The World Hates Jesus - Part 3

Part 3 - This is the third part of a three part blog post. Please read Part 1 and Part 2 to get proper context before continuing.

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." - Jesus, John 15:18

As I mentioned in Part 2, my purpose in highlighting these passages is not to turn people away from Jesus! Rather, my intent is to show some characteristics of Jesus that are largely ignored. When we understand the truth of what the Bible says about Jesus, it forces us to decide whether we will we still worship him. Will we worship Jesus even as he executes his righteous judgments against the earth? Is Jesus our King and our Judge, or is he only our friend? The reason the world hates Jesus is because he said these things and meant these things.

The Gospel of Matthew

- Jesus said that many are those who go through the wide gate along the easy way to destruction and that few are those who go through the narrow gate along the difficult way to life (Matthew 7:13-14). 

- Jesus taught that he would personally reject many people who call him 'Lord' who actually thought they loved him and did his works. Jesus will tell them that they were wrong (Matthew 7:21-23).

- Jesus taught that he would cause division amongst families because some people would love him and some would not and that anybody who chose to love their own family members more than Jesus was unworthy of Jesus. He then added, "And whoever does not take his cross and follow me (ie. die with Jesus on the cross) is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:34-38).

- Speaking of the end of the world Jesus shared a story about weeds in a field and then summarized it saying, "The Son of Man [Jesus] will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:41-42). In case that wasn't clear enough, Jesus told another story about fishermen choosing which fish to keep and which to throw out and then gave the very same summary of his story, "So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:49-50).

- Speaking of his second coming, Jesus told a story of a master who went on a journey and upon returning rewarded his faithful servants and punished his wicked servants, "The master of that [wicked] servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that day there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 24:50-51)

- Matthew 25. Jesus followed up the story about a Master returning from a journey with three more stories about himself returning at the end of the age after being gone for a long time. In each story Jesus tells how he will deal with two broad groups of people upon his return, the righteous and the wicked. In these stories the wicked people did not know they were wicked until Jesus told them so and they were in shock at the news and in utter anguish over the consequences. We would do well to heed this warning! Jesus was not just telling pretty stories. He was warning his disciples what it would be like when he returns. 

Many people are going to be devastated when they meet Jesus because they love the idea of Jesus as far as they understand him, but they did not take his message seriously. There is this idea in our society that tolerance and acceptance are the highest good and that if Jesus is good he must pardon and accept everyone. Once people realize that Jesus will freely pardon only those who repent they will hate him for it. At the end of this age there will be a great wedding celebration where Jesus will marry his bride, the saints. The ones who are gathered at that wedding celebration are those who have washed away their sins in his blood. They will celebrate the righteous judgements of God, declaring, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgements are true and just" (Revelation 19:1b-2a). The world hates this Jesus. But what about you, will you worship this Jesus?

The World Hates Jesus - Part 2

Part 2 - This is the second part of a three part blog post. Please read Part 1 to get proper context before continuing.

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." - Jesus, John 15:18

I should give a word of caution. Following are listed passages from scripture that display Jesus as graphically violent. My purpose in highlighting these passages is not to turn people away from Jesus! Rather, my intent is to show some characteristics of Jesus that are largely ignored. When we understand the truth of what the Bible says about Jesus, it forces us to decide whether we will we still worship him. Will we worship Jesus even as he executes his righteous judgments against the earth? Is Jesus our King and our Judge, or is he only our friend?

Jesus in the Old Testament

- In Joshua 5, beginning in verse 13, Joshua meets an individual whom I believe is Jesus. This individual introduces himself as the commander of the army of the LORD. He then commissions Joshua to annihilate Jericho (literally), and all of the land of Canaan after it.

- Addressing the rulers of the earth, Psalm 2:12 says, "Kiss the Son [Jesus] lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."

- Psalm 110, one of the most quoted chapters by New Testament authors, who all ascribe it to Jesus, speaks of Jesus, saying, "The Lord [Jesus] is at your [God's] right hand; [Jesus] will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth" (Psalm 110:5-6).

