Jesus the Son of Man · Chapter
A Man from Lebanon explained
A poetic monologue from a man in Lebanon, nineteen centuries after Jesus' time, reflecting on Jesus' enduring presence and the ways humanity has both honored and misunderstood him.
What happens
A poetic monologue from a man in Lebanon, nineteen centuries after Jesus' time, reflecting on Jesus' enduring presence and the ways humanity has both honored and misunderstood him. The speaker recounts how Jesus' name has been used in prayer and argument, how his mother and followers remain archetypes in the world, and how even his adversaries persist. The poem laments that while temples and crosses have been built, people have not truly embraced Jesus' joy or his radical way of living, instead seeking comfort in a domesticated version of him. The speaker calls Jesus the 'Master of infinite compassion' and notes that his true followers, the 'silent brothers,' live his life but suffer unnoticed, not crucified in the great way. The chapter ends with a blessing on Jesus and a plea for forgiveness.
Themes in this chapter
Humanity and Divinity of Jesus
The poem explores the tension between Jesus as a man—'a man half-naked with your road-fellows'—and as a divine figure, 'a God too much man to call forth adoration.'
Misunderstanding and Betrayal
The speaker laments that people honor a man unknown to them, building temples but not embracing Jesus' true joy, and that even his followers like Peter deny him.
Suffering and Sacrifice
The poem highlights the unnoticed suffering of Jesus' true followers, who are 'crucified every day, but only in little ways,' and the pain of those who are not crucified with the great crucifixion.
Characters to notice
- Jesus
The central figure, addressed as 'Master' and 'Poet,' whose life and teachings are reflected upon across centuries.
- Mary
Mentioned as still present in the world, her face seen in all mothers, her hands rocking cradles and folding shrouds.
- Mary Magdalene
Described as still in the midst of humanity, having drunk the vinegar of life and then its wine.
- Judas of Iscariot
Portrayed as the 'man of pain and small ambitions' who still walks the earth, preying upon himself and seeking his larger self in self-destruction.
- Simon Peter
The impetuous one who denied Jesus to live longer for him, yet would be crucified for his purpose, deeming himself unworthy of the honor.
- Caiaphas
Mentioned alongside Annas as still living their day, judging the guilty and innocent while sleeping on feathered beds.
Key passages
“Your mother is with us; I have beheld the sheen of her face in the countenance of all mothers; Her hand rocks cradles with gentleness, Her hand folds shrouds with tenderness.”
Your mother remains present in the world; I see her radiance in every mother's face, her gentle hand rocking cradles and her tender hand folding burial shrouds.
The speaker emphasizes the enduring maternal presence of Mary, symbolizing comfort and sorrow.
“And Judas, the man of pain and small ambitions, He too walks the earth; Even now he preys upon himself when his hunger find naught else, And seeks his larger self in self-destruction.”
Judas, the man of suffering and petty goals, still lives; when he finds nothing else to feed on, he torments himself, seeking a greater version of himself through self-destruction.
The speaker reflects on Judas's ongoing inner turmoil and his search for meaning.
“They have builded temples to house your name, And upon every height they have raised your cross, A sign and a symbol to guide their wayward feet, But not unto your joy.”
They have built temples to honor your name and raised crosses on every hill as a guide for their wandering steps, but these do not lead to your joy.
The speaker criticizes the external symbols of faith that miss the essence of Jesus' message.
