As all who enjoy them know, jigsaws are absorbing. The mental release of completing one can be a joy! This Whirlow blog reflects on the process of jigsaw building in the light of New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life.
Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash
Some jigsaws have intricate details or vast expanses of the same colour; some are ‘tricks’ - the completed puzzle being the reverse of the picture on the box, for example. If you don’t have a picture on the front of the box, your task is a lot more difficult.
Perhaps many of us aspire to a ‘complete jigsaw’ life, in which everything fits, makes sense and is ‘found’. All the pieces are there, our progress with them a timeline on which we can see where we are and where we are going. There is colour, there is work and stimulation, there is completion - and we understand everything.
Life is rarely, if ever, like this.
There are times when we don’t understand what is going on. Decisions are made for us, it feels, and we don’t know why. Things don’t seem to fit. We can but focus on our experience of what is happening and cannot see a wider picture.
Jesus’ disciples, when he was physically present and those who follow his Way today, are often puzzled.
A story from Chapter 9 of the Gospel According to Mark describes the disciples arguing over who will be the greatest.
They have, perhaps, already realised Jesus is someone from whom they have a lot to learn. He seems to have great insight into what is in their hearts and minds. He has turned their world upside down. He answers questions with a question; understands the deeper meaning behind the words - and seems to have a complete picture in his mind that they do not see.
As with an incomplete jigsaw, the finished product of Jesus’ life is not yet in view… but Jesus seems to trust in its existence. At this point in Mark’s text, he knows he will die but will ‘rise’; he anticipates judgement and death. He counts on his heavenly Father’s support.
The disciples want Jesus to tell them who is the greatest. They are focused on themselves. Their puzzling still revolves around their individual perspectives. Jesus reminds them that all are God’s children; all are of equal value. There is no status in the coming kingdom - no ‘greatest’
We are invited to live as if we trust the completed picture. This requires great humility and an understanding we are, ultimately, safe. Like a jigsaw piece, we don’t get to see the completed picture. We have a choice - to live according to fear and uncertainty, competing for wealth, status, greatness. Or to live as if there were a master-puzzler, maybe God, who is fit to judge, support, encourage. Who, in one sense, needs us to complete the picture being painted.
Spend some time reflecting on this. read James’ letter Chapter 4 and verses 1-10 if you find it helpful.