As we grow and develop we tend to latch on to certain false narratives. These are stories that we have come to believe and play out in a million little ways. They are deadly precisely because they are so ingrained and so believable. Jesus destroyed these false narratives.
Jesus Destroyed False Narratives
Jesus said:
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.’” (Matt. 5:21-22).
What was Jesus doing? He was destroying a false narrative about what it means to murder someone.
Jesus said:
’Be careful,’ Jesus warned them. ‘Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.’” (Matt. 8:15).
What was Jesus doing? He was destroying a false narrative about the goodness of the Pharisees and the motives of the ruling class.
Jesus said:
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32).
Jesus brings us the truth that shatters all the false narratives that destroy our lives.
Four Common Lies People Believe
Here are four of the most common lies people believe.
1. I must have everyone’s love and approval.
Jesus lived for the approval of his heavenly Father. Everyone else was a distant second. When his own disciples tried to deter him from his Father’s agenda, he rebuked them (Mark 8:33). Even his own mother (as much as he loved her, Jn. 19:26), was not the source of his self-worth (Mark 3:33).
When we live for God’s approval, we love others in such a way that we often gain their respect and love. However, if they choose to take their love and approval away from us, we are not destroyed. Our sense of self-worth comes from God’s approval.
2. I have to be really good to deserve good things.
Jesus basically said that all good things come from God and that none of us truly deserves his eternal love (Matt. 5:32-33). Every good gift is from him (James 1:17).
We did nothing to deserve his love. We did nothing to deserve his salvation. If we can’t earn our way into heaven, then we can’t earn our way out.
This one is an ancient lie dating all the way back to Cain and Abel and is therefore deeply ingrained in our emotional DNA. It is the most insidious and deadly of all the false narratives. It’s not easy to overcome.
Jesus said – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Paul said – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
God loves you and died for you just the way you are – right now – with all your flaws. That is the truth that is so hard to believe – and it’s the only truth that will set you free.
3. Life should be fair.
Jesus was completely innocent of any wrong. Even the political operatives of the day knew he was being railroaded. Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, said it (Mt. 27:33, Lk. 23:14). Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee said it (Lk. 23:15). Jesus did nothing to deserve crucifixion. But, he was crucified anyway.
Life isn’t fair. This has been a refrain from the start. Job said it. Moses said it. The prophets said it. The Apostles said it.
The world is broken. Creation is fractured. The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy (Jn. 10:10). Whining about it will get you nowhere. Complaining about how unfair life is will accomplish nothing.
4. I can’t be happy unless things go my way.
There was a certain point in Jesus’ ministry when everything started to go against him. Most of his followers abandoned his teachings (Jn. 6:60-66). His closest disciples began to grumble and fight each other (Mark 9:34). One of his inner circle was stealing from him (Jn. 12:6). The authorities were out to get him so that he could no longer go into a village or city (Mark 1:45).
Nothing was going his way.
What did Jesus do?
He didn’t complain. He didn’t run away. He didn’t give up hope. Instead, he resolved to go to Jerusalem and confront his destiny (Lk. 13:33).
One of Jesus’ most famous followers – the Apostle Paul – was in prison for preaching Jesus. He wrote a letter to the Christians living in the Macedonian city of Philippi to thank them because they had sent him some supplies. This is what Paul said:
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:10-13).
Life will not always go your way. Learn to accept that. Deal with it. Overcome it.
Learn to identify these false narratives when they creep into your life. Root them out. Destroy them. You will be stronger for it!
