# Benjamin the Scribe explained — Jesus the Son of Man

> Chapter companion for Jesus the Son of Man by Kahlil Gibran.

## What happens

Benjamin the Scribe reflects on Jesus, portraying Him as a figure above political and racial divisions, who laughed from a spiritual height and wept for humanity. Benjamin, though not a disciple, was drawn to Jesus's face and message, seeing in Him the beginning of a new spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly powers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spiritual vs. Political Kingdom

Benjamin emphasizes that Jesus's kingdom is spiritual, not political, and that He is greater than state, race, or revolution.

### Humanity and Divinity of Jesus

Jesus is depicted as both weeping human tears and having a divine vision, being the son of all kings who built the kingdom of the spirit.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus

Portrayed as a spiritual figure above state and race, who wept and smiled for humanity, and founded a new kingdom of the spirit.

### Benjamin

The scribe narrator, not a disciple but one who followed to gaze upon Jesus's face and testify to His transcendence.

## Key lines

> The birds of the air and the mountaintops are not mindful of the serpents in their dark holes. Let the dead bury their dead. Be you yourself among the living, and soar high.

Do not dwell on earthly dangers or the past; rise above them and live fully in the present.

_Jesus's teaching as recalled by Benjamin, urging transcendence over worldly concerns._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jesus_the_son_of_man_se/chapters/benjamin-the-scribe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jesus_the_son_of_man_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jesus_the_son_of_man_se/chapters