The Poor Man and the Rabbi

Ahh, Springtime. It’s a time for lighter clothing, lighter meals, lighter workloads (for some) and even a lighter Pastor’s message. Here goes . . .

A poor man came to his Rabbi and complained that he was living in one room with his wife and four children and the congestion was impossible to bear any longer.

“Do you have a goat?” asked the Rabbi.

“Yes”

“Take it into the room.”

“What”

“Do as I say.”

A week later he hurried to the Rabbi, sputtering, “I did what you asked. I took the goat in, and things are even worse than before! Rabbi, what shall I do?”

“Do you have any chickens?” asked the Rabbi.

“Yes, three.”

“Bring them into your house.”

“Rabbi!”

“Do as I say.”

So the poor man brought the three chickens into the house and a week later he returned to the Rabbi, wringing his hands.

“Do you have an ox?” asked the Rabbi.

“Yes, one.”

“Bring it into your house.”

“Rabbi!”

“Just do as I say.”

“It’s terrible! I can’t stand it anymore!”

“Put out the goat.” said the Rabbi.

The poor man did as he was instructed and came back. “It’s a little better, Rabbi, but the three chickens and an ox in a room with six people!”

“Throw out the chickens.” said the Rabbi.

The poor man did as he was instructed and came back. “It’s a little better still, Rabbi, but an ox in the house . . .”

“Throw out the ox.” said the Rabbi.

The poor man did as he was told and returned and stood before the Rabbi, overjoyed, “Rabbi, there’s no one as wise as you! My house is now a paradise!”

Springtime might be a great time to get a better perspective on our own situations. Let’s learn from the one who is called Rabboni.*

Don’t get your house too cluttered in the meantime.

*Mary Magdalene’s response to Jesus at the tomb - John 20:16