. . . a healthy human psyche is characterized by a good sense of humor, too and we find also this in the personality of Jesus as the gospels present him. The humor of Jesus is subtle and manifests a great gift of wit and irony, precise timing and play of words, aimed to heal and convert the listener. - Step by Step Retreats, Step 15: Baptism and Temptation of Jesus - Three Degrees of the Love of God, Orientation and introduction
Humor as a tool of spiritual growth. What a concept! I wonder who came up with it?
I have actually long considered certain passages in which I could picture Jesus chuckling as he underscored a message, or thought he might have been needling his disciples a bit where others read a tone of chastisement. I think that considering this possible aspect of Jesus' personality leaves us with better insight into both his humanity and his divinity. There are places where it obviously wasn't on display, such as when he cleared the money changers out of the temple.
But even in the accounts of his temptation following his baptism there could be elements of humor in his responses, as if he can't quite believe that the devil would trying this or that particular tactic against him. (I'm pretty sure we're headed to one of these passages later in this step, so I'll leave further discussion for when we move into that text, after I devote another session or two to this introduction.)
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