CONFRONTING
BIG JOHN

Topics: Assumptions; Authority; Conflict; Confrontation; Expectations; Fear; Power; Relationships; Rights; Strength; Vindictiveness; Weakness

References: Psalm 37:7; Romans 8:31–39; 1 John 4:18

One day a bus driver was driving along his usual route when a big hulk of a man got on. He was six feet eight inches tall, built like a wrestler, and his arms hung to the ground. He glared at the driver and told him, “Big John doesn’t pay!” Then he sat at the back of the bus.

The driver was five feet three inches tall, thin, and very meek, so he didn’t argue with Big John. But he wasn’t happy.

The next day the same thing happened, and the next. The bus driver began to lose sleep over the way Big John was taking advantage of him.

Finally, he could stand it no longer. He signed up for bodybuilding, karate, judo, and self-esteem classes. By the end of the summer, the bus driver had become stronger and more confident. So when Big John entered the bus and again declared, “Big John doesn’t pay!” the driver finally took him on. He stood up, glared at Big John, and bellowed, “And why not?”

With a surprised look on his face, Big John replied, “Big John has a bus pass.”

—Ed Rowell, Monument, Colorado