What Did Jesus REALLY Say?

A Message from Rev. Dr. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister 405.341.3544

Every New Year, resolutions are usually a part of our yearly ritual.  I don’t know if we feel like we have to make them, but we generally do—and then we break them.  Studies have shown that most resolutions are broken by March 1.  That’s probably because most of our resolutions tend to be unrealistic, too ambitious and frankly, we are not very honest with ourselves about what we are willing and able to do.

I have a friend who resolved to read the entire Bible last year.  He started out very disciplined and on track, until he hit the book of Leviticus.  Then he hit a wall.  Ever try to read the book of Leviticus?  Then you get it.  He did get back on schedule and found it very rewarding.  However, he said he was surprised by some of what he read.  He had assumed that the Bible, and more specifically Jesus, said some things that they did not say.  And likewise, Jesus said some things that surprised him.  He was also struck by the many different perspectives the Bible had.  After all, it’s 66 books.

It’s probably true for all of us—we assume that Jesus said things that we later find out he did not say, or he said things that challenged us or surprised us.  Our first worship series of the new year will focus on What Did Jesus Really Say.  We’ll look at the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ most important teaching in the Gospel of Matthew.  In it he discusses many important issues, issues that are particularly relevant for us today.  Issues of anger and bullying, women’s rights, racism, hospitality and honesty.

Jesus uses an interesting technique in discussing each of these issues—“You have heard it said, but I say…”  He is commenting on the writings of the law and the prophets in the Hebrew Bible, and adding his own commands to them.  He clearly emphasizes that he has not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.  He essentially asks—what is the purpose of the law?  To care for others.  In each of the issues he discusses, he makes clear that we are to love others, just as God loves us.  We are to go above and beyond the calling of the law to make sure we care for one another.  For instance, “You have heard it said do not murder.  But I say don’t be angry with one another.”  What’s the best way not to commit murder?  To deal with your anger first.  Wise words.

So if you’re making a resolution this year to study scripture more faithfully, I invite you to come to worship and find out What Did Jesus Really Say?