The Last Shall Be First

Kenny Kemp did a masterful job of intertwining three of Christ's parables into real story lines with real characters that Jeshua (who is Christ) observes. While adding love and emotion into already loved and rich parables, Kenny Kemp captured the spirit of Christ for me. With the obvious themes of love and forgiveness, I enjoyed the example of meekness and humility from Jeshua.

As do other Christians, Latter-day Saints work out to follow the example of our Messiah, but sometimes his perfection can be overwhelming standard to reach. However, seeing Christ in this context, before his ministry, brought a great perspective on what Christ is asking us to do. We live in a competitive world, and our small efforts hardly seem important, but those make all the difference.

I cannot walk on water, but I can work hard. 
Jeshua put all his effort into the door he was making, and it wasn't just physical. He had the insight to have the door swing open to welcome love into the prodigal's son's family home. One door may not seem important in the scheme of things, but Jeshua did his best despite the "menial" nature of it.

I cannot feed 5,000, but I can love those around me.
Jeshua was very aware of those he interacted with. He invites a poor servant boy, Arah, to be his apprentice. Not only sharing skills with him, but love and comfort and truth.

I may not be prestigious in the eyes of other, but I can still be grateful.
One small detail in the story really struck me. Jeshua was not even allowed to enter the yard without permission, but he still was joyous and grateful for something as insignificant as the smell of fresh wood. In fact "he would consider how lucky he was to enjoy the pungent smell of worked wood."* Lucky to smell wood! I think we could all use an attitude adjustment.

The list could go on. It's obvious to me that Kenny Kemp did not believe that Christ's perfection started with his ministry, after these imagined happenings. Kemp is presenting these moments of humility as perfection. And of course, Jesus' humility is seen always in the New Testament, even during his great miracles, but I appreciated this small reminder that Christ isn't asking me to walk on water. My simple baby steps on the hard ground are a great start.




*Kemp, Kenny (2012-11-10). The Welcoming Door (Parables of the Carpenter) (p. 45). Alta Films  Press. Kindle Edition.