Laugh Like Jesus

When you think of Jesus, what picture comes to mind?

Is he on the cross? Or is he holding some sheep or children and smiling. Or maybe he is at the Garden of Gethsemane praying his heart out.

The picture that comes to my mind is Jesus laughing. We had a framed print in our house of Jesus laughing. He is not smiling but laughing, as you can in the picture below. 

Whenever I saw that picture, I wondered what Jesus could be laughing about. It didn’t make sense to me because Jesus in my family was more serious. Jesus was always seen in the light of serving, sacrificing, and giving. The idea of Jesus laughing and having fun did not register as a possibility for me. I think many Christians have that perspective. The Christian faith is not known for fun and play. But is that accurate of Jesus?

No. Jesus had fun. He enjoyed being around children (Mark 10:16). I imagine they had a lot of laughs playing games like tag, maybe. Religious leaders accused Jesus of having too much fun at parties and celebrations (Luke 7:34). Jesus had a sense of humor and used hyperbole to make a point (Matthew 7:3-5 and Matthew 19:24). Jesus encouraged laughter when he said in the Beatitudes when he said, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh” (Luke 6:21). Jesus laughed, and we need to laugh too.

The Bible has taught the importance and power of laughter.

A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:13

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15

Science shows the importance of laughter too.

1. It makes you physically healthier. Robert Provine, neuroscientist shares in his book Laughter: A Scientific Investigation highlights the aerobic benefits of laughter. It increases your heart rate and pumps blood to your internal organs. Your abdomen muscles, as well as other muscles, get stronger when you laugh. It also improves breathing.
2. Better worker and manager. Fabio Sala’s research found that effective managers used humor twice as much as average managers. Laughter creates a more healthy work environment and fosters creativity. It decreases stress in the workplace.
3. More robust and healthier relationships. Laughter is a critical element of satisfying relationships. Relationships are strengthened and more fulfilling when there is laughter.

A physician named Madan Kataria formed laughter clubs in 1995. He found that those who laughed seemed to get better physically. He realized that laughter is the best medicine, even if you force yourself to laugh. You don’t need to feel like laughing or have it come naturally. Making yourself laugh is just as effective and beneficial for yourself. It helps when you do it with others. That’s why he created laughter clubs to support and laugh with each other. There are over 6000 laughter clubs that promote laughter and joy in India.

What if churches in America were known for our joy and laughter? What if our joy was not just seen but heard? That would change not only ourselves but also connect us with others. We laugh more frequently when we are with others. There is that social interaction and bond that prompts us to connect and laugh. Laughter allows us to enjoy the moments of life together. God creates laughter, so when we do for God’s glory, we reflect Jesus. 

Who do we need to connect with and share a laugh with?