Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
How many of the things Jesus has said have been misinterpreted? One? Two? Half?? The difficulty with trying to understand someone else’s words is in getting past the assumptions we bring to the table.
When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” (John 2: 19b) the Pharisees thought he was talking about the temple that Herod was rebuilding. John explains that the temple Jesus was referring to was his body.
When talking with Nicodemus Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3: 5) Some people feel that Jesus is saying you have to be baptized with water to be born of water. Other people say Jesus is talking about being born of flesh (a baby floats in water in the womb) and being born spiritually.
Later, after feeding the five thousand, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6: 53b – 54) The Pharisees argued that no one could eat his flesh and almost all but the twelve disciples abandoned Jesus. Did he mean what they thought he meant?
There are many other examples. The point of this post is not to pick a fight, but to illustrate the importance of seeking God’s perspective. Instead of trying to force our interpretation on God’s Word it is best to listen carefully.
Many years later Paul would write in his second letter to Timothy, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” (2 Timothy 2: 23) Of course when we argue it doesn’t feel “foolish and stupid” at all, but that is often how it looks.
Application: Our job is to let God be God. When we assume the role of the Devine and claim to “know” what God means, we run the risk of leading someone astray. It is enough to listen to God’s Word and decide for ourselves what God means. If we understand correctly, His light will shine through our lives like a beacon on a hill.
Food for Thought: Some arguments are worth having, but they are very few. How do we tell the difference between one of the few worthwhile things to argue about and everything else?
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Well, first of all, I do think there is a difference between an honest discussion and an argument – in which the goal is simply to be proven right. But obviously our conversations should focus on what is important, such as who Jesus is or core elements of the gospel.
Rich,
You are right. Perhaps “argument” was a poor choice of words. To “argue” can mean to give reasons for your point of view, or it can also mean a heated, or angry discussion. I think you mean we should avoid angry discussions and I agree with that.
In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul writes, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God…” That sounds like he is arguing against pretension. He also says in Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing…” but the context there suggests he is talking about serving humbly and submitting to authority rather than defending the gospel. In Acts 19:8 Paul is described as “arguing persuasively” in Ephesus.
To your point, I agree that honest discussion is to be desired. Yet there are those who preach a false gospel as in the case of the youtube video you shared the other night. Sometimes people close the door to discussion and refuse to even consider another point of view.
If we are to avoid arguments we have two choices. One is limit “arguments” (discussion in the nice sense) to critical doctrine. Twisting the Word of God to mean something it doesn’t is an example of something I would argue against doing. (I am not referring to simply holding an opinion I disagree with, but to the practice of promulgating a personal interpretation as something I and others need to accept as gospel.) You yourself “argued” (in the nice sense of presenting an argument) that the gospel claims in the video were wrong.
Perhaps the key to this discussion is whether or not a person puts themselves forward as a teacher. As James writes in James 3:1 these people are held to a different standard. In this blog, if someone shares a comment, it seems they are always sharing an insight or an opinion. This is excellent and encourages growth in our understanding of the Word. If someone were to try and bully others into accepting their point of view, I would object if it is not in line with scripture. We are to avoid arguments with such people, Paul advises us to, “… watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” (Romans 16:17b)
If you believe I am wrong on this point I am willing to be instructed.
Well if we get in trouble every time we misinterpret something Jesus says, then I’d be sitting in the corner with a dunce cap on. However, I’m covered by the grace of God through Jesus. I also hope God is pleased that I’m trying to figure His ways out.
Happy Friday.
Amen, brother! I am right there with you. 🙂
I don’t think you are wrong, but I do feel that you did not like my answer and am correcting me by an argument.
Rich,
I’m sorry! I did not mean to give that impression. There is nothing in your statement that I disagree with. I thought you rightly pointed out that the word “argue” can be taken several ways. I was expanding on that thought, not disagreeing with you. To put it another way, I thought your answer illuminated a weakness in my original post, and I was trying to fill in the breach. 🙂
But I do agree with what you are saying, so if there is any disagreement it must be small. Good devotion brother.
Nice argument brothers. Handled very well. With love.