Sometimes the truth hurts. I remember hearing this phrase all of my life and for different reasons. Whether it's bad news from the doctor, getting a test score, or finding out your breath smells like something died in your mouth the truth can hurt. Honesty can be a tough pill to swallow sometimes. While honesty may be "the best policy" and although the truth should be told there are most definitely times when the truth hurts. Yet, most of us were raised to tell the truth.
However, as we get older we discover that lying isn't always bad. Sometimes, we tell ourselves, that a little white lie never hurt anyone and that if you are looking out for their overall feelings then a lie to protect the heart of someone is acceptable. Possibly even noble.
One person hasn't bought into this idea though. One person hasn't found little white lies to protect hearts as a viable option. In fact, this person does the opposite. This person actually does the exact opposite, yet still getting the desired result. This person is Jesus. Jesus Christ doesn't tell a little white lie to protect the heart of a listener; rather, Jesus tells the truth, regardless of how shocking that truth may be, which ultimately is what protects the heart of his people.
Interestingly, Jesus was offending people all of the time with his truth. While his truth, the truth, sets His people free it also embitters the hearts of those who don't love him. Today it's still the case. Prevalent in our culture today is a complete disregard for the whole counsel of the Scriptures. Instead, people will pull a verse here or there and blindly use it as a means to bring there soul comfort. Then, many people will disregard scriptures they don't understand or that don't fit their box for God and act as though Jesus never said that particular troubling statement.
This is not a new phenomenon. In John 6 there is an exchange between Jesus and some followers. It ends with Jesus making several statements that offended most of those who were following him. All of the followers besides the 12 disciples rejected Jesus’ teaching that day and they left him. I love this next exchange!
So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…” John 6:67-68
Here's why I love this. Jesus doesn't ask if the Twelve understand it all. He doesn't give them a pop quiz. He just flat out asks if they can handle the truth? And Peter's answer isn't "I understand" but is one of faith that Jesus is the Son of God and what he says is truth and brings life; whether it's a tough pill to swallow or going down smooth.
And that’s the question Jesus is asking you today! When his ways seem difficult; on a day when his teachings seems tough; when you expect him to give you a lollipop and tell you that you’re a good person and instead you get “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood you have no life in you (v.53)” what will you do?? Will you run? Will you conveniently overlook that truth? Will you make your own Stepford God by picking and choosing what aspects of God you like and what aspects you don’t? Or as he looks at you with love and mercy will you say back “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” If it’s the last response know that he will lovingly help you through whatever troubles you. He is good. And he does good.Grace and Peace.