Counter Cultural

If you could describe Jesus in one word, what would it be? Prophet? Messiah? Lunatic? How about the word countercultural? In the three years of his public ministry, Jesus’ identity and mission were often the source of great controversy. No matter where he went, Jesus had a knack for stirring the pot, simply because his words, teachings, and actions were radically opposed to the cultural norms of the time. In Matthew 5, Jesus gives his famous sermon on the Mount, and as usual, his words grate and challenge the people’s social, cultural, and religious traditions.

Jesus starts off his sermon with what we now know as “the Beatitudes”. He goes through a list of characteristics such as being meek, mournful, and persecuted, knowing full well that most people would do anything to avoid these traits. Yet despite the fact that they are not socially acceptable, Jesus asserts that anyone who possesses these traits are in fact, blessed. They are the ones who will inherit the earth, find comfort, and even be given the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:2-11)!

After the Beatitudes, Jesus continues his sermon with an explanation of the Law. He directly challenges the assumption that outwardly keeping the commandments is enough to please God. Whereas the Law stated that murderers would be judged, Jesus argued that anyone who was angry with their brother would be subject to an even greater judgment (Matthew 5:21-23). Whereas the Law denounced physical adultery, Jesus affirmed that anyone who even looked at a person with “lustful intent” had already committed adultery in their heart (Matthew 5:27-28). And although the Law seemed to permit retaliating to one’s enemies (Deuteronomy 19:21), Jesus instructed his listeners to do just the opposite. They were to love their enemies, turn the other cheek, and pray for those who hurt them. For a people who were currently under Roman occupation, the idea of loving their enemies was probably outrageous! Yet Jesus never concerned himself with societal, cultural, or even religious norms. His priority was to do the Father’s will, even if it meant being different than everybody else.

As Christians, there will be many times when God asks us to be countercultural. If you are in business, God will ask you to be completely honest and integral, even if your colleagues are not. If you have been wronged, God may ask you to attempt reconciliation, even if the other person has not apologized. If you are a young adult, God will ask you to remain sexually pure, even in the midst of a Tinder-induced, hook-up culture. In all aspects of our lives, God calls us to look to him for wisdom and guidance, despite what our culture, tradition, and society may tell us. And although it may cause people to treat us differently, it also causes them to see Jesus within us. So go ahead and stir the pot! Not as a rebel or troublemaker, but as one who radically serves God regardless of what else anyone thinks.