The way of Jesus often defies common sense. Losing is gaining. Weakness is strength. Last is first. His teachings are counter-intuitive and sometimes frustrating. And yet, by embodying these paradoxical teachings, Jesus lived a life of unmatched beauty, love, and spiritual power. Let’s take a closer look at how Jesus taught these seemingly contradictory teachings, how he lived them, and how the rest of the New Testament fleshes them out. What would it look like to align our lives with the paradoxical power of Jesus?
1. Losing is Gaining
Lose your life for Jesus and the gospel, and you'll find your life. (Matt 16:21-27)
2. Slavery is Freedom
Jesus frees us from sin and invites us to be his bondservants...which is true freedom. (Mt 11:28-30)
3. Weakness is Strength
Only when we embrace our weakness do we experience God's strength. (Matt 5:5, 2 Cor. 12)
4. Last is First
Our way of measuring status and success is often opposite of God's. (Matt 19:16-30, 20:16)
5. Serving is Leading
The most influential leaders are those who humble themselves and serve. (Mark 10:35-45)
