Jesus and Murphy (the non-disciple) are stopped at the Eastern or Golden Gate of Jerusalem. They just walked up the hill and stand looking at the gate. Today this is called the “Mercy Gate.”
Jesus (pointing to a large rock nearby): Murph, take a load off. Let’s rest.
Murphy: Sounds good to me, I have a wine skin, here, want a sip?
Jesus: Sure (sips). What do you think of those Pharisees coming up the hill?
Murphy: Which one?
Jesus (smiling): All of ‘em.
Murphy: Hmmm. Hard to say. I have two ways of lookin’ at things.
Jesus: Tell me about it.
Murphy: If you’re talking about one Pharisee, I’ll withhold my judgment and try to be as gracious as I can. If you’re talking about the whole pack of ‘em. I’m down hard on Phariseeing.
Jesus: What’s the difference?
Murphy: I’ve watched you a bit and you’re hell on institutions and gracious with most individuals.
Jesus (nodding): Hmm. I guess I can see where you’d get that.
Murphy: Yeah, you always shoot straight with the truth, but you always end up inviting folks to follow you — to join up.
Jesus: Murph, I’m glad you made this trip. You catch a lot some of the others miss.
Murphy: I’ve seen clouds from both sides now.
Jesus (smiling again): …yet still somehow, you don’t see clouds at all….
Murphy: That’s probly true. I love plenty of people in groups I hate. I even like people I don’t like. The Chief of the New Faith Tabernacle, Molar Wisenart, is a piece of work, but he takes good care of his family and is a veteran. He has things to answer for, but I can’t say as I hate him.
Jesus: You always surprise me Murphy. I’m not crazy about what’s going on with the Temple, leaders and Judaism in general, but I do love the people. I sometimes wish I was a mother hen and could take Jerusalem under my wing.
Murphy: And what about the Jerusalem Masonic Lodge?
Jesus: Same deal. Did you know Peter was a member of the Lodge in Capernaum?
Murphy: Seriously? There’y'go.
Jesus: Wait until you see a church. It’ll make your head swim for all the inconsistencies.
Murphy: Yeah?
Jesus: Yep. So-called ‘Christians’ will do sooo many stupid things in my name.
Murphy: I wouldn’t join any group that’d have me for a member.
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Tr8: Know the difference between institutions and people. Institutionally, stand with integrity. Personally, love with graciousness.
