Word for Word Bible Comic

No clever title this time. I just want to get right into it. I can’t remember how I found it, but I discovered the Word for Word Bible Comics on Amazon and my local library had copies. I’ve been reading my way through The Gospel of Luke. The concept is that they illustrate a book of the Bible and every text is directly from the NIV. So when you read one of the graphic novels, you are actually reading a book of the Bible.

At the back of the graphic novel, they have a number of articles on the book which, together, make a bit of a mini-commentary.

It has been a very rich and rewarding spiritual experience for me to read through Luke. I can’t tell you how many elements of the gospel story I have either seen in a new light, or remembered why it caught my attention in the first place.

Consider these pictures from what may be one of my favorite stories in any of the gospels Luke 7:36-50. The below is from verses 41-42.

While Jesus is telling the parable to Simon the Pharisee, the artist illustrates the story. It is one cell and from the perspective of the moneylender. Notice the detail of what word the moneylender is writing over the ledger: tetelestai. This Greek word shows up in John 19:30 when Jesus proclaims, “It is finished” right before expiring on the cross.

In the context of Jesus’ life and times, the word tetelestai is used in commercial situations. From archeological digs, we have receipts with the word tetelestai written on them which means the bill has been paid in full.

The word means something much more significant than a commercial transaction for Christians: it is a reminder that the debt of all of our sins has been paid for by the death of Jesus. This small detail by the artist really enriches the moment of the Gospel.

The graphic novel is filled with moments like this. I really recommend checking out these adaptations.

The challenge of saying no

It is hard to say no to people. For most of my professional life, I’ve had a job where telling someone no is a regular part of my responsibilities. After years of doing it, sometimes multiple times daily, it never got easier.

I was thinking about this while reading Matthew 15:21-28: And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

As I was reading this I was struck by the thought that it seems like Jesus is trying to talk himself out of helping this woman. He won’t answer her. When his disciples beg him to send her away, he assures them he is only there for Israel. But he doesn’t leave and he doesn’t send her away. Why not? Instead, he lets her keep talking and he continues to listen to her. Finally, he begins to speak with her and it isn’t long before he not only gives in; he praises her faith.

It seems like Jesus wants to tell her no–but he can’t. He can’t say no.