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Did Jesus really hate religion?

Did Jesus really hate religion?  I guess it all depends on what you mean by your definition of "religion".  In the last week, a youtube video uploaded by Jefferson Bethke has gone viral.  Viral....as in 13 million views... in one week!  Ah...the power of social media.  In case you've been living under a rock and haven't seen this yet...watch this first.

 

 

 

Jefferson's video immediately grew huge praise....and criticism.  It drew praise from many who understood "religion" one way....and curses from those who understood it a different way.  His words were definitely misinterpreted by many.   However, he could have chosen better verbiage throughout this poem to truly communicate how he feels about true faith.  

The first time I watched it..I understood what he was talking about.  Jefferson is bashing the religion that promotes self righteousness, works salvation and takes the place of knowing God intimately.  We've all been there and done that.  I understood it from the angle of Jesus' trashing the Pharisees religiosity of His day.  Need a reminder of that?  Read this - 

Matthew 23:1-34

There is no doubt in my mind that the "religion" of the pharisees is what Jesus wants done away with!  The problem is that most people associate the word "religion" with  prayer, bible study and going to church.  So when somebody hears "Jesus came to abolish religion!"...they freak out.   Jesus doesn't want me to read my bible? Jesus doesn't want me to go to church?  Jesus doesn't want me to pray?  No..no...no!   It's impossible to celebrate our faith without observing the "religious" practices that Jesus himself instituted.  Jesus prayed.  Jesus knew the scripture.  Jesus taught and worshipped in the synagouge.  Jesus was religous.  However...you never see Jesus insert what he does "for" God the Father with his relationship "with" God the Father.  

That's the problem I have with religion. It's when people think they are ok...based upon what they do for God.  Our religious practices (prayer, bible reading, church attendance, feeding the poor, taking care of orphans & widows etc.) propel us forward in our relationship with God.  However...they are never a substitute.   Salavation is based upon the Grace of God alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross!

Does Jesus hate religion?  It all depends on how you define it.

Which Jesus do you follow? Baby Jesus? Bearded Jesus? Teenage Jesus?

Watch this first.....

 

One of my favorite songs is "My Jesus" by Todd Agnew.  A phenomenal song which will make you examine how you view Jesus.   Todd begins the song with a very important question.  He says, "Which Jesus do you follow?".  

Now you may ask....Dan isn't there only one Jesus?  Yes, you are correct.  There is only one.  However, isn't it amazing how many people interpret Jesus differently?  

Some people have such a wrong perception of Jesus that it warps there entire view of life and faith.  For many, Jesus is a "white, middle class, Republican who opposes Obamacare".  To others...."Jesus is a liberal who will do anything to advance the agenda of the political left."  

For many, Jesus is a poster child for welfare, health, wealth and happiness.  For others Jesus was just a good teacher...but not God.  

Jesus is also used as an expletive when somebody needs to be blamed.  To others...Jesus is just a good luck charm when then need something to go their way.  There is no better way to illustrate in a "comedic" but sad way... how this happens.  Watch this. :)

 

So let me ask you....which Jesus do you follow?  How has your political, socio-economic, denominational, childhood, views have impacted on how you view Jesus?

I know what you are saying right now.  "Dan, I get my view of Jesus from the Bible."  

Awesome.  But do you really?  How can so many people say that and be wrong?  How can you read the Bible with an unbiased view?  We are so sinful, that we must be very, very, very careful, that we are not reading things into the text that are just not there.  If you are not careful...you can leave your Bible reading with a warped view of Jesus and life.

I think Todd Agnew is right.  If Jesus were physically walking the earth today we would not be impressed.  Jesus would probably not be welcome in most of our churches.  We would not want to b

e around the people that He would around.  We probably wouldn't even darken the door of some places Jesus would hang out. We would not be impressed because the images and views of Jesus, are so warped by our worldview, that it's hard to see it clearly.  I'm sure that some would even debate Jesus on doctrine.  Guarantee it.  So sad....but so true.  Heaven is going to be so awesome.  Can't wait to see the real Jesus. :)

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2-3

Think on this.  Which Jesus do you follow?