- Isaiah has many wonderful depictions of Jesus as a humble servant who suffers for his people but it also has a gory depiction of Jesus at his second coming. In Isaiah 63:3b-4a, Jesus himself is saying, "I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. For the day of vengeance was in my heart."

- Zechariah 14 is a shocking chapter, also with descriptions of Jesus' still future second coming. In Zechariah 14:2-3 God declares that he will gather all the nations against Jerusalem and personally, bodily (ie. Jesus) fight against them, himself, in military fashion.

- Malachi 4:3, I believe this passage is also speaking primarily of Jesus' second coming. It is not easy for me but I must submit to God's word. This verse is not speaking of Jesus but of those who fear God's name who are with Jesus when he returns, "And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts."

These passages are difficult. We must wrestle with them. We must not ignore them. We must go to God and allow Him to soften our hearts to His will. Will we trust that God is good, all the time? Or will we call God evil when we realize that He takes our sin far more seriously than we do? The world will be shocked to learn that God is not like them at all when Jesus comes back in the splendour of his majesty.

If you find yourself reading this and asking, "what is the point? Why does it matter if the world hates Jesus?" That is an excellent question. The reason it matters is because if we are able to realize that we actually hate the real Jesus, it gives us opportunity to repent and be saved! But if we think we actually love him, when we don't, we are deceived and rather than celebrating the return of Jesus we will be shocked and offended when we see him as he truly is. Further, for those who do love Jesus, it is a comfort to know that the reason the world hates us is because the world hated Jesus first (John 15:18).

In Part 3 I will conclude with some more passages from the book of Matthew.

The World Hates Jesus - Part 1

Part 1

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." - Jesus, John 15:18

As I ponder this verse I find myself thinking, 'who really hates Jesus?' Do people of different religions hate Jesus? Or communists? Or what about secular humanists? The thing is I can think of people I know personally from all kinds of different world-views who may adamantly refute Christianity but would never admit to hating Jesus. I know that the first century Jews and Romans killed Jesus, but did they really hate him? Sure their motivations in doing so were wrong, and terrible but was it really hatred?

Lets take muslims for example. Jesus is actually a significant prophet within Islam. They even believe he is going to come back at the end of the world to prepare the world before the coming muslim messiah. So for muslims to hate Jesus doesn't make any sense! Except for one fact. Christians around the world die daily at the hands of muslims. Those who are most like Jesus, are killed for loving Jesus by people who would say they also love Jesus. How can this be?

Or what about communists? They don't hate Jesus, per se, they just hate insurrectionists. Since Christians refuse to 'step in line' with political dogma they are a threat to order and stability. But Jesus? What reason do they have to hate him?

Even secular humanists don't necessarily hate Jesus. Quite reasonably they feel the need to stand against any individual, group or idea that threatens them. Since Christians are often outspoken against homosexuality, abortion, evolution etc. which confronts the core of what secular humanism stands for, then of course those who espouse secular humanism would oppose, and sometimes even hate Christians. However, Jesus stood for the downcast and those on the outside of society. Jesus stood for justice against the powerful and the oppressors. Secular humanists who recognize this actually find inspiration in Jesus. Why then would secular humanists ever hate Jesus?

It is actually quite simple. It is because the real Jesus is not the same Jesus as people suppose. The idea of Jesus that most people have includes that Jesus is loving, kind, gracious, patient, gentle, and humble. Jesus stood up to those in authority who abused their power and he protected vulnerable people. He praised people nobody else recognized. He healed the sick, raised the dead and delivered people from demonic torment. Who would not love Jesus?

Even though the characteristics of Jesus just mentioned are completely true and more true of Jesus than of anyone else in history, the world hated him. Jesus said so. How is it that the world can believe they like Jesus when in fact they don't? Well, a brief survey of a small sampling of some of the things that Jesus has said (or were said of him) should help us understand why most people, if they knew more, would really hate Jesus.

In Part 2 and Part 3 I highlight some scriptures about Jesus that show how many people, if they really knew Jesus, would hate him.

