“Can you believe He said that?”
“Whoa. Hold the phone!”
“Did He just say…”
Everywhere Jesus went, His teaching left people asking questions like these.
Some were amazed because they had never heard God explained in such a way. They were amazed by His wisdom and wanted to hear more.
Other were shocked and could not believe He would even dare to say the things He said.
The religious leaders hated Him. Every time He opened His mouth they were offended, shocked, and appalled. Like the evil villains in a mystery movie, they’d scuttle off together sinisterly saying, “We must do away with Him.”
Rather than trying to win them over, Jesus spoke truth to them. This simply infuriated them even more. But one things for sure: Jesus’ teachings never bored them and they always created a response.
Some people loved His teaching. Hungry for more of God in their lives, they followed Him wholeheartedly.
Others followed Jesus for what they could get from Him. They heard what they wanted to hear in His teaching and believed the kingdom of God He spoke of would involve overthrowing the current Roman government and establishing Jewish supremacy. They were fickle followers. When Jesus said something they liked, they were all in. When they realized His plans weren’t like their plans, they yelled, “Crucify Him”.
The fact is that the crowds who followed Jesus then were much like those who follow Him today. Some hate what He says, some believe they can pick and choose what they like, and others follow with their whole hearts.
The parable of the four soils tells us that isn’t a surprise to Jesus.
He knew that some would receive His message but many would reject it.
The same is still true today.
However, no matter what the response of men, the facts about Jesus’ teachings still stand.
Because Jesus is God, all of His teachings are the words of God.
Whether you agree with them or not, whether they shock you or surprise you, they are all truth.
They are not meant to be edited or altered or changed to fit our culture. You can’t take what you like and ignore other parts.
Jesus meant every word He said. Every word is also meant to be obeyed.
The question that remains is how will you respond to His words?
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry."
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