The Controversial Claim
The Most Offensive Truth Jesus Ever Spoke — and Why the World Still Hates It
Pastor Johnathan continues his series through the Gospel of John, entering chapter 14 where Jesus is now focusing His ministry on His disciples in the final hours before the cross. The sermon centers on Jesus' controversial yet truthful declaration in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." Pastor Johnathan emphasizes that Jesus only speaks truth because He is truth, which is why His words often offend the world and demonic forces.
The pastor boldly calls out examples where churches and religious leaders have compromised Biblical truth, including a Lutheran minister who denounced the Great Commission, a Catholic priest living as a drag queen, and churches hosting drag performances. He quotes Chip Ingram saying, "Truth without love cuts people down. Love without truth leaves them lost. Jesus never chose between the two. Neither should we." Pastor Johnathan stresses that Christians must speak truth in love, quoting Melissa Cedra: "I would rather offend you into heaven than affirm you into hell."
Moving into John 14:1, Pastor Johnathan explores Jesus' command to "not let your hearts be troubled," explaining that we must control our emotions rather than letting them control us. He states, "Trouble doesn't build character, it reveals it," and "Don't let your circumstances speak louder than God's word." The key to trusting God during difficult times is knowing Him through His names—Yahweh, Jehovah Rapha, El Shaddai, Adonai, and others—which reveal His character and nature.
The sermon then addresses Jesus' teaching about preparing a place in heaven (John 14:2-3). Pastor Johnathan notes that Jesus spoke about hell 33 times during His ministry (more than He spoke about heaven), not because He wants people to go there, but because He desperately wants them to avoid it. He contrasts the horrors of hell with the glories of heaven, quoting Revelation 21:4: "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death, no sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Pastor Johnathan concludes by unpacking Jesus' promise of "greater works" for believers, explaining that this refers not just to miracles but to the global spread of the gospel and the transformation of lives. He emphasizes that Christianity isn't about religious ritual but about surrender to Jesus that leads to transformation, quoting Romans 10:13: "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." The sermon ends with an invitation for listeners to surrender their lives to Jesus and experience His transformative power.