LESSON 7: Humor and Faith

“Jesus greatly enjoyed the keen sense of humor which these gentiles exhibited. It was the sense
of humor displayed by Norana, the Syrian woman, as well as her great and persistent faith, that
so touched the Master's heart and appealed to his mercy. Jesus greatly regretted that his people—
the Jews— were so lacking in humor. He once said to Thomas: 'My people take themselves too
seriously; they are just about devoid of an appreciation of humor. The burdensome religion of the
Pharisees could never have had origin among a people with a sense of humor. They also lack
consistency; they strain at gnats and swallow camels.'” (1736.5) 156:2.8