The Humour of Jesus

“The Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful.”

A. W. Tozer

While the gospel undeniably addresses matters of life and death, it’s important to remember that seriousness need not always equate to sternness. Indeed, Jesus Christ himself often employed playfulness and humour to engage and teach. His approach demonstrates that conveying deep, spiritual truths can be enlightening and accessible. This chapter explores how Jesus’ light-hearted moments reveal a profound understanding of human nature and the importance of joy in the spiritual journey. His playful interactions invite us to listen more openly and connect more deeply with the gospel’s message.

Playfulness: A Healthy Sense of Humour

It’s a message of good news: the word “gospel” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “godspell”, which means “good news”. The original word comes from the Greek euangelion, which also means “good news”.  Thus, news that makes you happy!! 

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” (Is. 52:7)

Since Jesus did not sin and was holy, He is portrayed as serious in most movies. The main reason, most likely, why people focus on the serious part of the Gospel and the Bible is that we cannot see Jesus’s facial expressions in the Bible. There are no emoticons. Some comedians almost only use facial expressions to make a very serious accusation to the heart, and people laugh at it.

In contrast, add a few very serious and angry preachers to the package at church meetings where one is not allowed to cough, sneeze, or laugh, and we have a very distant, untouchable Jesus floating on the ground. However, that is by no means the truth. Can you imagine a masterful storyteller who does not use humour?

One of my favorite authors, John Eldredge, describes Jesus from the perspective of nature, testifying to Him in his book Beautiful Outlaw.

“I was sitting out back yesterday morning sipping coffee, watching the young chipmunks chase one another at breakneck speeds across the deck. One clever daredevil, hoping to get the advantage, jumped up on the fence rail and continued the chase from above, leaping at the last moment upon his littermate like a Hollywood stuntman. 

This morning one of them adopted a new strategy. The little rascal found an ambush spot, clinging from the side of the house, where he waited for his playmate to wander by unawares; he then pounced, and the two somersaulted off the deck and into the grass, squealing. Only to dash off and do it again. And again. 

Now—what does this tell us about the personality of Jesus, who created these little dynamos with striped masks and boundless enthusiasm? What do they say about his heart? Polar-bear cubs will hurl themselves down snowy hillsides headfirst and upside down, just for fun. Spinner dolphins love to romp in the bow-wake of a boat, cavorting, leaping into the air and, well, spinning. Otters play tag. Our horses play tug-of-war with a stick—which is really quite funny when you think of how nobly a horse normally likes to carry himself.”^[1]

Creation is full of things that makes one laugh! Playfulness: Just watch the funny things that animals do in nature on Youtube. Dogs play with each other, squirrels play hide-and-seek and chase each other, and dolphins play in the waves. If everything was made in and through Christ, then playfulness is a significant feature of Christ (John 1:3, 10; Col. 1:16; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:2-3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rom. 11:3).

The most beautiful aspect of a healthy relationship is playfulness, a sense of humour, and the ability to laugh at each other and with one another. Laughter and fun in any relationship is like fresh air.

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Eccl. 3:4)

“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”  (Prov. 15:13)

“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” (Prov. 15:15)

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Prov. 17:22)

The well-known KIPP schools achieve success with children by, among other things, developing the children’s joy in life. Happy, contented children learn more easily. They dream of having 100% of all learners qualify for matric exemption.

Scientists have researched the effects of laughter on humans and found that laughter, among other things, has a significant and immediate effect on almost every important organ in the human body. Laughter reduces stress allowing the major organs’ tissues to relax. It is claimed that laughter, even when forced, benefits us mentally and physically. “The next time you are nervous and anxious, make sure you have a good laugh.” —Executives’ Digest.

Famous Preachers and Reformers Use Humour

Martin Luther used humour in his work and life to support his biblical testimony, to make fun of people in positions of authority, and to mock death and the devil. In Christ, everything is turned upside down. “When we have to cry about our sin, we laugh,” Luther preached later in his life. “When we have to laugh because we rejoice in Christ who died so that we may live forever, we weep.”

It was said of Spurgeon, the prince of preachers: “… brightened by eyes overflowing with humour and softened by a most gracious and sympathetic smile” (Fullerton, C.H., Spurgeon: A Biography, p. 188).

“A light heart can bear heavy burdens” (The Salt Cellars 1:22)

George Mueller would not preach until his heart was happy in the grace of God.

Ian Ruybroeck would not have written if he had been depressed. He would go to a quiet place and wait on God until he could feel the Spirit of inspiration. 

It is well known that the spontaneity of a group of Moravians convinced John Wesley of the reality of their religion, and this led him to true conversion a short time later. 

G.K. Chesterton said joy is the giant secret of the Christian. According to him, humour is part of a heart full of joy.

