Have you ever noticed how simply mentioning the name of Jesus makes people uncomfortable? You can be talking about God and having a wonderful conversation with someone but if you call Him Jesus they will immediately become very uncomfortable and some will even shut down the conversation almost immediately. I have seen this phenomenon even among Christians or least supposed Christians.
There is something about the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus is controversial and dividing. The name of Jesus gives some comfort, healing and joy while stirring up anger and resentment among others.
We should be not surprised I guess. Jesus said it would be this way.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34)
He even goes on to say,
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -
a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. (Matthew 10:34-36)
Wow. I guess that sums it up. I guess we should not be surprised by the reaction. Even Jesus said it would be this way. Of course we know there is something about the name of Jesus but seeing the controversy and division it causes in our world affirms the Gospel and everything He said. I find it amusing that his name can be said in vain as if cursing by almost anyone anywhere and it rarely causes a fuss but if you speak his name with respect or pray in the Name people get offended.
I guess the reason is that Jesus is a stumbling block as Christian musician Michael Card put it in his song, Living Stones. I believe the Name of Jesus makes people uncomfortable because He demands a decision.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Act 4:12)
Although I could be wrong I don’t think any other religion has such a discriminatory position statement.
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