If someone were to ask you to describe Jesus, what adjectives would you use? Many Christians would use adjectives like these: caring, compassionate, and loving. Certainly He was all of these. Many would even use the words meek and gentle to describe Him. Take note: In at least one situation we see Jesus describing Himself this way.
Yet we must be careful. Such a portrayal of the Lord Jesus is not wrong, but it is incomplete. Jesus had great authority and spoke as one with great authority. Moreover, he was controversial. Modern characterizations of Jesus omit this reality, but it nevertheless is true. He was loved by many, but He also was hated by many — and a large number of people rejected Him.
Jesus was controversial.
In what we now know as Jesus’ sermon on the mount, Christ warned His followers that they would be hated because of their allegiance to Him.
5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:10-16).
Elsewhere, the Lord echoed this same warning. He told His followers they would get no better reception than He did. He said,
15:18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:18-20).
Jesus also told His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
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Copyright © 2021 by B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture has been taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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