Jesus was a rabbi, schooled by rabbis, who thought like rabbis. Rabbis, upon being asked a question by a disciple, usually answer with a paradoxical inquiry or a story. This can be annoying and time-consuming for those of us looking for neat, simple answers. But truth is too wild and complex to be contained in one answer, so Jesus often responded with a question or a parable.
Jesus, as a rabbi, was deeply rooted in the tradition of his time, learning from other rabbis and embodying their method of teaching. When approached by his disciples with questions, he often replied not with straightforward answers but with questions or stories that provoke deeper thought. This approach, though sometimes frustrating for those seeking clarity, reflects the intricate nature of truth, which cannot easily be summarized.
As depicted in Anne Lamott's book "Almost Everything: Notes on Hope," Jesus's tendency to respond with parables or paradoxical inquiries highlights his understanding that truth is multifaceted and complex. His teaching style encourages contemplation and exploration rather than simplistic conclusions, reminding us that real understanding often requires wrestling with challenging ideas.
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