The Bible warns us of the power unleashed in the act of making. So powerful that the New Testament suggests we mortals use extreme caution, with a few exceptions. Like making bread to break together.
The act of making leads to life
Making is big in the Hebrew Bible. Of the simple acts most mentioned, it appears to have special status. And why not? It is one of God’s first actions in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible, Genesis. The act of making leads to life.
In fact, look at the stories about making in the life of Jesus and you will find simple truths. Here is what I found.
Don’t assume you have it right
In the only instance in the gospels where God speaks directly to the disciples, Peter speaks up.
And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:4 English Standard Version (ESV)
Whoa. God doesn’t even let him finish! From a cloud God interrupts, saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him.”
Then the disciples (Peter, James and John) fall on their faces in fear and Jesus comes closer. He touches them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” That’s the end of Peter’s grand plans. Indeed, they are never mentioned again.
There is another gospel story where we humans get our making wrong.
Then he [Jesus] entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there, and he said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” Luke 19:45 – 46
This is a well known story where we usually focus on Jesus and his anger. It is out of character we like to say. Still, there is more for us to consider here. After all, it is our act of making that this rare display of Jesus’ anger is a response to.
We have trouble getting it right on our own. But now, what about Jesus?
Who’s right about what Jesus makes?
Now this is where it gets really interesting. Because what Jesus makes depends on who you are talking to.
If you ask the people following him, then he makes water into wine, makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. He makes people whole. He is also reported to have made mud. More on that later.
However, if you ask the authorities, Jesus made himself the Son of God, equal to God, and a king. And if you ask Jesus, the only act of making he says he does is to make fishers of men.
Just by focusing on the actions of the Bible, us simple folk can see the simple truths. Jesus’ actions are powerful because people saw him bringing life through his acts of making.
The authorities saw Jesus as a threat. So they accuse him of making himself a person of political power and therefore to be feared. In fact, it is this accusation that leads to his murder.
And Jesus? He hid himself when people wanted to make him a king. In his parables and his teachings, he turned to God as the maker.
The Bible, humanity and the simple act of making
The gospels seem to be telling us that making each other comfortable and fed is the power in making we get right.
Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. John 18:18
This is why I love following the action words in the Bible. Otherwise I would totally have missed this wonderful story about keeping people warm. Not surprising, it is the slaves, the lowest rung of Roman society and the police, the agent of Jesus’ arrest, who make the fire. But what is surprising is the generosity of the Bible in telling this story.
Bible stories raise up the lowly and despised. Of course in other places in the Bible this simple truth is spelled out. But here, a master storyteller gently puts it into time and space. It happens then and now if we take time to see.
And then there is the making of a supper.
And Levi made him a great feast in his own house. Luke 5:29 King James Version (KJV)
In this simple act of humanity, Jesus comes to the table. In fact, Jesus himself is often the one suggesting a good meal. This is the act of making where mortals can throw caution to the wind, joyfully unleashing the power of life.
I don’t believe the Bible is saying we limit ourselves to this talent for making life through nourishment and care. But I think it does say that when we go beyond that simple, lovely, powerful making, we must use caution. Turning first towards truth. And then being humble and giving credit where credit is due.
The act of making mud in the Bible
For me, the best story about making is about making mud.
But they kept asking him [the beggar born blind], “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” John 9:10 – 11
Notably, leading up to this healing Jesus’ disciples were questioning him about the source of this beggar’s blindness. So here is what I think. Jesus, hearing their doubts about God’s making a good world, made mud. Much like God taking the dust of the ground to form the first human.
Jesus makes the mud, spreads it on the man’s eyes and after washing in the river, the man sees for the first time. Because of this action, the disciples also see that the true power of making comes from beyond humanity.
Journeys worth taking have caution signs
To be sure, I’m just dropping crumbs here. I’m hoping to inspire you to take your own look at the powerful act of making in the Bible. Its dangers and its joys. And of course my mantra: Gather friends of varying world views to tell your thoughts and to hear their’s.
But be warned. If done truthfully this will not be an easy conversation. So don’t forget your super power and make bread to break together.
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