Jesus wasn’t soft.

I don't know where the image of Jesus that dominates our understanding has come from, but it doesn't give us a complete understanding of who Jesus is. This version of a soft, loving, give-you-a-hug Jesus is important to see and experience. Jesus is incredibly affectionate, caring, and graceful. However, this misconception that Jesus is only that description has probably caused some people to be pushed away from following him. Not everyone wants a hug. Some people want to follow a king into war.

Reading scripture, you will quickly learn that Jesus has that DAWG in him.

We are in a series called Finding Jesus. To do that properly, we need to understand who Jesus is and what he can/will do. In fact, I have been trying to gain a deeper understanding of the King I follow during my reading. Today's scripture was particularly profound for me.

Matthew 10:34, "Don't assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”

Jesus wasn't soft. In fact, he is a king who rules, is powerful and changes things. He may do that differently than other rulers, but that doesn't mean he is soft. Look at these 10 times Jesus showed us how tough he actually is.

1. Cleansing the Temple:

In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus overturns the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves, declaring, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers."

We must understand that when Jesus doesn't like something, he will do something about it. I love this display of "righteous anger" from Jesus because it shows that there are times to look at the unjust and radically acts.

2. Confrontation with Pharisees:

Jesus often engaged in heated debates with the religious leaders of his time, rebuking them for their hypocrisy and legalism. Matthew 23 contains a scathing rebuke of the Pharisees, calling them hypocrites and whitewashed tombs.

I always wrestle with this because, on one hand, I don't believe that I could do this properly. However, Jesus does. He has the authority to call people out on their mistakes, and he does so. How many of us go through each day knowing that we should speak up on something but don't?

3. Peter's Denial:

When Peter boasted that he would never deny Jesus, Jesus bluntly told him that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed (Matthew 26:34).

Similarly, just like we should speak up about something wrong, we should have the courage to speak to our friends with the courage to warn them about the troubles that they are walking towards. If we have the power to warn, shouldn't we? Why let the people in our lives struggle without knowing? Sure, they might still do it like Peter did, but Jesus at least said something.

4. Walking on Water:

In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus demonstrates his power over nature by walking on water during a storm and rescuing Peter, who attempts to do the same but starts sinking due to his lack of faith.

Jesus isn't worried about the storm because he is in control of the storm. I find that comforting. When I choose to follow Jesus, I'm not in danger because Jesus has the power over everything. I have to keep my eyes on him.

5. Agony in Gethsemane:

Facing his impending crucifixion, Jesus prayed in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Despite his anguish, he willingly submitted to God's will.

There was the chance to back out; Jesus could have said he didn't want to do this. However, he remained disciplined to what he knew was right. He was going to pray and do what God asked.

6. The trial before Pilate:

During his trial before Pontius Pilate, Jesus remained silent despite false accusations (Matthew 27:11-14).

"A wise man once said nothing." That's Quite the line, right? We need to learn how to keep our mouths closed like Jesus did. Of course, Jesus could have said anything he wanted! That wasn't what was best at the moment, though. Even in the face of false accusations, Jesus was tough enough to stay quiet and faithful to his convictions.

7. Crucifixion:

Enduring the excruciating pain and humiliation of crucifixion, Jesus displayed remarkable physical and spiritual strength. Instead of cursing his tormentors, he prayed for their forgiveness, demonstrating incredible compassion and fortitude (Luke 23:34).

Do I even have to explain this one? Watch this for more information on the cross.

8. Great Commission:

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).

Reminder!!! We are on a mission. We are called to go and make disciples. We don't need to sit and take; we need to go and make. Our lives are stepping into a spiritual war, and we are trying to help as many people as possible find what matters by finding Jesus.

9. Healing and Miracles:

He performed numerous miracles throughout his ministry, displaying his power over sickness, nature, and even death.

It's amazing to read about what Jesus did and to actually see the miracles, the power, and the glory of God who can do all things.

10. The Resurrection:

Jesus' resurrection from the dead is the ultimate display of his power and victory over sin and death. This miraculous event validates his teachings and offers hope to all who believe in him.

The resurrection is the thing that changes everything. Jesus is so tough that even death couldn’t hold him down. He raised himself from the dead, defeating death, sin, and Satan forever.

I love to follow KING Jesus. The imagery of God leading the charge inspires me to be stronger and better with my faith. This scripture in Revelation always sticks out to me.

Revelation 19:11-16

Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. 14 The armies that were in heaven followed him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. 15 A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. 16 And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jesus isn’t soft. He is strong, successful, and supreme. And I’m following him until the end.