There were big things to do.
There throngs willing to listen who needed to hear.
There were disciples seeking training and teaching.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” –Luke 5:16
There were people to heal.
There were lost souls to share the Gospel with.
There were places to get to, people to avoid, people to save.
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” –Luke 18:16
There were false accusations.
There was so much to explain to save the day.
There were loved ones, true believers, looking on confused and despairing.
“But Jesus gave no answer.” –Luke 23:9
When I think “But Jesus,” I’m usually calling for His might and strength and power. I want to share that there was a big challenge- but Jesus overcame it. Or that I had a big question- but Jesus gave the answer.
But Jesus often doesn’t do what worldly wisdom says makes sense.
We’re called to live this kind of “but” too.
There is the temptation to aim for greatness.
There is the suggestion that greatness means we can do more for Jesus.
There is a false belief that God’s main goal for us is to feel great.
“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” –Luke 22:26
There is a drive to always be improving on everything.
There is value placed on the new, changing, and evolving.
There is a dismissal of old ways as lesser and old convictions as ignorant.
“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” –2 Timothy 3:14 (see 2 Timothy 4:5 also)
There is a myth that pursuing money is a necessary evil.
There is acceptance that discontent is a good motivator and lust an effective change-agent.
There is a push for flattery, pride, and selfishness being requirements for surviving this world.
“But you…flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness… Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.” –1 Timothy 6:11; Jude 1:17
May we ask God for the boldness to respond to “the natural course of things” and “what makes sense” with But Jesus! Share on X
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This is such a good reminder! Following Jesus doesn’t always make sense to the world, but Jesus didn’t make sense to the people around him either . . .
He certainly did not. Thanks for joining me in remembering this!
So often I sense God telling me to do the thing that seems counter-intuitive, and this post gives me words for thinking that through–as well as a very short but sweet and memorable way of keeping my focus: “But Jesus.”
So glad Michele! I need to keep my focus too when I struggle with counter-intuitive prompting!
I love this post, Bethany. And this…”But Jesus often doesn’t do what worldly wisdom says makes sense. We’re called to live this kind of “but” too.”
Amen! I so want to lay down the lie of what I think “but Jesus” looks like in my situation and my life. I lay down my own glory so God will receive His…in me.
Thank you Karen! I do want God’s will done, not mine. (Until I learn what’s God will is sometimes…then I doubt…but still His will is better!)
Amen, Bethany. It was such a breath of fresh air to read this today. 🙂
Thank you, Lois, so glad!
“We’re called to live this kind of “but” too.”
Just to say this again and again brings peace: But Jesus. Thanks, Bethany!
Amen, Lisa! Thank you!
His wisdom is not ours. Great post. Visiting you from the faith on fire link up. laurensparks.net