The words unlimited and unconditional make us suspicious. Whether those words describe an insurance policy, cellphone agreement, or meal plan for a college student, we assume unlimited is really limited and unconditional has some conditions. That suspicion extends to our relationship with God. Unconditional love? Unlimited forgiveness? There must be a catch. But what if there isn’t?

Jesus introduced the most powerful, transformational, and inspirational leadership principle on the planet. Every leader you respect practices it. The leaders you don’t repect, don’t practice it. You can lead without it, but you won’t be a leader worth following unless you embrace it.

We surround ourselves with people who like us. We surround ourselves with people who are like us. But Jesus calls us to maintain relationships with those who disagree with us. How do we do that?

Jesus claimed to be greater than the temple. He made the temple obsolete. Most of his followers assumed his end game was to declare himself king. The more discerning among them sensed something else was going on. Jesus spoke with authority but refused to take charge. He wielded extraordinary power, but never for himself. What was he up to?

Who do you hate? You walk the other way when you see them coming. You hope your son or daughter never brings them home. You know for sure they’re wrong. And maybe you’re right… but what does Jesus have to say about that?

Something in us is tempted to believe God loves his Law more than his people. We’re tempted to prioritize rules over people. Maybe you left church because somebody prioritized the Bible over your divorced mother or gay brother. But Jesus came to offer us a life greater than keeping religious rules.

If you aren’t religious or you gave up religion, you probably had good reason to walk away or stay away. You’re a reasonable person, and there are plenty of good reasons to reject religion. But reconsider Jesus. He wasn’t an extension of the old religion. He came to introduce something brand new.

When you read the Gospels, two things are abundantly clear. Being a sinner doesn’t disqualify you from following Jesus. And being an unbeliever doesn’t disqualify you from following Jesus. So, what does that mean for you?

“Might makes right” is the default setting for the world. Those with wealth and power write the rules, and they usually write them to favor themselves. That was true in Jesus’ time as well. But he came to turn everything upside down.

Jesus didn't come to extend an old religion. He didn't come to just clarify old truths. He didn't come to just preach sermons and offer wise teachings. From the angel’s announcement to Mary that she would give birth to a son whose "kingdom would never end," it was clear: Jesus would do something new for the world.