Jesus is offensive. He is offensive to every culture in every part of the world and in every period of time. The Gospel message that all our accomplishments are worthless and that we must rely on Jesus alone for salvation offends us to the core. In the Gospels, no one ever “liked” Jesus or responded to Him moderately. They either tried to kill Jesus or they worshipped Him and gave up everything to follow Him.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: Luke 2:29-35; John 14:6; Matthew 15:12; 2 Kings 5; Numbers 22:28-30.

Meeting with God and grasping the grace he freely gives us changes our relationship to our money, possessions, and career. When we see that salvation cannot be earned or gained through hard work, we are freed from the idolatry of wealth. When we experience this freedom, we can give with spontaneity and joy.

The gospel should change not just our inner being but also the way we relate to the outside world. Paul engaged with society every day. He was distressed, indignant and compassionate about the Athenians' beliefs, but he kept his eyes on the cross to inform his words. He recognized their idols and raised up Jesus as the only true God.

Near the end of his life, Joseph displays his hard-earned wisdom. He shows us that we need to leave all righting of wrongs to God; we must see God’s providing hand in man’s malice; and we must never repay evil with evil, but instead we must meet evil with forgiveness, and even affection.