Matthew 10:31. Jesus has been talking about how sparrows are sold for next to nothing, but they matter to God. Then He says, "So don't worry. You're worth more than a whole bunch of sparrows!" It occurred to me he's making a little joke here, a nice understatement. I can see Him saying it with a little glint in his eye, maybe a touch of a sideways grin, and the disciples laughing and saying to each other, "Well, it's good to know we're worth more than birds!"

Any thoughts?

Making a valid point but doing so with some underlying humor. Sounds reasonable to me. However, the fact that the writer chose to include it, and not to mention that the Spirit of God chose to include it, would tell us it is meant to be much more than merely a joke.

Sparrows are small, prolific, inoffensive, and easily overlooked because of their drabness and despite their large numbers. That means nobody notices them or says, "Hey, look over there -- a sparrow! Wow!" But God looks at drab little me and says, "You're my child and I love you."

Yes! I'm sure the Lord has a great sense of humor... we see it throughout the entire Bible. Sarah lying to the Lord and saying she didn't laugh... her sons name is Isaac which means laughter... Also when he gave the sermon on the mount I think he was very interesting and entertaining. The Bible says in one account the crowd listened to him with delight! He is also making a joke when he tells us we try to get the splinter out of our brothers eye when we have a log in our own.

Yes He is, I agree. I believe He has a great sense of humor in a way that everyone would be happy to hear what He says and together with it is a great lessons we should learn.

My favorite Jesus joke is when the officials ask Peter if Jesus pays the temple tax. Jesus, a little twinkle in his eye, asks Peter, "Do kings collect their taxes from strangers or from their own children?"
Peter says, "I guess from strangers."
Jesus grins and says, "Then the children are exempt."
This little joke sails right over Peter's head.
But I love it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dwashbur

My favorite Jesus joke is when the officials ask Peter if Jesus pays the temple tax. Jesus, a little twinkle in his eye, asks Peter, "Do kings collect their taxes from strangers or from their own children?"
Peter says, "I guess from strangers."
Jesus grins and says, "Then the children are exempt."
This little joke sails right over Peter's head.
But I love it.

---

Sailed right over my head, too, especially since Jesus paid the tax. What am I missing?

Quote:

---

Sailed right over my head, too

---

Well, that would make two of us. I assume Jesus is saying He didn't have to pay the tax since He is God's son, but like you say, He then went on to pay the tax. I never saw the humor in it before now, but it is an interesting take.

Yes, as God's Son, he should have been exempt from the tax. That was the little joke. Except he didn't pay it. Neither did Peter. The joke continues.

Jesus: Just so we don't start a fuss, go fishing.
Peter: Yeah, I'll sell some fish and pay the tax.
Jesus: No, you only need one fish.
Peter: Huh?
Jesus: Just use a hook and catch one fish.
Peter: It better be a really big one if it's going to cover both of us.
Jesus: Nope. Normal size. Look in its mouth.
Peter: Huh?
Jesus: Look in its mouth. You'll find a coin that's enough to pay the tax for us.
Peter: Uh, okay. (Walks away mumbling incoherently)

My conclusion: the coin he found in the fish's mouth fell out of one of the scribes' pocket somewhere along the way.

But that's just me ;)

Huh. You got me on that.