In John 7, Jesus taught at the feast of tabernacles. Some of the chief priests and Pharisees, determined to “bring Him down,” “sent officers to take Him” (verse 32). When the officers returned empty-handed, the Pharisees asked why they had not brought Him. Their response was “Never man spake like this man” (verse 46).
The officers were not inspired when they spoke these words. Yet, their perception of Jesus is a good indication of how unique His speech was. Consider a few of Jesus’ teachings that were perceived as different:
“He That is Greatest…”
The world perceives greatness as “moving up the ladder.” Those who “get to the top” are considered great. Yet Jesus said “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Jesus did not come to earth to win a popularity contest or acquire great wealth (cf. Luke 9:58), but to serve mankind (Matthew 20:28). He taught that those who do likewise are truly great (cf. Philippians 2:4-5).
“Love Your Enemies”
The world urges getting “revenge” on those who treat us poorly. Such might be seen as “standing up for oneself.” Yet, Jesus said “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Jesus taught that vengeance belongs to God (cf. Romans 12:19-21).
“Except Ye…Become as Little Children”
In another passage where Jesus spoke of greatness, He taught, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). The Bible teaches that we are hopeless without God (cf. Romans 6:23). Though the world may stress pride and “self-sufficiency” as honorable character traits, Jesus stressed humbling ourselves as little children who recognize our need for Him.
“Blessed are the Meek…”
The world sees meekness as weakness. Yet, the Lord said “blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Much like humility, meekness is necessary for allowing ourselves to be guided by God. Meekness does not mean yielding to sin in order to submit to others, but it does involve proper submission, and allowing ourselves to be molded like clay by our Master. This is not a weakness, but rather a strength, according to our Savior.
These are just a few examples of things Jesus spoke that may have been perceived as different by those who heard Him. They may seem just as different today.
Jesus’ speech was this way because He taught wisdom from above rather than the wisdom of this world (cf. John 7:16).
May we heed Christ’s “words of eternal life” (John 6:68), realizing it is His doctrine, and not the world’s, that leads to salvation.
– Michael Hickox