Story, according to Robert McKee, is found in the gaps; the gaps between what we expect to happen and what actually transpires. If there is no gap, there is no story. If you go the checkout, pay for your items, receive the correct change, and walk out the door of the shop, there is no story to be found. Reality lined up with expectations, and the event is dull as dishwater. If, however, you go to the checkout, pay for your items, but are then informed by the checkout lady that the note you just handed over is a counterfeit, a gap is created and a story emerges.
The gospels (and indeed the gospel) make for great story because Jesus was constantly creating gaps in the lives of those around him. Think, for example, of the feeding of the 5,000.
It is evening time, and a large crowd is gathered to be with Jesus. The day is over, according to the disciples, and the crowds need to be sent away so that they can buy food in the villages. The disciples say as much to Jesus. Their expectation is for their Rabbi to agree; to say "Capital idea guys. Send the crowds on their way." But Jesus creates a gap:
A scene, a story, emerges. The ball is back in the disciples court. What do they do now? Well, they inform Jesus of the harsh facts: "We have only five loaves and two fish." They have dealt with the initial gap, and now they expect Jesus to say "Oh, that's all you have? Never mind what I said, then. Send the crowds on their way." But Jesus creates a gap:
The story gathers momentum. Why hasn't Jesus listened to the disciples' sensible words? What's he going to do now?
Jesus blesses the bread, breaks it, and gives it to the disciples for mass distribution. (The argument for Jesus the Communist gains weight). Surely now the disciples expect to run out of food rather quickly, but another gap is created. Food is given to all who are present, with twelve baskets left over.
What do you do with someone who consistently fails to meet expectations? Someone who is always upsetting our perceived reality? That the story of Jesus is improbable cannot be disputed. In fact, its very improbability is to be embraced by those who see it as the Story of the world. If Jesus were not an improbable human being, there would be no story at all, for story is found in the gaps.
Did Jesus himself experience gaps? Gaps in what he expected to happen and what actually occurred? Why or why not? I'll let you fill in that gap!
The gospels (and indeed the gospel) make for great story because Jesus was constantly creating gaps in the lives of those around him. Think, for example, of the feeding of the 5,000.
It is evening time, and a large crowd is gathered to be with Jesus. The day is over, according to the disciples, and the crowds need to be sent away so that they can buy food in the villages. The disciples say as much to Jesus. Their expectation is for their Rabbi to agree; to say "Capital idea guys. Send the crowds on their way." But Jesus creates a gap:
They need not go away; you give them something to eat.
A scene, a story, emerges. The ball is back in the disciples court. What do they do now? Well, they inform Jesus of the harsh facts: "We have only five loaves and two fish." They have dealt with the initial gap, and now they expect Jesus to say "Oh, that's all you have? Never mind what I said, then. Send the crowds on their way." But Jesus creates a gap:
Bring them (the loaves and fish) to me.
The story gathers momentum. Why hasn't Jesus listened to the disciples' sensible words? What's he going to do now?
Jesus blesses the bread, breaks it, and gives it to the disciples for mass distribution. (The argument for Jesus the Communist gains weight). Surely now the disciples expect to run out of food rather quickly, but another gap is created. Food is given to all who are present, with twelve baskets left over.
What do you do with someone who consistently fails to meet expectations? Someone who is always upsetting our perceived reality? That the story of Jesus is improbable cannot be disputed. In fact, its very improbability is to be embraced by those who see it as the Story of the world. If Jesus were not an improbable human being, there would be no story at all, for story is found in the gaps.
Did Jesus himself experience gaps? Gaps in what he expected to happen and what actually occurred? Why or why not? I'll let you fill in that gap!
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