Knock, Knock! Who’s there? Spike knows all the good jokes, and the KC gang wants to put him on the stage at the Talent show. But when Spike switches things up, he has to learn a lesson about what really is funny.
Before You ListenTheme: Tell jokes that make people laugh together!
1. Do you like to make people laugh? Do you ever say things you know aren’t good in order to make people laugh? Ephesians 4 is a chapter that talks about growing and knowing Jesus. How can knowing Jesus help you when it comes to the right words you say to make other people laugh?
2. Did Jesus ever laugh? In Luke 10:21, Jesus “felt the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit”. In Matthew 19:14, little children wanted to be around this preacher. That’s a good sign. We also know that he had great love for his disciples and for Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Love makes us smile. And Jesus liked to be with other people. He talked a lot about wedding feasts and did his first miracle at one. He ate and drank with the “sinners”, and the Pharisees tried to use it against him (Matthew 11:16–19). Did Jesus laugh? He sure did. As you listen to this episode, think about the things that make people laugh together.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
In this episode, Spike explores what makes something funny, but he uses humor to hurt people. Something isn’t funny when it’s used as a weapon. Putdowns are public attacks. Don’t be the one to say, “I was only joking”. Don’t forget that humor is supposed to be a community-building activity. People laugh harder together than when they are alone. Humor brings joy and makes the room that you are in positive and safe.
Paul the Apostle was a letter writer who would end his letters with positive encouragement. Pretend you were receiving these following Bible verses from Paul. Maybe these encouraging words will make you smile. Ephesians 6:21-24, Philippians 4:23, and 2 Corinthians 13:13.
Can you find a joke that will make everyone laugh? Look for a favorite joke to share. Maybe it’s a story, a riddle or a knock-knock joke. Make sure it’s a joke that doesn’t put down other people or other groups. Before you share it with your family, test it out by telling it to a friend or an adult. Share your joke around the table the next time you have a family meal.