IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Jesus: A Dangerous Man

“The most dangerous idea in human history and philosophy remains the belief that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and rose from the dead. And that is the most dangerous idea you will ever encounter.”

These words were those spoken by Peter Hitchens, who served on a panel for the Australian TV show “Q&A, Adventures in Democracy,” which was broadcast from the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Monday, November 4, 2013.  Other panelists included feminist Germaine Greer, writer Hanna Rosin and homosexual activist, Dan Savage.

Throughout the show, the panelists answered questions from the audience on topics such as the collapse of Western civilization, marriage, children, and casual sex. Near the program’s end, a woman from the audience asked, “Which so-called dangerous  idea do you each think would have the greatest potential to change the world for the better if it were implemented?”

Interestingly Hitchens, brother of the deceased and controversial author and journalist Christopher Hitchens, is a conservative, Pro-life, and a Believer in Jesus.  His answer fooled the audience who clapped.  And promoted moderator, Tony Jones to ask why that idea was so dangerous.  Hitchen’s classic response quieted the perplexed audience.

“Because it alters the whole of human behavior and all our responsibilities. It turns the universe from a meaningless chaos into a designed place in which there is justice and there is hope and, therefore, we all have a duty to discover the nature of that justice and work towards that hope. It alters us all. If we reject it, it alters us all as well. It is incredibly dangerous. It’s why so many people turn against it.”

Hitchen’s answer reminded me that’s why Jesus was crucified by the Jews. He was dangerous.

The Chief Priests and Pharisees were threatened by Jesus.  John records that they worried his popularity would cause the Romans to “take away their place and nation.” Caiaphas, the High Priest, responded that it was “expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

Jesus was dangerous.  He threatened their political positions.  Their power.  Their prestige.  Jesus challenged their religiosity.  Questioned their traditions. Deflected their criticisms.  Doubted their sincerity.  And avoided their attempts to entrap Him.   He charged them with hypocrisy.  Unholy motives.  And ungodly actions.

Jesus made them uncomfortable.  Very uncomfortable.  And when He could not be dismissed, marginalized or silenced, it was determined this dangerous man must die.

Sounds a lot like today, doesn’t it?

Pro-Choice groups, homosexual activists, and “marriage-rights” proponents don’t like Christianity, because they don’t like Jesus!  He’s dangerous!  He’s a threat to their behavior. Their agenda.  Their lifestyle.

On Friday the Jews killed Christ.  But they couldn’t keep him dead!  On Sunday, He arose!  Victorious over Satan’s schemes.  And the Pharisees plot to mute His mission.  The tongue that lay silent in the grave for three days, arose to speak.  To challenge. To charge.  To commission.  And to call for commitment.  For confession, And for  consecration of heart and life.  That scares people!  Frightens them!  And renders Jesus and His followers as dangerous.

On Sunday when you celebrate His death, burial and resurrection, remember what it means and who He really is.  Indeed it alters your reason for living.  Your responsibilities.  And the whole of your behavior.

Yes, it’s “dangerous.”  But rejecting Him is more so.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman