What Would Jesus Say?

What Would Jesus Say?
Jack Radcliffe
1/30/2013
In the wake of senseless killing and suffering, journalists, bloggers, and commentators left no stone unturned in their offering of opinions about why these things happen and what the best solutions are. As a nation, we seem to have spiritual bipolar disorder in times of tragedy. We turn to God for comfort yet at the same time decry his seeming lack of interest in keeping these things from happening.

Christian theologians and pastors find themselves defending God and explaining his nature. Our psyches have a difficult time believing in a God who is loving and all-powerful yet who seems to permit evil, doing nothing about it. Some will say these tragedies are the result of humanity’s sin nature. Others go a step further and claim them as God’s judgment on a sinful society. At the other end of the spectrum are those who see God’s reaction during times of tragedy and loss to be extreme sadness.

The problem with these claims (and ultimately everything in between) is that they are attempts to define the infinite (God) from the perspective of the finite (human). In our minds we craft a God who is fair and loving, who gives us what we feel we should receive, who wants good things for us and is there for us when we need him. This belief system falls apart when life isn’t fair, when we don’t get what we want and the good things we want from God never come.

And as is our wont, we blame God. Where was he? Why did he not stop this? We/they didn’t deserve it!

It would be nice if God took a moment to address these questions. Fortunately, he already has. Jesus’ teachings had a lot to say about tragedy that goes beyond the usual assurances (“God is present in the midst of suffering,” “God gives hope to go on,” etc.). These things are true, but there is more.

First, Jesus says that “here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33, NLT), especially if you follow Christ. God doesn’t promise a carefree life. This is a false expectation that comes from a false understanding of God. Paul puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (NLT).

Second, Paul can say those words because he trusts what Jesus says: “Take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NLT).

The circumstances and losses we face are but a small part of this life and this world. Evil may knock us down, but in overcoming the world Jesus has taken away evil’s power to destroy us completely. Here’s where it becomes interesting. While God cares deeply for what we go through, his primary concern is that others will know him (John 3:16).

When those who trust in Jesus experience healing and the power to forgive, they are not crushed, perplexed, or despairing. They have gotten back up, and their story points to the God who has made it possible not just for them but for everyone. There is purpose in our suffering that goes beyond us.

Jesus willingly gave himself to suffer and die for the salvation of the world. In this and his resurrection, he overcame the eternal effects of evil. When he invites us to follow him, he is asking us to do the same: give ourselves to the gospel—despite the discomfort, pain, loss, and suffering that may come—so that others can know him. It’s the greatest expression of love.