A Parable for the 21^st Century

According to some experts, sometime this summer we should be celebrating the two thousand and eighth anniversary of the birth of a child who was given the name Jesus - the Greek form of Joshua, which means 'the Lord saves' (Life Application Bible, NIV, 1992 p.1633). Even those who are concerned to acknowledge the exact starting point of our current calendar would accept that we should be starting a new millennium after the vernal equinox, in March this year. Thus everyone can at last agree that the twenty first century AD has begun!

This seems to be as good time as any to take stock of where humanity has reached and the potential for the future. Perhaps the kindest way this appreciation can be expressed is in the form that Jesus used to such effect, a parable.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful domain, which was created and governed by a loving ruler. He had a splendid palace surrounded by even lovelier gardens. Inside the palace his children had an excellent nursery, in which all their needs were met. Unfortunately, they began to quarrel about who was entitled to sit where and play with what toy. Their servants suggested that they could end their disputes by going outside and playing together in the garden but the children ignored them.

Eventually they made so much fuss and caused one another so much pain that their eldest brother came to ask them to make peace and join him in exploring the world outside the nursery. A few did take a look outside and came back with tales of splendour but they were mostly ignored and the eldest brother was attacked and the children tried to shut him out of the room.

The idea that there was something worth seeing outside spread. However, it was used as a taunt, for example "if you don't do what I say, you wont be allowed outside to play". The eldest brother and his father, who were in the room but were ignored, wept for the children but still loved them.

This parable has two possible endings. In one, the children destroy the nursery, fall asleep from their exertions and have to be carried out into the garden to recover. In the other, each child comes to recognise for themselves that the game has got out of hand, starts to make peace, helps to tidy up the room and then goes outside with their brother and father to a greater life. Which one of these ending will you choose?

Paul Newman

January, 2001

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