The Greater Fool: A Parable

The following story is an entry from Volume 47 of The Christophers’ “Three Minutes a Day” book (on sale here):

An English nobleman gave his jester a wand, saying, “Keep this until you find a greater fool than yourself.” The jester laughingly accepted the wand and waved it about on festive occasions.

One day, the nobleman lay dying. Calling the jester to his bedside, he said, “I am going on a long journey.”

“Where to?” asked the jester.

“I don’t know,” came the reply.

“How long will you be gone?” the jester inquired.

“I will be gone forever,” said the nobleman.

“What provisions have you made for the trip?” asked the jester.

The nobleman shrugged his shoulders: “None at all.”

“Then,” said the jester, “take this.” And placing the wand in the nobleman’s hands, he added, “It belongs to you.”

Those who fail to realize the purpose of life—where they came from and where they are going—are running a foolish risk. You can help them out of their predicament by praying for them, and going to them with the love that Christ has given you.

Help my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)

Guide me toward You always, Jesus.