Thoughts on a Radical Jesus

Looking in the face of our twenty first century culture, I think it is time to embrace the radical teachings of Jesus once again. There have been times in history when this has been done. And when I say radical, I mean all that he taught and embodied. We have made Jesus into a fun and enjoyable icon, when in all reality his message is so radical it is offensive.

For this post, let’s just take one example: Luke 16:14-15

“The Pharisees, who love money, heard all that Jesus was teaching and sneered at him. Jesus said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.’”

All over the immediate context of this verse are issues that bring to light what “is detestable in God’s sight.” In chapter 14, Jesus speaks of places of honor at banquets. In chapter 15, he speaks on selfish piety of a rich, spoiled brat. In 16, he speaks of a shrewd business man and another story of the final fate of a rich man. In summary, they all deal with money and the cost of loving a lifestyle over a relationship with God.

Those values and lifestyles are detestable in God’s sight. And they are in stark contrast to what Jesus values most: the cost of a Christ-centered lifestyle and the love for seeing sinner reconciled to God.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even life itself—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (14:26-27)

“I tell you in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over on sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous person who do not.” (15:7)

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (15:10)

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and know is found.” (15:32)

In a later post, I will discuss 14:26-27, but notice the progression in chapter 15. Jesus is more concerned with a person who is truly repentant. That denies the normalcy and the culture to follow the radical message of Jesus…the message of the Kingdom of God. A kingdom that is at odds with the kingdoms of this present age.

For today, know this: We are all dead until we find Christ. We are all lost until Jesus comes and changes our status. Just as it costs big to live with the luxuries of this world, to have all the things that are in the end, “detestable to God.” The radical Jesus says that it cost much more to live out the radical-reversal message of the Kingdom of God. More on this to come. For now, think about it…