C.S. Lewis said the purest laughter on earth resides in the kingdom of joy.

Humour Is A Sign Of Effective Communication

The most famous speakers use humour not only to disarm people with their message but also so that people will remember the message. It’s our emotions that make us remember.

Exploring the humor in Jesus’ teachings through the lens of a professional comedian offers a refreshing perspective on familiar biblical narratives. Jesus adeptly used humor to engage his audience, not unlike the way modern comedians use satire to reflect on societal norms. Let’s delve deeper into this comparison, enhancing the clarity and conversational style along the way.

Jesus often employed vivid picture associations that not only made his messages memorable but also injected a playful humor into serious teachings. For instance, when he called his disciples “fishers of men”(Matthew 4:19), the image served both as a metaphor and a clever play on their actual professions—turning an ordinary concept into something profound and memorable. It’s similar to how a comedian might twist everyday situations into amusing anecdotes.

Moreover, Jesus’ use of hyperbolic images, such as labelling the hypocritical religious leaders as “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27), mirrors how comedians daringly poke fun at public figures. This bold imagery humorously highlighted the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, much like a comedian’s roasting session during a stand-up routine.

Consider also the story where Jesus uses a pun to make a profound point—telling the Pharisees, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21), while discussing the image on a coin. This clever twist in the narrative serves both as a theological lesson and a moment of light-hearted relief, akin to the unexpected punchlines in comedy.  

“When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him.” (Mark 12:14-17).  See the playful smile on Jesus’ face as He asks them this question.

Jesus’ storytelling could also resemble a comedian’s build-up to a punchline. Take the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:18-20), who plans to build larger barns for his surplus only to be called a fool by God for not considering his mortal fate. The sudden shift from worldly success to divine reckoning could easily be seen as a form of dramatic irony, much like the twist in a joke that leads to an eruption of laughter.

Additionally, Jesus’ use of humorous nicknames and characterizations added a personal touch to his interactions, much like a comedian’s relatable sketches. Calling the tempestuous brothers, James and John, “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), or referring to Peter, known for his emotional responses, as a “rock”(Matthew 16:18), brings a lightness and an enduring charm to these relationships, showing Jesus’ playful side.

Jesus’ interaction with his disciples after his resurrection, asking them casually if they had caught any fish (John 21:5), illustrates a moment of tender humour. It reflects a comforting, humane approach, echoing the warmth found in the familiar banter of a beloved comedian who connects with his audience on a personal level.

In weaving humour into his teachings, Jesus was not just making people laugh; he was making his messages stick, using humour to break down barriers and open hearts, much like a skilled comedian crafts jokes to not only entertain but also to make us think.

See the humor and truth in everyday events: 

The image of blind leaders leading the blind, is an ironic image of truth. 

“Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” (Matt. 15:14)

Jesus uses a bit of a shocking technique to capture the image. 

“If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?” (Luke 11:11-12) 

Who would do such a thing? It’s unthinkable!

Hyperbole or exaggerated absurd comparisons: Listeners who regularly worked with materials and leather sheets would smile, shake their heads and say to themselves, “Who is so stupid? Nobody does that”.

“And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:19-25)

This is the secret of good speakers: Through a well-known association, they form a bond with the audience.  This picture would long remain in people’s minds: Take this funny example: 

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) 

It’s an extreme hyperbole. The largest riding animal, through the smallest man-made opening. Impossible!  Just thinking of this image makes you shake your head in laughter, who would think of such a thing. 

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matt. 7:6)

Try to physically stage or film this picture – it’s the highest form of stupidity, foolishness, madness. Again a hilarious, exaggerated play of the folly of people’s deeds.

“Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (Matt. 5:15)

Try to do it physically. Place a flashlight under a bucket or under the bed. It’s madness, the light shines through!

The best example of a parabola is: 

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (Matt. 7:3) 

Quickly form this picture in your mind: Someone is trying to remove the splinter in someone’s eye with a fine pair of pliers while a huge wooden beam pierces through his own eye.

Jesus’ example of not building your house on the beach would also have been funny at that point in time. Even the poorest person knows this (Matt. 7:24-27)! Jesus again alludes to the foolish stubbornness of the people not to follow good reason.

Jesus’ remark about the Greek woman who came from Syro-Phoenicia should also be read with a cheerful smile on Jesus’ face rather than a negative, religious outcry, as you would expect from the Pharisees. 

“For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.” (Mark 7:25-26)

Her condescending response points to the human connection made here between strangers: 

“Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matt. 15:28)

However, Jesus Is Not Frivolous

“…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Eph. 5:4)

The difference is that someone who is frivolous has no character depth and tries to hide it through a form of focus misplacement. Like magicians who distract you so they can perform the trick with the other hand. Jesus is honest, sincere and without pretence. 

