Issue #670 – Uncomfortable Teaching – March 2022
If we are honest, sometimes the teachings of Jesus make us uncomfortable. That is not unexpected; Jesus knew we would have difficulty.
The message that we are accountable for our sin is so countercultural that it makes people close their ears and harden their hearts. The concept of salvation by grace rather than works is counterintuitive to the world that it can turn people away.
Even in Jesus’ day, many walked away because of what He had to say.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
John 6:63-66
There are two responses to Jesus. We either accept Him, or we reject Him. There is no middle ground; no one is nearly Christian.
Even believers can be made uncomfortable by the teachings of Jesus.
Forgive? Doesn’t Jesus know how much that person hurt me? Surely He doesn’t expect me to forgive them because they don’t deserve it.
In truth, He does expect us to forgive and command us to do just that. He forgave us when none of us deserved it by any measuring standard you want to apply.
Okay, but just this once. Nope, that isn’t enough.
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22
Come on, Jesus. That makes me uncomfortable. I can’t do it. Perhaps not under our own power, but it is not only possible with Him. It is a command.
Love and pray for our enemies. Now, Jesus, surely you are joking.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48
Praying for my enemies makes me uncomfortable. Doesn’t Jesus know how unfair that is?
He knows. Jesus did more than pray. He died for His enemies.
For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8
Are there people you seem to be unable to forgive or pray for? Turn to the Lord and ask for His help for you to be obedient.
As much as possible for us, let us walk in faithful obedience to Christ so that the world might see Him.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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All contents are © 2001, 2022 K. F. “Kevin” Corbin and Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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