What if Jesus Was Neurodivergent
—Mel Kulenski
Day 1 of 3: Jesus Hyperfocused on Special Interests
Author’s Note: This devotional explicitly uses identity-first language and not person-first language, following the lead of many neurodivergent self-advocates.
“My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.” -John 7:16)
Scripture was Jesus’ special interest. He loved it. Savored it. So much so, that when he was a young boy, he disappeared for three (3) whole days, sending his parents into a full-blown panic. Where’d they find him?
“…In the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them.” (Luke 2:41-40)
I don’t think a neurotypical child would do this.
I find the nonchalance to his parents’ anxiety to be particularly precious. Can you imagine a kid missing for 72 hours, only to be found hyperfixating on stuff in a science museum or something, exhibiting casual confusion at their parents’ debilitating distress? Amazing.
It may come as no surprise that Jesus went on to reference the Hebrew Bible a gazillion times. I feel like one of his favorite, oft-repeated phrases was “It is written…” What do I find the coolest? He knew scripture so darn well, that he knew he was permitted to challenge and change it (contrary to many erroneous and outdated conservative Christian warnings in the 21st century). That’s why he discounted scripture passages he’d memorized multiple times, being all “Bro, healing on the Sabbath day is fine, chill on the legalistic literalism” (my modern summarization of Mark 3:1-6) and “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy (Leviticus 24:20).’ But I tell you…
Mel Kulenski (she/they)
Start reading this 3-day devotional in the app. Find it on the Featured shelf.
Go Premium for $4.99/month
*Must subscribe in the app
Full Amenities
Everything from the basic plan — the Bible reader, chatrooms and podcasts
Premium Access
Access to all 300+ devotional in the library
Weekly Features
2 new devotionals every week highlighted in the featured section
Audio Devotionals
Access to Pass the Salt - an exclusive OBA podcast