Taking Offence

Haiku of confrontation.

He rolled up the scroll.

Here, today, as you hear them,

these words are fulfilled.

He has impressed them.

They speak well of him, amazed

at his gracious words.

This is Joseph’s son,

we watched him grow among us;

done well for himself!

Jesus provokes them

with his stories: No prophet

is welcome at home.

His words offend them;

in anger they drive him out,

threaten to kill him.

The crowd hesitates.

Jesus passes through their midst

and goes on his way.

When I take offence

at Jesus’ words and actions,

Lord, look with mercy.

© Ken Rookes 2022

Getting on with it.

 

Haiku for disciples

There is nothing new.

People still take great offence

at what Jesus says.

The self-styled righteous

can’t believe that such wisdom

can reside in him.

We know his brothers;

he’s just a carpenter’s son.

Look, there’s his mother!

Some pretend to be

followers; ones who listen

but forget to love.

So-called holy hands

are raised high in devotion,

but won’t do love’s work.

He has instructed

the twelve, revealed the kingdom;

now he sends them out.

You won’t need a bag,

don’t take spare clothes, bread, money;

our God will provide.

Go, share my good news.

Some will hear you, some will not.

That’s the way it is.

© Ken Rookes 2021

Won't be who you want

Haiku for causing offence.

They spoke well of him.

impressed by the things he said,

gracious, filled with hope.

Local boy makes good!

We remember Joseph’s son;

yes, he’s one of us!

He can’t let it rest.

I’m not who you think I am,

won’t be who you want.

There are no home town

prophets. Their honour is found

in other places.

Elijah went not

to help Israel’s widows,

but one in Sidon.

Prophet Elisha

cleansed the Syrian leper;

none from Israel.

I’m no longer yours.

Other folk will find more faith,

receive the blessings.

In the synagogue

the people rise up with rage

at the things he said

They would have killed him,

thrown him down from the cliff top,

but they changed their minds.

© Ken Rookes 2019

Home town boy

Haiku for breaking out

Home town Nazareth,

the place where he went to school,

where they watched him grow.

Being the Sabbath

he entered the synagogue

and began to teach.

They were astounded.

Where did this man get all this;

where’s this wisdom from?

He’s the carpenter,

we know his mum and siblings!

And they took offence.

Prophets find honour

everywhere but at home.

He left with sadness.

So he departed,

on to other villages,

teaching God’s good news.

He sends out the twelve,

gives them his authority

for the task at hand.

You won’t need money,

just take a staff, no extras;

sandals are okay.

Enter their houses,

accept hospitality.

Don’t look for better.

So they went on out

called the people to repent;

doing Jesus’ work.

© Ken Rookes 2018