The Illusion of Spiritual Authority

Moralism Over Mercy - They reduce Christianity to rules, not relationship. Sinners are projects, not image-bearers. They fight culture wars with outrage, not tears.

“Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, ‘Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?’ But when Jesus heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: “I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,” for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” Matthew 9:10-13

Civil Rights, Not Crucified Love - They demand “rights” and “justice” but refuse to turn the other cheek. Opponents are enemies to defeat, not souls to redeem. Their activism is power-seeking, not sacrificial.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

Bible-Lite Diet - They know verses about victory and blessings but skip the ones about suffering, persecution, and selling possessions. Their theology fits neatly on a bumper sticker.

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” Luke 14:33

The Hollow Core

No Costly Obedience - They’ve never forgiven a betrayal, never loved an enemy, never sacrificed a dream. Their faith costs nothing—so it’s worth nothing.

“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” Luke 14:28-30

No Hunger for God - Quiet times are rushed. Repentance is rare. They mistake moral behavior for spiritual rebirth. They admire Jesus’ miracles but ignore His call: “Come, die.”

“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.’” Mark 8:34-35

No Joy in Surrender - Their smiles are strained, their worship performative. Beneath the veneer, fear gnaws: What if God asks for everything?

“A ruler questioned Him, saying, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, “DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.”’ And he said, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth.’ When Jesus heard this, He said to him, ‘One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.” Luke 18:18-23

The Tragic Irony

They call themselves “disciples,” but their faith is a mirror, not a window. They worship a Jesus crafted in their own image—a meek therapist, a Republican voter, a prosperity genie. The real Jesus terrifies them. His call to lose their life (Matthew 16:25), sell their possessions (Luke 12:33), and drink His cup of suffering (Mark 10:38-39) is dismissed as “radical” or “for another season.”

They are modern Pharisees:

• Whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27): Clean outside, rotting inside.
• Wolves in wool blazers (Matthew 7:15): Preaching safety, not salvation.
• Masters of the checklist (Luke 11:42): They tithe mint but neglect justice.

The Antidote - A Famine for the Real Jesus

This “Christian” will only awaken when their world crumbles—when the stock market crashes, the reputation burns, the health fails. Only then might they glimpse the horror of their bargain: They gained the world but never knew Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).

The Way Back:

Repent of self-worship: Tear down the idol of “I.”
Meet the Real Jesus: Not the mascot, but the Messiah who demands all.
Die daily: Surrender safety, status, and self-sufficiency (Galatians 2:20).

The road is narrow, bloody, and scandalous. But it’s the only path to Life.

“You say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17

Comprehensive List of What Jesus Owned/Managed vs. Borrowed or Temporarily Used

I. What Jesus Owned or Managed (Materially)

Clothing: A seamless tunic (John 19:23-24), for which soldiers cast lots at His crucifixion. No mention of extravagant garments or jewelry.

No Property or Home: Jesus explicitly states, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). No record of Him owning land, houses, or businesses.

No Personal Wealth: No gold, silver, or precious metals are attributed to Him. The disciples shared a common money box managed by Judas (John 12:6; 13:29), but Jesus did not claim personal ownership.

Spiritual Stewardship: Managed His divine mission with obedience (John 4:34; 17:4). “All authority in heaven and on earth” was given to Him after resurrection (Matthew 28:18), not as earthly wealth or power.

Reputation: Among the marginalized - He was known for healing, teaching, and compassion (Matthew 9:35-36; Luke 7:16-17).

Among Religious Leaders: Despised as a blasphemer (Matthew 26:65-66; John 7:48) and “friend of sinners” (Matthew 11:19).

II. What Jesus Borrowed or Used Temporarily

Shelter/Lodging:

Stayed in Peter’s home in Capernaum (Matthew 8:14-15). Lodged with Zaccheus (Luke 19:5-7) and Martha/Mary (Luke 10:38-42). No permanent residence; relied on hospitality (e.g., Matthew 21:17).

Food:

Ate at Matthew’s house (Matthew 9:10). Fed multitudes with borrowed loaves/fish (Matthew 14:17-19). Last Supper in a borrowed upper room (Mark 14:14-15).

Transportation:

Rode a borrowed donkey into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:2-3).

Burial:

Laid in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb (Matthew 27:59-60).

Ministry Tools:

Used boats borrowed from fishermen (Luke 5:3; Mark 4:36). Taught in synagogues and the temple, which were communal spaces (Luke 4:16; Matthew 21:23).

III. Worldly "Failures" vs. Divine Mission

No Earthly Power Structures:

Rejected political/military kingship (John 6:15; 18:36). Disciples fled at His arrest (Matthew 26:56), but later restored (John 21:15-17).

Disruption of Commerce:

Cleansed the temple twice, rejecting exploitation (John 2:13-16; Matthew 21:12-13).

Reputation by Human Standards:

Condemned as a criminal (Isaiah 53:3; John 19:19-22). Crucified as a “failed” Messiah (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Ultimate Victory:

Achieved redemption through surrender (Philippians 2:8-9). “Riches” defined as grace and eternal life (2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 3:8).

IV. Jesus’ Standards for Followers

Reject Worldly Metrics:

“Do not store up treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19-21). “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

Radical Dependence:

“Take no money, no bag, no extra tunic” (Matthew 10:9-10). Prioritize the Kingdom (Luke 12:31-34).

Servanthood:

“The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Follow His example of foot-washing (John 13:14-15).

Jesus’ life and mission subverted worldly notions of success. He owned nothing, borrowed everything, and redefined “wealth” as obedience to the Father and love for humanity. His call to discipleship demands total surrender—trusting in divine provision rather than earthly security.

Wake Up! The Midnight Cry is Upon Us

It’s time to rise, beloved. The midnight hour is near, and the Bridegroom is calling. For too long, many have slept comfortably in the illusion of safety, coasting on the fumes of borrowed faith and shallow devotion. Your lamp is empty, your oil depleted, and the darkness deepens. Will you be found ready when the door is shut? Or will you hear the terrifying words, “Truly I say to you, I do not know you.” (Matthew 25:12)

For those with talents buried, it’s time to invest them. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and your calling is urgent. This is not a game. The hour of decision is now. Let go of your pride, your comfort, your self-made religion. Surrender all to Jesus Christ. Follow Him with a pure, undivided heart. Die to yourself and let His life live through you. The true life, IN CHRIST, awaits. Arise and shine, for your light has come.

COME, MEET KING JESUS!