Spirit of Religion

"Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in  him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." - Romans 4:4-5

"I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose." - Galatians 2:21

For a long time I have struggled with trying to earn God's pleasure. In fact, there is still a tension in my thinking that causes me to wrestle with the fact that from Isaiah 64:6 I learn that all my own righteous deeds are as filthy rags and yet God is my father and I want him to be proud of me. I want to hear Jesus say, 'well done good and faithful servant.' Is not the faithful servant in Matthew 25 the one who gets a good return for his labours? The one who works harder than his fellow servants?

I believe that many times when I have thought that my motivation was to please God there was actually something much more sinister at work in my heart. And I believe that many times in Christian ministry when saints are pouring themselves out with blood, sweat and tears, there is a veiled darkness hard at work. I am speaking about the spirit of religion. Just to be clear I am not meaning the religion of Christianity as opposed to the religion of Islam or Hinduism etc. What I mean by religion is the attitude or belief that we are good because of what we do. In this sense, religion is a terrible plague that was one of the innumerable things nailed on the cross when Jesus died. Religion even exalts itself against the work of Jesus on the cross and scoffs at the righteousness which he purchased for us by his own blood. Religion says to God, "you owe me, look at me and all my effort."

However, the Bible is abundantly clear. Salvation is a gift. Our righteousness is actually Jesus' righteousness placed upon us. There is nothing we can do to earn God's forgiveness.

If while serving in the Kingdom of God we think that we are better than our fellow servants because of what we do we have got it wrong. If we find ourselves comparing our service with others or if we find ourselves complaining about other ministries or other churches, beware! A spirit of religion may be creeping in the dark. Was the 'good and faithful servant' commended for his hard work? No, he was commended for his faithfulness! "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).

What are we to do if we recognize in ourselves a dangerous religious attitude? I think we should repent of having a religious attitude and rejoice in the mercy of God for highlighting our sin so that we can repent!

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment: Encouragement To Love Our Homosexual Neighbours

Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement. -James 2:13

For a long time I have been scared to publicly address the subject of homosexuality because I am scared of hurting people with my opinion. This subject is so touchy exactly because each person's sexuality is very vulnerable and powerful, but also very spiritual, at the same time. It seems to touch our core. I have been scared to cause offence. So this blog post is essentially an act of repentance for allowing fear to silence me. I have homosexual friends and family. I want them to know that I love them, even if I disagree with them. I am sorry for when I have not loved them. But even more I want them to know Jesus! That Jesus will fight for them ferociously. That Jesus is beautiful and glorious and dazzling in the might of his splendour even as he laid down his life to free us from sin and death.

I believe there is a significant difference between someone who struggles with same sex attraction and someone who embraces it and lives it. I also believe that any distinction between homosexual sin and heterosexual sin can be a false distinction. Categories do not necessarily help us since many heterosexuals are engrossed in far worse sexual sins than we might care to imagine. And many with same sex attraction live in victory over their sinful desires. The truth is we all need the blood of Jesus to wash us clean. Even though all of us are in equal need of salvation from our sins, not all of our sins have equal consequences. There is something unique about sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18). One reason homosexuality has received far more attention from the church is because there are those within the church who espouse it. If lifestyles such as common-law living were being espoused in the church, those lifestyles would receive lots of attention too.

I believe that in two very different ways many Christians have been unloving towards homosexuals. First, homosexuals have not been accepted by Christians. And second, yet quite differently, homosexuals have been told by Christians that homosexuality is good, normal and legitimate. I believe both actions are wrong and devastating. That is why I want to address them. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil."

What Do I Mean by Acceptance?

