Four Reasons People Avoid Talking About Jesus

Four Reasons People Avoid Talking About Jesus

People avoid talking about Jesus. And that’s too bad. Because Jesus has the meaningful answers we seek. And don’t you naturally talk about someone who provides meaningful answers? Although there are probably many reasons why people avoid talking about Jesus, here are four I’ve observed.

People avoid talking about Jesus because his claims might be true

Jesus claimed to be God in human form. Wow! What a radical idea. God came to earth as an actual person? Was both fully God and man simultaneously?

A seemingly ludicrous and incomprehensible reality. And yet, there it is. Exactly what Jesus claimed among other things.

The religious leaders of his day tried to discredit him and failed. Couldn’t identify even one sin he had committed. Explain the empty tomb 3 days after his death and burial. Or suppress the claims of multiple people who saw him in a resurrected, human body.

And critics can’t disqualify him today either. So they settle for calling him a religious teacher and/or a good man rather than God.

But as C.S. Lewis pointed out in Mere Christianity, a good man would not falsely claim to be God. Such a man would be either a liar or a lunatic.

Which means the third option is still on the table. That Jesus really was God. And if true, it demands serious consideration. And requires a personal decision.

So people just avoid talking about him.

People avoid talking about Jesus because he presents a unifying message

Jesus said we are all sinners. All unrighteous. Equally condemned before God. And ultimately scheduled for judgement before God. It puts us on an even playing field. And unifies us in a common condition.

It should also give us pause on self-righteous name calling, virtue signaling and piling on in moral condemnation. Not to minimize sin or ignore justice. But to acknowledge we are all guilty of moral failure. Fall short of God’s glory. And Jesus, the only one who qualified as perfect, rather than condemn a guilty sinner, offered her grace.

It’s a positive, unifying and life-giving message we should shout at the top of our lungs!

Placing ourselves on higher moral ground than others creates separation. But people who repent of sin and seek reconciliation through Jesus Christ are unified.

And this, in turn, encourages humility, grace and compassion.

Of course, if unity is not your real agenda the best way to shut down the conversation is simply to avoid talking about Jesus.

People avoid talking about Jesus because he demands discipleship

This is where Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. Your heart. He wants to renew, transform and control it. The control part is where people balk.

Sure, Jesus. I’ll take your easy entrance plan into heaven. Make an occasional charitable donation. Attend church every…Christmas and Easter.

But not let you control of my life. Actually follow you. Especially if there’s a cost.

Because real discipleship is more than talk. It’s a daily walk. That may weave along difficult paths. And involve sacrifice. Although it’s a walk with God that is eternally rewarding.

But that all still sounds like quite a commitment. More than most people are ready to accept. So let’s focus our time and attention on other things. And just avoid talking about Jesus.

People avoid talking about Jesus to hide their faith

Peter was that person. I’ve been that person. Because the desire to fit in is strong. To belong. Even be considered cool. Sure. It’s okay to be a religious person. Just not too religious. Because you might be labelled a fanatic. And excluded from certain groups.

Therefore, I downplay my faith in Jesus. Avoid mentioning him as my Savior and Lord. An ordinary, normal looking nice guy. Dudley do right. Not some weird, Jesus freak.

Like Paul the apostle. That’s a guy who really put his faith on display. Openly talked about Jesus at every opportunity.

But not like Peter either. Who followed along the night Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest’s house. And when asked three times if he was a follower of Jesus, denied it.

To avoid talking about Jesus is just, well, maintaining a low profile. Of course, there will be a final place I want to fit in too. And a moment before I enter when I face Jesus and he speaks up for me.

Surely Jesus won’t hold that silence against me. Will he?

Obviously, talking about Jesus in today’s cultural climate requires discretion and courage. A sense of urgency about sharing his message. And a commitment to obedience over acceptance.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.

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Lessons From The Story Of Balaam’s Talking Donkey

Lessons From The Story Of Balaam’s Talking Donkey

Laughing Balaam's Talking Donkey

Balaam’s talking donkey is a Bible story that fits well into a cartoon or sitcom. But the Bible? And yet, there it is. So what does an ancient talking donkey teach us today?

The story takes place as Israel approaches the nation of Moab on its way to the promised land. And this made King Balak of Moab nervous. Because Israel was conquering everyone in their path. And Moab was up next. So King Balak called on Balaam, a pagan prophet to curse them.

Balaam was a greedy, unethical man that practiced divination and magic arts. For him, this was a way to earn fast, easy cash.

But God threw a wrench in the deal by forbidding Balaam to curse Israel. Because Israel had His blessing.

The Bible Story Of Balaam’s Talking Donkey Teaches You Can’t Thwart God’s Sovereign Will

God wouldn’t let Balaam curse Israel, but gave him permission to visit King Balak. Although Bible scholars suggest he didn’t intend to obey God’s instructions. Therefore, God sent an angel to block the road. And impress on Balaam that He was serious about those instructions. Deadly serious.

So the angel blocks the road and Balaam can’t see him, but the donkey can. And doesn’t try to pass, even though Balaam beats him. Which is when the donkey speaks up–literally! And after the conversation, Balaam sees the angel in the road with a sword and realizes the donkey saved his life.

The point is, God is sovereign. And what He ordains will come true. He has a plan for the end of this world. For eternity. And for you.

Of course, you have free will too. And can make choices and changes within God’s permissive will. But not His sovereign will. Balaam finally got the message. Although it took a drastic event to get his attention, open his eyes and listen to God.

What might this look like today?

The Bible Story Of Balaam’s Talking Donkey Teaches That God Can Be Creative In Accomplishing His Will

God is not a stuffed shirt. An angry old man tossing lightning bolts. He’s creative. Has a sense of humor. And introduced a talking animal long before any of our TV shows. And it’s not the only time God used quirky methods to carry out His divine plan.

He told Gideon to cut his army of over 30,000 down to 300. Armed them with trumpets and torches. Had them surround the army of their enemy, blow the trumpets, hold up the torches and shout. He had Joshua march around the city of Jericho once for 6 days straight. And on the 7th day, march around it 7 times, blow trumpets and shout.

Can you imagine how ridiculous the Israelites must have looked? And felt?

The point is, God often tests your faith by asking you to trust Him. He invites us to join in working for His Kindgom. But often chooses unlikely leaders and surprising methods to carry out His will.

The Bible Story Of Balaam’s Talking Donkey Teaches That God Expects Us To Live By Conviction

God expected Balaam to stand by his convictions. And expects us to do the same. Of course, standing by convictions assumes you have moral standards. Which is the whole point of the Bible. It sets out God’s plan, purpose and path for this life and beyond. It’s His divine instruction manual.

The problem for Balaam is he appeared to lack convictions and moral standards. He was all about pursuing money. And since blessing Israel was part of God’s sovereign will, God made sure Balaam followed through on it.

Unlike the story of Balaam, God usually lets you choose to obey Him or not. Although there are encouragements and warnings about the benefits and consequences for when you do and don’t.

But living by Godly convictions is not easy. Especially in a world driven by material gain. Which is why the Bible is such an important resource. Because it provides instructions, principles and yes, commands for us to follow. Not to overwhelm us with rules, but to guide us in living holy lives that maintain good relationships with others.

It shows you how to live your best life now and forever.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.

Join My E-mail List

And I’ll send you my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. You’ll learn how to punch up your presentations with humor.