Why did our Father throw Jesus?

One Sunday afternoon when our oldest son was about three years old, he asked, “Mama, why did our father throw Jesus?” And that started a brainstorm of grand proportions. I had to think back through Sunday dinner conversation, the sermon, the prayers. “What do you mean, Trenton?” I asked. “Like Cully sang at church today,” he answered. I had to sift through the songs we had sung.

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

“Oh!” I said, “O come to the FATHER THROUGH JESUS the Son.” I found it!
“Yes,” he said.

Naomi Shihab Nye has written a found poem of all the things that her son has said to her. It is called “One Boy Told Me.” Here is what one boy or the other has told me:

If you are not invisible, are you outvisible?
Why did our Father throw Jesus?
You are the lovedest.
October: Do you think Nana has made those Christmas cookies yet?
Love you infinity!
I am your puppy.
We were just playing firemen.
If the suburban goes, I go too.

…and just today from my sixteen year old
who is in my sophomore English class:
I’m glad you are here
and then…
Way to go John Steinbeck, Way to put a black mark on all mankind.
(My thoughts exactly…)

Advertisement