If there had been cars two thousand years ago I wonder what kind of car
Jesus would have driven. Would He have driven an economy hybrid to save His
environment? Probably He would have driven a thirteen-seat van so He could
have taken His disciples with Him. But what about the seventy disciples
mentioned in Luke 10:1? Jesus would need a couple of buses for His
entourage. I think He would have told parables about driving. Highways are
rich with illustrations.
Friday afternoon I was returning home from Boston during rush hour. We were
crawling along stop and go when we got to a place where a right hand land
had to merge. People were being decent and allowing every other car in line.
Like a good guy I waited for the car on my right to merge when the car
behind him rudely pushed in front of me. “Okay,” I thought, “so you got one
car length ahead. No big deal.” A mile or so slowly passed when once again
a right hand lane needed to merge with us. I couldn’t believe it. That
same rude driver refused to allow a car to merge. I’m sure you remember
Jesus’ story of the man who was forgiven a large debt and then accosted
another fellow for owing him.
Perhaps the most difficult place to be a Christian is while driving. It is
easy to be rude when we don’t have to look the person in the eye. I used to
live in a small town where I knew many of the people I passed. I received
much better treatment in my car than on my motorcycle when people didn’t
know who was under the helmet. Surely the story of the Good Samaritan would
not be the only highway story Jesus would have told.
Written by Roger Bothwell on June 30, 2008.
Spring of Life, St. Helena, CA 94574