Many people believe in a “sweet” Jesus, and some churches teach this kind of a Savior. Such a Jesus is one who offends nobody. He is so kind and ingratiating that He speaks only the sweetest words and accepts everyone as they are. Yet the gospels reveal a different Jesus: One who offended many, even His own disciples. He didn’t do this just to cause hurt but because people needed to hear the truth.
With all of the mental health problems out there today, Sweet Jesus would never tell anybody he had to hate his own life, deny himself, and take up his cross. How insensitive.
With all of the sexual images on the internet and social media, and lewd conduct on TV and movies, Sweet Jesus would never dare say that if you look at a woman to lust after her that you’re committing adultery with her in your heart. So unreasonable.
With the high prices and struggling economy these days, Sweet Jesus would never say that you had to forsake all that you have to be His disciple. Would He even dare to say that it’s hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven? How unrealistic.
With all the emphasis on lifestyle choices, Sweet Jesus would hardly think to recall the creation of a male and a female to remind His hearers that God made them to be husband and wife, and that two men and two women do not meet this criteria. How calloused.
With all the focus on visual display and self-image, Sweet Jesus surely would not warn folks about parading their religion by wearing robes and such, and using special titles. How restrictive.
With all the knowledge men have accumulated over the years, Sweet Jesus would never suggest that to devise rules which are not found in the Bible and bind them on people would be harmful and directly contrary to God’s will. Truly out of touch.
The real Jesus, who is sweet but also salty, is revealed in the gospels. He said this: “Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” He loved us enough to tell us the truth about ourselves and the way things are. And for doing that, He paid with His life. Jesus wasn’t crucified for being sweet. He was crucified for being Jesus.
><> Jeff
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