Jesus was loving AND not a nice man.
Jesus threatened Rome by gathering 5,000 men (plus women and children), which was a sizable force in the face of Rome.
Jesus confronted the Pharisees, Sadducees, Chief Priests, Scribes and Elders regularly. He was very sarcastic with and about them.
Jesus talked about Herod in disparaging terms.
Jesus yelled at His disciples about their lack of understanding and lack of faith - repeatedly. He was also very sarcastic with and about them.
Jesus also healed, raised from the dead and fed hungry people.
Jesus also taught Kingdom Values. He agonized over the well-being of many, loved to the point of hurting, stood up to the powerful on behalf of the powerless and gave His life for all humanity without our deserving.
Jesus touched the untouchable.
Jesus broke Sabbath Laws.
Jesus included foreigners of different faiths and lifted up women as examples of the faith.
Jesus turned the world upside down, including instruction on human interaction, values of wealth and power and perspectives on hubris, self-indulgence and humility.
Agape Love is not a feeling. It is not a gesture.
Agape Love is ACTIVE COMMITMENT on behalf of the other.
Jesus taught it.
Jesus commanded it for anyone who wants to be His follower.
Jesus modeled it, even to dying for us.
Pastor Jamie
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