The Red Letters
“Can you believe He said that?”
“Whoa. Hold the phone!”
“Did He just say…”
Everywhere Jesus went, His teaching left people asking questions like these.
Some were amazed because they had never heard God explained in such a way. They were awed by His wisdom and wanted to hear more.
Others were shocked and could not believe He would even dare to say the things He said.
The religious leaders hated Him. They were offended, shocked, and appalled every time He opened His mouth. Like the evil villains in an old western movie, they’d scuttle off, sinisterly saying, “We must do away with Him.”
Rather than trying to win them over, Jesus spoke the truth to them. This simply infuriated them even more. But one thing was sure: Jesus’ teachings never bored them and always created a response.
Some people loved His teaching. Hungry for more of God in their lives, they followed Him wholeheartedly.
Others followed Jesus for what they could get from Him. They heard what they wanted to hear in His teaching and believed the kingdom of God He spoke of would involve overthrowing the current Roman government and establishing Jewish supremacy. They were fickle followers. When Jesus said something they liked, they were all in. When they realized His plans weren’t like theirs, they yelled, “Crucify Him.”
The fact is that the crowds who followed Jesus then were much like those who follow Him today. Some hate what He says, some believe they can pick and choose what they like, and others follow wholeheartedly.
The parable of the four soils tells us that isn’t a surprise to Jesus (Matthew 13). He knew that some would receive His message, but many would reject it.
The same is still true today.
However, no matter what the response of men, the facts about Jesus’ teachings still stand.
Because Jesus is God, all of His teachings are the Word of God.
Whether you agree with them or not, whether they shock you or surprise you, they are all true.
They are not meant to be edited, altered, or changed to fit our culture. You can’t take what you like and ignore other parts.
Jesus meant every word He said. Every word is also meant to be obeyed.
The question that remains is how will you respond to His words?
Memory Verse: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27, ESV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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