KJV and NKJV Scripture
– Neither filthiness, neither foolish talking, neither jesting – which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks. – Ephesians 5:4
– Jest not with the two-edged sword of God’s Word. – Thomas Fuller
Our word “jester” is derived from the Anglo-Latin “gestour” – meaning “minstrel.” In medieval times, kings and noblemen often needed a person who could minister to the spirits of their people through the use of humor. So, most of them had a court jester ready at their disposal to do such a thing. These comedians were generally seen as buffoons simply brought in to brighten the moods of those in attendance, who might be brooding, frustrated, or feeling down about life.
The jester would be decked out in brightly colored clothes – to further help lighten the atmosphere of the setting. Setting about entertaining and amusing the crowd, often cracking jokes about current events and making sarcastic wisecracks about people well-known to the audience – outside the kingdom walls, of course. Once the show was over … so was the job of the jester. They weren’t taken seriously by anyone who might meet they walking the streets afterwards.
In the modern world, jesters are typically known as comics. They are found almost anywhere around the world, and people typically pay money to see them perform. All to hear what appear to be witty remarks, bantering comments, and good-natured ribbing. Just like the jesters of yore, they crack jokes about worldly situations or events of the day, and make wisecracks about well-known individuals like politicians, athletes, and movie-stars familiar to most in the audience.
However, there is a fine line between humor and hurt. Words are a powerful tool God has given us. They can heal or harm. We will be justified or condemned for eternity by the words we speak on earth (Matthew 12:37). Some people – including Christians, make it a very nasty habit of spewing forth spirit-bruising wisecracks about those deemed less fortunate, or who’ve made a mess of life. If famous, they become society’s laughing-stock to mock and make fun of.
There isn’t any humor in hell, or anything funny about burning there forever. Salvation is serious business with God, or else He would not have crucified His only Son for us. It is not to be a laughing matter – ever. Foolish talking has no part in Christian fellowship, nor does it belong in witnessing to lost and unbelieving souls. Jesting or joking of any kind has no place n a relationship with Jesus. Sadly, it does, and it always gives place to the devil’s devices (Ephesians 4:27).
Having said all this, loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Luke 10:27) – is not about having a good time in life (1 Corinthians 15:19). It is not about yukking it up, playing practical jokes and/or pulling pranks, or trying to yank somebody’s chain in a world where Satan retains power over all deaths until Jesus returns (Hebrews 2:14). Christ is the only example we need to know there is nothing funny in going about our Father’s business daily (Luke 2:49).
Jesus did not go around cracking jokes or poking fun at people like the Pharisees and Sadducees – or even the twelve disciples. Then saying things such as “Just kidding” – or “I didn’t mean it” to someone like Simon Peter if he looked a bit peeved or put off at something Christ perceived to be funny. Or, telling another like Andrew he needed to lighten up, go let his hair down and have some fun – for he was being far too serious and over-cautious (1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 5:14-15).
Christianity can’t be the fodder for comedic sketches and routines … no matter how innocent or harmless they might seem. The only ones finding any humor in heavenly issues are those making light of salvation (Matthew 22:5). They have no fear of God before their eyes (Romans 3:18). Why would they have a reason to be terrified, when they’ve managed to take hell’s keys away from Him; letting themselves into heaven while on earth (Luke 12:5, Revelation 1:18)?
Consequently, they have turned their steadfast focus back to having fun and rollicking good times on earth (Colossians 3:2) – even in church (Ecclesiastes 7:4). Minding earthly matters (Philippians 3:19) , staying entangled in life’s affairs (2 Timothy 2:4), pursuing its pleasures (James 5:5), and attending to far more vital worldly business and merchandise (Matthew 22:5). After all, heaven is in the bag, along with the latest comic CD by some Christian funny man or woman.
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