There is a bit of an interesting cycle in the preacher world that is perhaps not unique but nonetheless real. It goes like this:
The preacher wants to be a comic because there is something the preforming comedy that allows you to speak truth to power with a joke and a nod.
The comic wants to be a musician because they get the crowds and music has a broader reach to get their message out.
The musician wants to be a social activist because social work can transform peoples lives.
The social activist wants to be able to inspire people’s hearts and not just their hands and thus gives speeches to crowds - looking a lot like a preacher.
Photo by Eduardo Sánchez on Unsplash
And the cycle is complete.
As I read the four gospels, I see this cycle at play. Luke is the social activist who desires to raise our awareness of the margins. Matthew is the preacher who builds the whole gospel on five sermons of Jesus. Mark is the comic being able to speak truth to power with a little joke (“Don’t tell anyone I am the messiah” - Jesus). John is among the most poetic and even dare I say, musical gospels we have.