Recap of Youth Service, August 26, 2009

The Controversial Jesus

Everywhere Jesus went, He created controversy.  Whether you love Him or hate Him, He is controversial.

So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.  But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God.  I Corinthians 1:23-24, NLT

This week, we discussed why Church people find Jesus controversial.

1.  Jesus doesn’t do what we expect.

The people in the days of Jesus were expecting their prophesied Messiah to come from a wealthy family, to be well educated, and would throw the Romans out and setup God’s people to be in charge.  But Jesus came from a working family with no wealth to speak of.  He’s not looking for political victory but spiritual freedom.

2.  Jesus doesn’t love who we expect.

Many religious people had issues with Jesus. They didn’t like it that He spent time with sinners. They were unnerved that He interacted with women of questionable character and had dinner with tax collectors. But He went to those who most needed to hear His message. And the same applies today.  If we really believe in His grace, that means a child molester can be saved by calling on His name. That tests the limits of our love and understanding.

3.  Jesus doesn’t say what we expect.

Often in His teachings, Jesus made claims or statements that set many religious people on edge. They didn’t like it that He claimed to be God. They didn’t like it that He pointed out their sin. He spoke the truth in love, and it ticked off a lot of people.  Sometimes, even His life was in danger.

Jesus was a controversy in all aspects of his life.  Everywhere He went, controversy followed Him.  So what about you?  What kind of controversy are you creating with your life?  What things are being said about you?  Does anyone even know that you’re a Christian?