He says things the way they are: 

“And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem” (Luke 13:32-33).

It’s again a brilliant, but this time negative, characterization of Herod. Fox in this case indicates Herod’s cunningness and impurity. Jesus declares that He is in control and that only He will determine His own end.

What Joy Is and What It Is Not

Not Sarcasm or Derision: Joy should not be confused with the laughter that comes at the expense of others. True joy uplifts rather than undermines; it heals rather than hurts.

Not Frivolity: While joy can include moments of light-heartedness, it does not trivialize what is sacred or serious. Joy respects the gravity of holy and significant matters, treating them with the reverence they deserve.

Not Denial of Reality: Joy is not about ignoring the harsh truths of life or wishing away problems. It involves facing reality with hope and courage, not a blind or arrogant dismissal of life’s challenges.

Not Avoidance of Action: Embracing joy does not mean neglecting responsibilities or avoiding difficult tasks. On the contrary, joy empowers one to engage with life’s complexities with a hopeful and proactive attitude.

In summary, joy is a robust, serene, and uplifting quality that enhances life’s experience, providing strength and comfort even in challenging times. It is reflective, deep, and meaningful, offering not just a smile for today but a hope for tomorrow. True joy, therefore, is a vital element in leading a fulfilling, balanced, and spiritually enriched life.

The Power of a Cheerful Heart

The Lord does not want us to serve Him as slaves without joy.

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything…” (Deut. 28:47) 

Therefore, there were seven FEASTS on the Jewish calendar. God wants us to be able to celebrate (Ezra 6:22)!

Jesus was such a cheerful, joyful man: 

• Luke 10:21: “Rejoiced in spirit” (agalliō) – to leap. To rejoice, to jump from joy, to show your joy by jumping and leaping, to show exuberant or ecstatic joy and pleasure.
• He understood the power of joy in the Spirit and it gave Him the power to endure His suffering (Heb. 12:2). 
• He lived from an intimate relationship with the Father, knowing that the Father answered His prayers (John 11:41-42).
• He received favor from the Father (Matt. 3:17).
• The Father glorified Him (John 8:54). 
• His relationship with the Father, and obedience to the Father, was the source of His joy. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). Note the emphasis in this verse. His joy gives us strength. As a husband gains strength when his wife is happy, we gain strength when we know our life pleases the Lord. 

Although Jesus was a man who knew suffering and pain, He still lived with joy. Sinners are drawn to Him and remember, they are not exactly known for seeking out the serious, consecrated, most pious people! 

“Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him.” (Mark 2:15)

A beautiful example of the power of a positive outlook on life and the power of joy we find in the film, Life is Beautiful. Rick Lawrence explains it beautifully in his book, Shrewd.^[2]

Pain is a predator and we all have experienced all its bites – some have been eaten alive by it. But laughter shows defiance for a corrupt world and declares: “It cannot destroy me!” This is the message proclaimed at the end of the 1997 Oscar winner, Life Is Beautiful. In the film, a Jewish-Italian man, Guido (played by writer / director / actor Roberto Benigni), uses laughter to help his four-year-old son survive in a Nazi concentration camp. He convinces his son that the camp is just an exaggerated game, and that the boy will win a real tank if he is the first child to collect a thousand points. Guido explains that he will lose points if he cries, complains about his mother being away, or begs for food. Despite his dire and horrific circumstances, the boy believes his father’s version of reality – the murder factory becomes his playground. In the end, when the American liberators approach the camp, Guido is caught trying to find his wife, and the Nazi guards lead him away to be shot. He sees his son watching them as he is led away, so he imitates and makes jokes behind the guard’s back to the great amusement of his son. The father is killed, but the boy and his mother survive. Later, when he is old enough to understand what happened, he realizes that his father’s fine sense of humour saved his life.

How Do We Receive And Live In This Joy?

• Our connection with Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit:

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:11-12)

Our connection with Jesus gives us eternal joy. As a vineyard is grafted into the tree and receives its life from the tree, so we live in Christ. But we cannot be grafted into the tree without being automatically grafted into each other as well. Compare Colossians 1:27 in the Old Translation and the New Translation: Christ IN and UNDER us.

• Our connection to one another in His body – Todd Adkins says on his Twitter page: 

“No man can follow Jesus alone.” True apostolic leaders like John’s presence filled the hearts of his friends and fellow believers with joy. (2 John 1:12) 

John’s first letter echoes Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21: 

“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”    “…that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”  (1 John 1:3-4)

John Piper follows the same line of thinking when he explains that discipleship is actually a corporate and group event, because you become part of the “Jesus” group.

