Of course it was part of God’s great plan to redeem man, but how was it that people came to hate him so much that they begged the Romans to crucify him?

Simply put, Jesus made people uncomfortable, because he told the truth.

In a world that hates truth, truth is hate.

Folks were told that believing Jesus would get them thrown out of the synagogue (John 9:22 & 12:42).  Those who loved the approval of men realized they could not express approval of Jesus and reach their goal.  Even Jesus said that we can only have one master, and that the one we rejected would be hated.

Folks were told that believing in Jesus would start a war, “If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation”, John 11:48.  Yes, of course it was a lie.  But it is surprising how readily some folks will believe a lie without thinking for themselves. 

Some said Jesus had a demon (John 7:20 & 10:20).  It is easy to believe an ugly, unsubstantiated statement about someone who is different from you.  This is especially true if the unsubstantiated statement comes from someone whose acceptance you crave.  You don’t want conflict with them, do you?  So once again, to find acceptance among men you must deny the one who heals the sick, makes the lame walk, gives sight to the blind, even raises the dead and teaches you wonderful things you know are true.

When lies are embraced, you can’t tell the truth without stepping on toes.  But if you don’t tell the truth, what’s the point?  Jesus came to confront the lies and the sin being practiced.  That was love.

Love like Jesus loved.  Tell them the truth so they have a chance to choose something over the lies the world is telling them daily.

But watch out.  It may get you crucified too.