He Said What?
He Said What?
The Hard Sayings of Jesus
One of the frequent platitudes said of Jesus by Christians and non-Christians alike is that he was a great teacher. And that’s certainly true but his great teaching included words that offended many, confused others and caused more than a few to turn and no longer follow him.
In this 12-part sermon series entitled, “He said what?” we’re going to look at some examples of the hard sayings of Jesus and see how greatly relevant they are for us today.
Ep. 01
Ep. 01
Luke 9:23-27
January 12, 2025
We kick off a new series this week where we’re looking at the hard sayings of Jesus. Most everyone calls Jesus a great teacher but I wonder when much of Jesus’ teaching offended and confused. In this message we begin by looking at the hardest of all: deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Him.
Ep. 02
Ep. 02
Luke 14:25-33
January 19, 2025
In the gospels, it was common for great crowds to follow Jesus. But in this week’s text Jesus appears to want to thin the crowds out when talking about the high cost and call of being a disciple of Jesus.
Ep. 03
Ep. 03
Matthew 10:34-36
January 26, 2025
One of the great titles of Jesus is Prince of Peace. And yet, in this week's passage He says that He didn't come to bring peace but a sword meant to divide families. It's a hard saying. What are we to do with a Lord called peace who brings division? That's what we seek to answer in this week's message.
Ep. 04
Ep. 04
Mark 9:42-50
February 2, 2025
Some of Jesus' most arresting words in the entirety of his ministry serve as a reminder that our actions have dire and eternal consequences.
Ep. 05
Ep. 05
Luke 9:57-62
February 9, 2025
The 18th century philosopher and theologian Soren Kierkegaard wrote that Jesus didn't want admirers, He wanted followers. Admiration of Jesus can actually mask a divided heart. In this message Jesus cuts through the admiration of three people, calling them to something far deeper.
Ep. 06
Ep. 06
Matthew 11:28-30
February 16, 2025
This passage seems to be out of place in a series on the hard sayings of Jesus. And in some ways it is, for they contain some of the sweetest words ever spoken. And yet, even the sweet words of Jesus can be hard when we choose to ignore them and not accept the invitation He offers. This message looks at the invitation of Jesus to come to Him, what we need to bring, and what we receive in its place.
Ep. 07
Ep. 07
Luke 6:27-31
February 23, 2025
In this series on the hard sayings of Jesus today's text may be the hardest. And yet, few texts better explain the person and ministry of Jesus and the call on those who are His disciples. In it we are going to see how, what and why we are to respond to our enemies as Jesus calls us to.
Ep. 08
Ep. 08
Mark 10:23-31
March 2, 2025
This week’s message is a study of contrasts where we discover that the call of Jesus costs us everything and promises the incomprehensible in this life and the life to come.
Ep. 09
Ep. 09
Matthew 7:21-23
March 9, 2025
In this series on the hard sayings of Jesus today's text may be the hardest. And yet, few texts better explain the person and ministry of Jesus and the call on those who are His disciples. In it we are going to see how, what and why we are to respond to our enemies as Jesus calls us to.
Ep. 10
Ep. 10
Luke 22:35-38
March 16, 2025
This hard saying marks a time of transition. Where what the disciples of Jesus experienced previously in their ministry wouldn't be theirs going ahead. Why? What happened? This message will look at three things: what things were like before, what they could expect now, and why they should expect it.
Ep. 11
Ep. 11
Matthew 25:1-13
March 23, 2025
Nobody likes to wait, it seems like such a waste of time. And yet, the Bible has a lot of positive things to say about waiting and the importance of waiting well. In the parable of the ten virgins Jesus reveals how we are to live in readiness of His return but how to wait well if His return is delayed.