I have had egg on my face more than for making false assumptions. One of the most glaring and embarrassing was conducting a counseling session with a person whom I “assumed” that I knew but had forgotten. I also “assumed” that we actually had an appointment that I had forgotten to list on my calendar. Anyway, she was there for her 2:00pm appointment. So, I accommodated. By session’s end, she had received Christ into her life and had a battery of counsel to aid her in overcoming her pressing problems. Though I could not remember her circumstances, she assured me that I was all-too-familiar with her situation and had been helpful to her from our conversations over the phone. And, of course, I didn’t remember any of those conversations. As she prepared to leave the office, she thanked me. But, she called me the name of the pastor from the United Methodist Church
four blocks away. It was a good outcome, but based on assumptions that both of us had mistakenly made.
In Jesus day, the assumptions about him and his claims flew about like leaves in a strong wind. And, it was those assumptions that rode on the backs of recalcitrant, hard hearted people- a bad combination. They assumed that he was advocating the destruction of the temple (Mark 14:58). Of course, the temple of which he spoke was his body. They assumed that he could not be a prophet, since he was from Galilee (John 7:52). [They did not know of his birth in Bethlehem , the city of David.] They assumed that he could not be a legitimate teacher (though the crowds were duly impressed with his teaching and authority) since he had not been trained in Rabbinic fashion (John 7:15). They assumed that he had no respect for the Sabbath laws (Luke 14:1-6; John 5:16). Of course in retrospect, we know all of those assumptions to be faulty ones. We know the facts to be contrary to popular thought.
Jesus had it right. They had it wrong. For some reason, Jesus did not do that much to correct their wrong assumptions, though he did much to correct falsehood and teach truth. I have never figured out completely why Jesus did not set the record straight on his Bethlehem birth, temple reference to his body and give everyone a clearer old testament lesson on Messianic fulfillment. But, he didn’t. He taught truth and did not worry too much about chasing the rabbit trails of assumed knowledge.
I believe the same should be true for us today. I cannot see, as tempting as it is to try to unpack all of the faulty assumptions still carried today about Jesus and his church, any real value in chasing down the charlatans that teach faulty things. However, I see great value in telling truth seekers about the Jesus I know and the truth about the good news. As much as I like to set every record straight, I know that it is an impossible task. But, there are people around today who just want to know if Jesus still matters and can do anything about the mess we’re in. I would rather spend my time talking to THEM about THAT.
We can say without equivocation that Jesus is the Savior of the world and is the only one who can provide the much sought after abundant or full life that everyone is seeking. We can say that his convincing proofs during his time on earth were many, but the present convincing proof of the Holy Spirit in those who believe in him is still the most powerful. But, that reality is only absorbed by those who come to him by faith. Through all of the wacky assumptions flying around about Jesus and spirituality these days, the best strategy in correcting them is to avoid correcting them, but instead to lift up the Son as He is.