And it came to pass, in the storytelling of Stravinsk...
Stravinsk found himself in a South American country. Perhaps Mexico, perhaps Bolivia. It really doesn't matter. What mattered is that in this place a certain name was very common.
That name, of course, was "Jesus". Although in these parts of the world they pronounced it "HeyZeus". Still, it mattered not. The title was given to children often out of religious conviction, to honor the Savior, or perhaps the child by association with the name of the Savior as they knew it. North Americans and Europeans said "G - sus", Messianics and others who knew the proper name said "Yeshua" or "Yehushua", but still - it referred to the same person.
"Jesus" - the name above all names, so said St Paul. The name by which we are saved.
So in his travels, Stravinsk did happen to meet a Jesus - a middle aged Mexican man who laid brick. Naturally, hearing that the name meant everything, he asked him:
"Jesus - is that you?? The Savior of the world?? Teach me, my master!"
But Jesus Edguardia replied "Nay. My first name is Jesus, but I am not who you mean. My name is an honorary title only. I have no special wisdom or insight to give you - that is - unless you want to learn how to lay brick"
Stravinsk was dumbfounded. "But - how...er...your name is JESUS...how can you not be....??"
The bricklayer replied: "As I said, that was the name given to me by my parents, but I am not the person who saves the world"
Stravinsk pondered this. It seemed that it was more than just a name, it must have meaning beyond the name, only. It must mean the teachings associated with the name - the teachings of this Jesus person, His life and ministry, not just his name or title. This became clear to Stravinsk as he considered the case of the bricklayer, who did not seem to have any special insight or wisdom to share.
Now came a certain problem. How was Stravinsk to determine the real Jesus from someone only named Jesus? Indeed, this was a problem. Fortunately, in the Bible and in the sayings of Jesus as recorded by disciples, and in the Torah, there are some trustworthy tests. Not everyone who says "I am He" can be, even if he directly infers it or claims to speak for Him.
In light of a current discussion I am having, and to show I mean no sacrilege by posting the following song:
