of the moment.  Soon afterward, the children headed back into town, and Andrew resumed his work.  John brought him a cup of water.

“They sure do love to hear your stories, John.”

“I like people to remember that there was love and laughter.  To be in the presence of Jesus was a joyful thing.  People don’t seem to grasp that fact.”  In these dark days, remembering a joyful Jesus helps me look forward to the joy that lies ahead.

 

“Yes.  I guess because we think of the cross, we think of Jesus so solemnly.  It is the privileged few who witness your manic imitations of Peter.”

 

It was a crazy group of men Jesus called together.  We were all so different.  We laughed a lot, as well as argued, competed, and nearly came to blows on more than one occasion.  But among the people seeking Jesus there was also memorable people who bought smiles.  And not only when Jesus granted their request; sometimes people just brought out a playful nature in Jesus.”

 

For example?

Zaccheus, for one – small, round, quick wit, with a belly laugh that could be heard far and wide. Oh, and I believe we’ve talked of the Canaanite woman who approached Jesus, have we not?”

 

“The one who sought freedom for her daughter?”  Andrew asked.  “I remember you speaking of her, but found this story confusing.  It seemed Jesus was not very kind to her.  Didn’t he refer to her as a dog?”

 

“He did, but you weren’t there.  It was actually a beautiful moment to see.  We were in the region of Tyre and Sidon – not the most welcoming place, but still many came to him.   Some for healing, some out of curiousity, some came to cause trouble for Jesus.  The needs were endless, and so was the criticism.  We often wearied of endless hands reaching out, or pointing fingers.  Jesus patiently sifted the intentions of those before him.  In truth, his harshest words he reserved for us – his followers, and the religious leaders.  But for the crowds, he showed only kindness.  When this woman began to call out to him pleading for her daughter, he did not even acknowledge her.  We all assumed Jesus ignored her because he knew her to be trouble.  She continued to cry out ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.’  I can still hear her cries today.  Never in my life have I met a more determined woman.”

 

“A stronger woman than my mother?”  Andrew laughed.  “Surely not!”

 

“Much like your mother, I would say.  There is something relentless about a mother when her child’s welfare is at stake.  This woman believed Jesus to be her only hope for her daughter, and she braved all to grasp that hope.  Just picture it, a Canaanite woman out there among the Jewish people, especially the religious leaders – unafraid, and unreserved.  When Jesus did not answer, she just kept on calling out to him.  We did not appreciate her courage at that time, however.  We were tired of hearing her, and finally confronted Jesus about her.  She was within earshot when Peter spoke for all of us.  ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’  This woman, however, saw our acknowlegment of her as an opportunity.  She seized the moment, assertively joining our conversation like she had been invited.”

 

Jesus looked from us to her, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’ he spoke to all of us.  We looked toward her, knowing how Canaanites felt about us Jews, expecting her to take offense and leave – but not this woman.  She immediately moved to the center of the circle and dropped to her knees before Jesus.  ‘Lord, help me.’ she pleaded.  I can not speak for the others, but my heart softened.  There on her knees before Jesus, she cast aside her pride, her identity, and even her safety; all for her daughter.  Jesus often said things that caught me off guard, but perhaps this was the most perplexing moment to me.  ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’  I cast a sideways look at James, who also seemed taken aback by Jesus words.  Even Judas and Peter stood silently watching this interaction.

 

“To me, that sounds like something the pharisees would have said.  It just doesn’t seem to sound like something that would have come from Jesus.”  Andrew interrupted.  “I don’t understand how he could speak to her like that.  She only wanted to help her daughter.”

 

“That was my thought exactly, but then I looked back at Jesus face.  His eyes were bright and friendly, not at all cold and uncaring.  There was a trace of a smile on his face as she met his eyes. ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she countered. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’  I realized that Jesus was enjoying this moment immensely, and I immediately understood why.  There in the sea of need and hidden agendas, she stood alone.  She was so beautiful – not only in her humility, but also in her intellect.  Very few people understood Jesus teaching.  He so often had to explain concepts, even to us.  He often chided us for our failure to grasp the meaning behind his words.  He challenged her, and not only did she get it, her response to him was both respectful and insightful.  She did not waver in her reverence for him, even when he seemed to be brushing her off.  Jesus had laughter in his voice as he responded to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’  She remained on her knees for a few moments, no longer needing to be strong, she allowed herself to weep openly.   Finally, she whispered ‘Thank you, Lord.’  Then she stood, and slowly melted into the crowd.  It was clear that she needed no further assurance.  She simply believed his words.  Jesus watched her go; then turned to us with a full smile.  He playfully knocked Peter on the side of the head.  ‘Send her away?’ he teased.  ‘Peter, how could you be so cold?’  Then, all of us, equally guilty, joined in on reprimanding Peter.  Something about her strength and audacity revitalized all of us.  Well, that and any opportunity to knock Peter down a few pegs.  We never passed on that.”

 

“That foreign woman knew our laws well.  Do you think she intentionally used the Torah against Jesus?  ‘Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.’  Isn’t that the same as letting the dogs eat the crumbs?”  Andrew asked.

 

“Oh, I’m sure she knew exactly what she was saying.  It was not lost on Jesus either.”  John mused.  “She was a very knowledgable woman, but she let her knowledge lead her to Jesus.  So often knowledge seemed to be a stumbling block for people.  I think of the many people Jesus met, she was one of the people he most enjoyed interacting with.”

 

“One who brought joy to Jesus,”  Andrew considered, “That is a worthy way to be remembered.”

 

“That my young friend is worthy goal for every day of your life.”  John added, “And you know one thing that brings joy to Jesus? A good day’s work.”  Maybe you should get back to it.”

 

“I think I understand how Peter felt, having a friend like you.”  Andrew laughed, as he picked up his hammer, and resumed his work.