This seems such an obvious question, yet …
Bryn Hughes, in Discipling, Mentoring and Coaching (page 127) comments that British Church culture would seem to be based on ‘Gentle Jesus, meek and mild’ (a hymn lyric) and ‘turn the other cheek’ (from the Sermon on the Mount).
Similarly, F.F.Bruce’s ‘Hard sayings of Jesus’ lists numerous uncomfortable statements from the gospels. It has left me wondering that we can so easily ignore such ‘hard sayings’ leaving us with an over-sentimental view of our Saviour.
It is striking that, when Jesus asked the Twelve what people thought of Him, they responded: “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah. And still others Jeremiah” (Matt 16.13-14). All three of these men were passionate and uncompromising, committed to the truth of God in a challenging and hostile environment. All three risked their lives for the God of truth and for the truth of God. They were not always easy to be around. They made enemies.
In the early Church, we read; “Great fear seized the whole Church and all who heard about these events. No-one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.” (Acts 5.11, 13, 14).
The Lord Jesus seemed to create a similar contradictory reaction as people flocked to hear Him yet turned away from Him. (John chapter 6 is a good example of this.)
How about you?