And My Words

If I were preaching today, I’d do a series on “The Hard Sayings of Jesus.”

We often focus on what Jesus promised, and less if ever on what he warned. We say “Jesus loves you,” (which He certainly does) but don’t talk of repentance, which was in fact the first thing Jesus said as He began his earthly ministry. “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4:17) Words also spoken by John the Baptist (Matt 3:2), Peter on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38), and throughout the New Testament.

We memorize John 3:16, but not 3:17.

Here are some sayings that may never come up on your “verse for today,” or be found on a refrigerator magnet or coffee cup… “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) “Don’t assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34) “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)

These are but a few examples that don’t get much air time on our playlist.

Here’s a passage currently resonating with me. “For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

“…and my words…”

You can’t say you’re not ashamed of Jesus, yet be ashamed of His words.

Can’t say you love Jesus and ignore what He says.

Jesus and the Word are inseparable. He is the Word. (John 1:14)

Many are comfortable in their association with Jesus the person (Savior), but distance themselves from His word. (Lord) “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? (Luke 6:46)

Why?

Because the world will shame you for walking in truth.

Saying your Christian does little to bring persecution. Living as a Christian is a different story. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12… emphasis mine)

The world doesn’t care if you identify as a Christian, as long as you don’t live what you believe.

It’s time for those who are followers of Christ to stop being intimidated by those both outside, and inside the church. Time to stand up for what Jesus says and rise above the world’s attempt to paralyze you with shame for doing so.

It’s no mistake the cost of discipleship was given by Jesus in this same passage. (Mark 8:34-37) If you are unwilling to die to yourself, take up your cross and follow Him, you will live your life in the shadows.You’ll put Him in your social media bio, but leave Him out of your timeline.

It’s time to take the call to discipleship seriously.

When you do, you can be assured persecution will come. So let me close with some encouragement, and another “hard saying” of Jesus.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)