Why Are Jesus’ Sayings Challenging

Many of Jesus’ sayings are challenging. Jesus tells us to deny ourselves and embrace our crosses (Matthew 16:24). He wants us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek when they betray us (Matthew 5:39). He wants us to sell all that we have and give it to the poor (Luke 18:22). He even wants us to go an extra mile when asked to do something (Matthew 5:41). I can only imagine what his disciples thought when he said these sayings. I’m sure there was some frustration and confusion and possibly some temptation to abandon Jesus, the son of Mary. I believe the words of St. Peter, however, were alive in the hearts of true believers.

After the Bread of Life Discourse in John 6, Jesus asks his disciples if there are going to leave him, and St. Peter responds, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Although Jesus’ words may be challenging to us, we must remember who he is and why he says what he says. Who is Jesus? Jesus is the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity. For our sake, he took on human flesh to be crucified for our sins. Why does Jesus say what he says? Because after his crucifixion, he rose from the dead and desires that we, too, may join him in rising from sin and death. Let us not be afraid to accept and embrace these challenging commands of Jesus because the very reason he gives them to us is out of love.