I realize that by using the term 'acceptance' I may cause confusion. What I mean is that God accepts us even though we are all sinners, even before we repent. The Bible teaches that while we were still enemies of God, Jesus died for our sins (Romans 5:8). It is God's acceptance of us that allows us to repent in the first place. Except by the grace of God no one can turn from their sins. None of us imagines that being accepted by God means that God declares our sin to be good, normal or legitimate. Therefore, for a Christian to accept someone they do not need to agree with them. They do not need to say, "You are already perfect, just as you are." Being accepted by God means that he will forgive us if we turn to him. The Christian must adopt a similar attitude of acceptance towards all people, whether they show signs of repentance for sin or not. Truthfully, I find this difficult. I believe it comes down to motivation. Whenever I am interacting or relating with anyone are my words, attitude and motivation based on an eager desire to see the other person draw nearer to God? Or are my words, attitude and motivation based more on fear, or aversion and thus do I inadvertently push the other person away, thereby not accepting them as Jesus does. The reason this is devastating is simple. If you receive condemnation you are shamed. If you receive acceptance you can heal. Every single person who has ever been set free from sexual addiction, of any sort, had to deal with their shame before they could be helped. You will not find someone who found freedom because they were shamed. Rather, those who find acceptance are those who find freedom and healing. The lack of acceptance in our churches for homosexuals has been devastating. Again, I am not saying this is easy, but if homosexuals cannot find acceptance in the church they will look for it elsewhere.

Why Homosexuality is Not Good, Normal and Legitimate

The primary motivations for Christians to say that homosexuality is good, normal and legitimate are, I believe, based upon lies. As harsh as that sounds please allow me to explain each point I make.

Lie #1: I am a born-again, Bible-believing Christian, and I am gay. Therefore, homosexuality is good, normal and legitimate.

Truth: Your identity in Christ is not 'gay'. You may feel a sexual attraction to the same-sex but that does not require self-identifying with it. If all of us did this consistently then we would also self-identify as thieves, liars and adulterers because we all face temptation in these areas.

Lie #2: I was born this way.

Truth: We were all born with sinful desires. If we suggest that being born with sinful inclinations makes them good or normal or legitimate then to be consistent we must say that all of our other sinful inclinations are good too. Jesus has overcome our sin, even though we were all born with sin.

Lie #3: Who am I to deny love? If two people love each other, it must be good.

Truth: If this is true, then with the same reasoning adultery must be good too because it is between two people who 'love' each other. The truth is that two people can love each other and be sinning because their love crosses a God ordained boundary.

Lie #4: To tell someone about their sin is condemning. It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict people of their sin.

Truth: This depends on the motivation. If this were necessarily true then Jesus was constantly condemning for he was constantly telling people to repent of their sins. It is completely possible to tell someone about their sin because you love them and care about them and to do so in a manner that is loving and caring. On the other hand, to choose to be silent when the LORD asks us to speak is disobedient and unloving.

The reason it is devastating to say that homosexuality is good, normal and legitimate is also simple. It is because homosexuality is not good, normal and legitimate. It is a lie. It is a lie that keeps people in their sin instead of allowing them to turn away from their sin. There is this idea we have that asking someone to repent is bad and staying in our sins is good. But the life which Jesus purchased for us on the cross is far better and far more wonderful than a life of sin and death and if we understood that we would never wish it upon anybody for them to stay in their sin. It is comparable to wishing for somebody to stay blind when we could give them sight or for somebody to eat mud when we could offer them fresh bread. If we have tasted the freedom and the joy and the peace of life in Jesus, the most beautiful and wonderful person, why would we ever wish to keep even our worst enemies from the same? 

Closing Thoughts

 Some Christians have been motivated by fear and guilt. Perhaps they have experienced same-sex attraction themselves, even though they knew they were saved. They did not know where to turn for help. They felt ashamed, scared and helpless as the feelings grew over time. They may have felt tempted to compromise between opposing realities they felt warring within their own minds. Somehow there is a loving God who has saved them, even while they experience feelings and thoughts they always believed were wrong. I know that there is healing in Jesus for all of this. If this is you, I encourage you, take heart! Our God is mighty and able. His arm is not too short to save you and his sight is not too weak to see you. He absolutely delights in saving the weak and the lowly and the downcast. My God has delivered me and I know he can deliver you!

These things are difficult. It is not easy to love. It is far easier to be unloving. Jesus Christ went to the cross to save us and he told us that we must also take up our crosses and follow him. When we fail, we confess our sin as sin, start fresh and keep going. We keep going because Jesus is absolutely worth it. He is worth everything!