Things Jesus Never Said
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32
I came across an article on social media that got my attention. It was titled, “Five things Jesus never said”. If you look that up online, you will come across a similar list. You probably wouldn’t be shocked that Jesus never said these things. What’s shocking is that anyone would even think these sayings have anything to do with Jesus.
The idea of being true to yourself is not a new idea. Perhaps it is most famously stated in the Shakespearian drama, “Hamlet”. “This above all: to thine own self be true.” Above all, be true to yourself? What is the problem with that? The problem is that we are not good judges of what is true and what isn’t. That statement makes me the one who determines what is true and what is not. My truth is subjective, my truth is sinful, and my truth enslaves me to sin.
Jesus says nothing like that. Instead, He shows us the truth in His Word. The truth of His Word sets us free.
So may we join Thy name to bless,
Thy grace adore, Thy power confess,
From sin and strife to flee.
One is our calling, one our name,
The end of all our hopes the same,
A crown of life with Thee.
The Lutheran Hymnal 412:2