Naked appearances in public — we’ve all had these disconcerting dreams. Psychotherapists and dream interpreters tell us this can indicate something hidden in our true nature needs to come forth and be seen or we are afraid something deep within, of which we feel ashamed, will be exposed.
Most of us, for whatever reason, are reticent to openly reveal our prideful coveting of honor and admiration from others. This is true, especially, in the presence of one whom we look up to and want to favorably impress.
In the gospels, we see James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, who come to him freely requesting the seats of highest honor when he establishes his kingdom on earth. They execute this request, seemingly without shame, before all the other disciples. Putting aside for the moment their brazen audacity, we must conclude that Jesus created an aura of freedom, confidence and utter acceptance among his followers for these two to so openly expose their competitive desire.
Their petition was met with realistic features of what that might, indeed, entail — suffering as well as exaltation — but without a hint of sarcasm, disapproval or rejection of them as earnest, if naïve, disciples. Only a loving and wise mentor could strike such a perfect balance.
Beyond Jesus’ affirming, mature response is the realization that he had just told the disciples that he was going to be betrayed, taken before the chief priests and gentile authorities, abused and mocked, and, finally, killed.
Despite their lack of true comprehension of what he was telling them, even to an emotional moron the weight of his words might have engendered a reflective pause. But they were caught up in competing thoughts of personal glory as they approached Jerusalem, surely the city from which the Messiah would set up his reign. Meanwhile, Jesus, as a full human being, shared with his friends the suffering he knew was to come upon him, longing for their understanding and empathy.
But his vulnerability was met with petty rivalry without a hint of sober realization or support for his upcoming agony.
Jesus shines. When we harbor “delusions of grandeur,” he responds with authentic realism, yet radical assurance of his love toward us — no launch into a judgmental rant on the perversities of pride.
When we yearn for empathy and understanding from family members or close friends, and they respond with only dull awareness of our situation, we see Jesus making no attempt to lure empathy from his disciples. Instead, he grants them the emotional space needed to grow unencumbered according to their unique developmental pace — no manipulation to garner the sympathy of those unable to provide it.
Those naked dreams may be rendered innocuous in the presence of one who calls forth our gifts, in his timing, to be seen and enjoyed in all their actual and potential glory, and offers replete assurance that he can wait to tenderize our insensitivity according to our readiness. “He tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.”
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
