I Wish Jesus Hadn't Said That
Finding Joy in the Inconvenience of Discipleship
- Christian Living
- Publisher: Zondervan Reflective (Zondervan)
- Published: 2014
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Publisher's Description
Jesus never said that following him would be easy. We’ve read the words countless times: “Love your enemies,” “You cannot serve both God and money,” “Take up your cross and follow me.” Theoretically we believe them. But do we engage what Jesus says in a way that prompts action? The truth we avoid talking about is that being a follower of Jesus is terribly inconvenient—a pain in the neck at times—because it cuts across so many of our natural desires. But there is an even greater danger in avoiding what Jesus says. If we harden our hearts to the teachings of Jesus, we will never find true happiness. In this powerful new book, author Steve Timmis calls all believers to consider ten sayings of Jesus that reveal where our affections lie. He reminds us that Christians are called to abandon, not cherish, the ways of the world and reject, not pursue, the things that afford us status, prestige, and pleasure. As followers of Jesus we must grapple with what it means to follow him, and accept his verdict on what constitutes the good life—no matter how counter-cultural it may seem. Doing so will powerfully reorient our hearts.
Endorsements (6)
“I love listening to Steve Timmis teach. But I also read everything Steve writes. He has become somewhat of a Yoda for me and Imago Dei Church. In I Wish Jesus Hadn’t Said That, this humble, witty, honest, and wise sage explores some of the hard sayings of Jesus and makes them clear and compelling. If you are looking for a basic discipleship book, some fresh sermon material for a study in the Gospels, or for a book that will simply make you love Jesus and his mission more, then take up and read.”
“For a Christianity that has been lulled to sleep by a pleasant, self-help Messiah, this book is the awakening course-correction. In chapter after chapter, Steve Timmis brought me back to the sayings of Jesus I thought I’d made peace with and showed me afresh the tension his words were meant to create in the hearts of his hearers. I love his heart for clarity and his passion for the true Jesus to be known, regardless of how inconvenient he may be.”
“Steve Timmis has been used by God powerfully over the last decade to encourage us to think about the church in a way that is biblically faithful and tremendously helpful. In I Wish Jesus Hadn’t Said That . . . Timmis once again serves us well by presenting to us the parts of Jesus’ teachings that often get left out, but are imperative to our joy and gladness.”
“Steve Timmis’s writing makes easy reading, without being shallow, as he treats some of Jesus’ meaty sayings. Concise, relevant, and insightful.”
“Steve Timmis leads us with raw honesty through the challenges of some of the most radical, life-changing statements Jesus ever made. This is to be read with a notebook and pen, shared with friends, discussed in home groups, taught in discipleship classes, and preached from the pulpit. From new converts to those who have travelled a little further on the journey, here is a book that will not only nourish and challenge you to the core, but is also a brilliant, brilliant read. This book shines light on ten things that Jesus said; ten things that blow cobwebs off compromise, cut like a razor into the very guts of our “faith in action,” and dare us to build our lives on his terms. This is a stimulating and inspiring book, and everyone will benefit from the lessons that are revealed . . . I dare you to read, believe, and breathe it. Thank you, Steve Timmis, for such a refreshingly honest read; you have left me challenged and determined to change. I wish Steve hadn’t shared this stuff . . . but I’m really glad he did. Mitch, evangelist, cofounder of Crown Jesus Ministries and author of Snatched from the Fire I found this book compulsive reading — I couldn’t put it down! Steve Timmis hits hard, but so truly and fairly. He kept reminding me of Jerry Bridges’ book Respectable Sins, and I felt convicted in every chapter, but also encouraged to accept the challenge to change — and be changed — to become what Jesus wants me to be. Thank you, Steve!”
“A profoundly challenging book. I was left reeling by these hard sayings of Jesus: first, when my mind acknowledged Jesus really had said what he said; secondly, when my heart began to wrestle with the implications; and thirdly, when my will cried to the Lord for help . . . but then there were flickers of joy.”
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