A Visit With Jesus

 Difficult Sayings of Jesus

Some statements made by Jesus can sound startling, puzzling, or even contradictory when they are separated from their language, setting, and biblical background. This collection examines those difficult sayings directly.

Each entry explains why the saying has caused difficulty, presents interpretations that have received serious consideration, and offers an assessment of what the saying most likely means.

Illustration of Destroy This Temple

Destroy This Temple

  John 2:19-22
Figurative Language Theological
Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Why is this difficult? Why does Jesus speak of his death and resurrection in terms of destroying and rebuilding the Temple?

Illustration of Born Again or Born from Above

Born Again or Born from Above

  John 3:3-8
Language Figurative Language Theological
Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Why is this difficult? What kind of second birth does Jesus mean, and why does the expression also carry the sense of being born from above?

Illustration of Before Abraham Was, I Am

Before Abraham Was, I Am

  John 8:58
Language Theological
Before Abraham was, I am.

Why is this difficult? Why does Jesus use this striking formulation rather than simply saying that he existed before Abraham?

Illustration of You Are Gods

You Are Gods

  John 10:34-36
Theological Scriptural Background
I said, you are gods.

Why is this difficult? Why does Jesus quote a Psalm that calls human beings gods, and what does that quotation contribute to his argument?

Illustration of The Father Is Greater Than I

The Father Is Greater Than I

  John 14:28
Theological Apparent Tension
The Father is greater than I.

Why is this difficult? How does Jesus' statement that the Father is greater than he fit with the Gospel's other claims about his relationship with the Father?

Illustration of Why Do You Call Me Good?

Why Do You Call Me Good?

  Mark 10:17-18; Luke 18:18-19
Theological Apparent Tension
Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

Why is this difficult? Is Jesus denying his own goodness or divinity, or is his question intended to make the man consider more carefully whom he is addressing?