Comments on: [DEVOTIONAL] The Profane Jesus

By: D.

D. — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 18:03:20 +0000

Strong language that Jesus used towards the Pharisees should not be confused with foul/cussing language our youth is using. Jesus had the purpose of exposing sin, cussing has no purpose other than “spray” mud and garbage on whoever is within the proximity of the speaker.

By: Rick Lawrence

Rick Lawrence — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 21:26:42 +0000

In reply to Bryce.

Bryce,
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond, and for the gift of your encouragement…
Grace,
Rick

By: Bryce

Bryce — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 01:26:50 +0000

Beautifully insightful and interesting. I never knew that those phrases were considered as vulgar of words as our curse words, although this makes sense. It shows just how much Jesus meant the words he was speaking to these hypocritical pharisees, and the passion behind what he was saying by choosing to use words like this. This opens up a perspective of Jesus I never saw before.

By: Rick Lawrence

Rick Lawrence — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 22:21:11 +0000

In reply to Mark. Killer last line, by the way...

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 21:41:11 +0000

In reply to Rick Lawrence.

I see a real difference between profane and offensive. I get that Jesus was offensive and that the gospel is offensive. There’s one way to the Father and that’s through me. It’s pretty narrow and that can be offensive. I also understand calling sin, sin and if it’s offensive, okay, but as Scripture says, “Speak the truth in love.” I just think that your daughter’s volleyball coach and FCA Sponsor cussing isn’t offensive in a redemptive sense. I hang on your illustration from years of discipling students to walk with Christ and the disappointment many of them express from leaders and students in Christian organizations and churches, whose walk or talk doesn’t resemble much of Jesus. And that following Jesus is more than dodgeball.

By: Rick Lawrence

Rick Lawrence — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 21:06:05 +0000

In reply to Mark.

Thanks for this, Mark… The hard truth is that a bare-faced understanding of “Christlike” would have to include offensive language and behavior, because Jesus was undeniably offensive to many, not just the Pharisees (see John 6). But His “offensiveness” was targeted and intended for redemptive impact—the only hope the Pharisees had of getting jolted from their arrogant self-righteousness was to be offended out of their complacence, I think… Jesus said He never did anything He didn’t see His Father doing first. His strong language and behavior, thus, give us plenty to think about relative to God’s nature and behavior…

By: Rick Lawrence

Rick Lawrence — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 21:01:07 +0000

In reply to Christian.

Nice observations, Christian… Though, if “profane” is largely connected to using God’s name in vain, then a lot that we call profane in the culture… isn’t. It’s merely “strong” language. You’re right, of course, that the Pharisees were incensed by Jesus’ claims to “be somebody,” but plenty of other “false Messiahs” had made similar claims. Jesus certainly backed up his claims with a force the others didn’t. But I think the Pharisees were every bit human, and their rage was fueled (primarily) by the language Jesus used to describe them, right to their face…

By: Rick Lawrence

Rick Lawrence — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 20:57:33 +0000

In reply to Andrew Raymond. Andrew, thanks so much...

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 19:59:09 +0000

I’m left a little confused with the article. I’m always bothered by youth leaders in church or parachurch organizations, that use questionable language. While you certainly don’t look down upon others when they slip up in language, as a parent, youth leader, teacher or leader of a Christian organization, there is a higher standard. To him who much has been given, from him much is to be expected. There is great youth ministry maxim that “whatever adults might handle in moderation, kids often take to excess.”
As a youth minister and pastor, I am always bothered by youth leaders who use questionable language in effort to gain attention or ‘relate’ to youth culture. It always reminded me of something Elton Trueblood once wrote that how the church in seeking to become relevant becomes irrelevant.
How we talk outwardly, says much about us inwardly as was Jesus’ point with the Pharisees. When Jesus changes who we are, that always changes what we do. The outward reflects the inward, and that includes our language.
I applaud your filters regarding our words and only feel they need to be emphasized more strongly.

By: Christian

Christian — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 18:14:54 +0000

I think it is good to remember that Jesus was not always “nice” in the way He talked to people – particularly religious leaders. And I agree with the application, that we should help youth see the importance of watching what they say because of the result.

But, I think there is a difference between strong language and profane language. Using God’s name in vain would be profane. I might say many of the things Jesus said were strong and not nice, but not necessarily profane.

One more comment… I don’t think Jesus’ repeatedly calling the Pharisees and leaders vipers and white-washed tombs was THE reason they conspired against Him. The Bible also mentions them conspiring to kill Him because of the claims He made about Himself.