Decatur City Church

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.

Wonder has been built into the Christmas story from the beginning. A starry night, an angel’s proclamation, a baby in a manger… But what do we do when the wonder of the season turns to wondering if it even matters?

We all wonder. When we fix our eyes somewhere other than on God, wonder leads to wander. If you’ve wandered from the faith or are looking for the door, it’s not because of Jesus. You may think Christianity requires mind-numbing, experience-denying faith, but what if that’s not true?