Two goldfish are in a tank. One says to the other, “Do you know how to drive this thing?”

Two budgies are sitting on a perch. One says to the other, “Can you smell fish?”

I love these two jokes – not because they are rib-ticklingly funny (although they make me smile) but because they are clever and because they illustrate good humour – the change in use of the word from the expected use takes us to an unexpected conclusion.

Jesus was good at that – the unexpected conclusion…

The Samaritan (boo, hiss) turns out to be the hero.

The profligate son who wished his father dead (boo, hiss) turns out to be welcome and forgiven.

The prudent servant who kept his master’s money safe (hooray!) turns out to have failed.

And the person who has rebelled against God and followed selfish ways turns out to be forgiven while the perfect Son of God dies.

Did you see that one coming? It’s the ultimate punch-line, but God has the last laugh three days later!