Sermon on hard sayings of jesus
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today I want to talk to you about the hard sayings of Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus saying things that are challenging, difficult to understand, and sometimes even seem harsh. These sayings can be a stumbling block for many, causing confusion and doubt. But let us not be discouraged, for in these hard sayings, there is wisdom and truth that can transform our lives if we are willing to listen and understand.
One of the most well-known hard sayings of Jesus is found in Matthew 5:44, where he tells us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This goes against our natural instincts, as it is much easier to hate our enemies and seek revenge. But Jesus is calling us to a higher standard of love, a love that is unconditional and extends even to those who have wronged us. By loving our enemies, we are imitating the love of God, who loves all of his creation, regardless of their actions.
Another hard saying of Jesus is found in Luke 14:26, where he says, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." This may seem like a harsh statement, but Jesus is emphasizing the importance of putting him above all other relationships and priorities in our lives. He is calling us to wholeheartedly commit ourselves to following him, even if it means sacrificing our closest relationships.
In John 6:53-58, Jesus says, "Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." This statement caused confusion and controversy among his followers, but Jesus was speaking symbolically about the importance of partaking in the Eucharist, where we remember his sacrifice and receive spiritual nourishment. Through this act, we are reminded of our unity with Christ and our dependence on him for our spiritual sustenance.
As we reflect on these hard sayings of Jesus, let us remember that his words are not meant to condemn or discourage us, but to challenge us to deepen our faith and grow in our relationship with him. Let us approach these sayings with humility and an open heart, seeking to understand the deeper meaning behind them. May we be willing to embrace the difficult teachings of Jesus, knowing that in doing so, we are drawing closer to him and experiencing the fullness of his love and grace.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom and strength to embrace the hard sayings of Jesus with faith and obedience. Help us to understand the deeper truths behind his words and to live them out in our daily lives. May we be transformed by the challenging teachings of your Son and grow closer to him each day. Amen.
Above is Sermon on hard sayings of jesus.