Did Jesus Have Lemons?

 

Often the simplest question can spark interest in the young mind. Recently the question came up, “Did Jesus have Lemons?”  I have no idea what thought process produces this, but just for fun, let’s run with it.

It turns out, after some research, that the answer is most likely, no. As far as we know lemons came from Asia and didn’t get to the Mediterranean area until about the second century AD. They started being cultivated in Europe in the mid-1400s and made it to the Americas with Columbus.1 So, unfortunately, Jesus would probably not have said “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

So what is my point? I’m glad you ask. (I mean one of you did ask didn’t you? Come on, humor me.) I have always tried to keep learning something new. It could be a new hobby, caring for a new animal, growing a new vegetable, or just learning new information, like the history of lemons. A lover of learning is called a “Philomath”. I like the sound of that. I want to be a Philomath. I never want to stop learning. Years ago, I had a student refer to me as a modern-day Renaissance man. While I think he was slightly exaggerating, I love the idea. If we want to be relevant and not get stale, we need to continually pursue new information and ideas. Always stay curious. It helps keep you young. It also give you things to talk about to total strangers on 5 hour flights. (Ya, not so much of a priority for my wife.) So make it a goal to learn something new this year. The world is your oyster. Hey, you might as well start there. Do you know where pearls come from?

¹ (Julia F. Morton (1987). "Lemon in Fruits of Warm Climates". Purdue University. pp. 160–168.)