• His tangible presence and glory – through our relationship and intimacy with the Father, we retain joy.

Jesus is joy! His presence is pure joy and filled with ecstasy! Ecstasy = rapture. Shekhinah – “that which dwells”; the splendor, glory, or presence of God that dwells among His people is used by the Targoemis and rabbi to reveal God Himself because legalistic Judaism does not like to attribute form or emotion to divinity. It refers to times when God revealed Himself visibly, such as on Mount Sinai (Ex. 24:9-18) and in the Most Holy of the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple. This term does not appear in the Bible. It was later used by Jews and Christians borrowed it from them to express the visible majesty of the divine Presence, especially when He rested or stood still between the cherubim on the mercy seat in the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple.

• The Shekinah is the closest Jewish equivalent to the Holy Spirit. Early Christian ecstasy: 

The early church had an element of ecstatic prophecy. John describes his ecstatic experience as follows: 

“I was in the Spirit on the day of the Lord.” (Rev. 1:10)

This incident and also others he describes involve an out-of-body experience during which John saw visions of the heavenly realm, and received commands and revelations from God and / or the glorified Christ. Peter (Acts 11: 5) and Paul (2 Cor. 12: 1-7) had similar ecstatic experiences.

Eph 5:18: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” 

• Full of joy, filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52; compare Acts 2:2 – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit).

Eugene Peterson says the Hebrew stem of the word for “prosperity” should rather be translated as “leisure” – the relaxed attitude of someone who knows everything is right because God is over us, is with us and is for us in Jesus Christ. 

“as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Cor. 6:10)

• Fruit of His character permanently in us – joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit. And the fruit is singular. 

The primary fruit is love! The other eight fruits are a maturity of love. Compare 1 Cor. 13:3-4: Love is patient, kind, and so on. Joy, cheerfulness is an inherent quality of love. There are mainly two primary emotions we experience as human beings – either love or fear. Anger, revenge and hate is the highest emotion of fear. Euphoric, sparkling, jubilant joy is the highest emotion of love! To be reconciled to God, and to be right with Him, brings peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:17).

Joy-Thieves

This oneness with Him and with one another is only possible if one’s heart is completely free from offense (resentment). Afrikaners struggle with this word. The dictionary translates offense as follows: take offense, resentful, offended, feel insulted, disturbed, touchy, hurt. Luke 17: 1-5 teaches us the steps to follow if someone comes too close to us. The more you follow these steps, the stronger you become and the less you feel overwhelmed.

• Joy And Gladness Is A Spiritual Weapon.
• Joy gives us power during persecution. 

“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” (2 Cor. 7:4)

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” (Rom. 15:13-14)

• Joy strengthens your faith. Hope and joy are partners. Joy is the keeper and bearer of hope. Joyful anticipation of hope. Joy keeps you in the atmosphere of faith, hope and the supernatural!
• Joy makes us better witnesses of Jesus’ life. His narration of parables and clever humor disarmed His listeners to listen with a fresh ear and an open heart. A lively, upbeat and joyful teacher will not struggle to get his or her children’s attention.
• Inner joy and happiness are an antidote to addiction. Someone who experiences inner joy is not going to try to chemically supplement or get it. You are full!

Feasting In Christ Jesus

Who does not like a party? Party tables, full of delicious treats. Music and dance! Laugh and chat! Watching the most beautiful sunset with your best friends – a holy feast! The well-known Northern Irish Rend Collective praise group has created a hit album in the art of celebration: It was number-one in the genre, Christian album, and deals with the lost art of still being able to celebrate in the most difficult of circumstances.

Jesus’ message is an invitation to a feast! In fact, He is the summary of all the Old Testament feasts. 

“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” (Col. 2:16-17)

Jesus invites everybody to the celebration! 

“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.” (Luke 14:13)

“Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke14:23)

Jesus loved to go to celebrations even before His ministry began. The wedding in Cana (John 2). 

“Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.” (Luke 5:29)

The first church was known for their agapé love-meals. And of course the abusers (Jude 1:12; 1 Cor. 11:17-31), when people only think of themselves and do not recognize the need of people around them. Of course, Jesus also created two spontaneous feasts by multiplying the loaves – the 5,000 (Matt. 14:16) and the 4,000 (Matt. 15:27).

Our heavenly reunion is going to be a wonderful feast (Heb. 12:22; 2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 3:20; 19:17). The gatherings of believers should not only be solemn but holy feasts of refreshment in the Holy Spirit. 

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:18-19)

Only a life on a journey with Jesus can bring about this festivity! Jesus is a joy-feast!

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^[1] Eldredge, J. (2013). Beautiful outlaw. New York: FaithWords.

^[2] Lawrence, R. (n.d.). Shrewd.