Some random guy from Texas posted a viral depiction of a strong Jesus on FB. One claiming the West has rebranded Jesus, turning  him from  “the Lion of Judah into a soft, inoffensive, hippie mascot who never confronts sin, never speaks hard truth, and never offends anyone.” He said, “If your version of Jesus never convicts you, never offends your pride, and never demands obedience — it’s not the Jesus of the Bible. It’s an idol.”

“Is this true,” I asked myself? I must explore this further.

Expanding on the depiction of the “real” Jesus as strong, bold, and unapologetic requires delving deeper into his ministry, character, and the implications for how we, his followers, are called to live. I realized quickly that I agreed with the Texan and that his view contrasts sharply with the diluted version often seen in contemporary Western culture, where Jesus is portrayed as a perpetual peacemaker who affirms everyone’s choices without challenge.

When I was young in the Lord I too had the “Christians are whimpy like Jesus” view of Christianity. Especially the feminized men I too often heard on Christian radio. In post-1960s – 1970s popular culture (e.g., films like King of Kings, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Godspell, and Jesus Christ Superstar, showed Jesus as a long-haired, serene figure who leaned into a peaceful, countercultural “hippie” vibe and I bought into it.

But I’ve since learned the biblical narrative shows him as not only kind and gentle,  but a revolutionary figure who disrupted the status quo, demanding not just intellectual or simply mental assent but total life transformation. Keith Green’s music started this change in me. It was uncompromising and told the story of a loving yet holy God. 

For instance, consider Jesus’s interactions with the religious elite: Jesus didn’t engage in polite public radio debates; he exposed religious hypocrites with piercing clarity, labeling them “blind guides” who strained out gnats while swallowing camels (Matthew 23:24), illustrating how they prioritized minor rituals over justice and mercy. This wasn’t mere criticism—it was a call to dismantle corrupt systems, much like his temple cleansing, which “was an act of prophetic judgment against exploitation in the name of religion.”

This boldness extended to his teachings on personal sin and societal issues. Jesus didn’t shy away from hard truths about human nature; he warned that “out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19), emphasizing internal repentance over external appearances. In a progressive culture that often rebrands him as a feel-good therapist, we forget moments like his encounter with the rich young ruler, where he demanded the man sell everything to follow him—not as a suggestion, but more like a prerequisite for eternal life (Mark 10:21). Or the woman at the well, where he forgve her, but slso told her to “go and sin no more.” Would he, today, require repentance from homosexuality, abstinence from pre marital cohabitation, or verbally abusing a spouse? I think so! This view reveals a Jesus who prioritizes kingdom values over sin, over worldly lust and comfort. It challenges the prosperity and politically-focused gospels prevalent today — the ones that promises inclusion and blessings without sacrifice. Charles Spurgeon, in his sermons, often railed against this softening of the gospel, arguing that a tame Christ leads to a powerless church, one that fears offending the world more than honoring God. Similarly, C.S. Lewis’s Aslan in “The Chronicles of Narnia” embodies this: “Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.” Aslan’s wild, unpredictable nature mirrors the Jesus who calmed storms with a word (Mark 4:39) yet allowed himself to be crucified, showing strength in vulnerability—not weakness, but purposeful restraint for redemption’s sake. Think about this! He suffered and died on a cross for you! That’s not whimpy!

The consequences of watering down Jesus are profound, fostering a Christianity of convenience rather than conviction. My liberal friends do this pride. In the Western context, many denominations and preached sermons focus on self-improvement, social harmony, or the “Fruits of the Spirit” and rightly so, but the many also sideline calls to “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). This rebranding justifies compromise. AI is doing this all too well, it’s teaching that “lukewarm, middle ground” is best, so beware. Believers themselves are blending in with cultural norms, sexual compromise, and social media habits instead of standing apart as “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-14). The authentic Jesus inspired his disciples to face critism and accept persecution, and challenge false doctrine boldly—Peter and John, after healing in his name, defied authorities saying, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Expanding this idea today, it means reclaiming a faith that confronts LGBTQ values, personal pride, societal injustices, and spiritual complacency, urging transformation that echoes Jesus’ own life: one of authority that heals the broken but judges with compassion the unrepentant; fearless in truth-telling; and unapologetic in demanding biblical allegiance.

Consider these verses about Jesus, then see if you still see him as Ted Nealy singing cool songs in Jesus Christ Superstar?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1); all things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:3); the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14); he is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15); for in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell (Colossians 1:19); he is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power (Hebrews 1:3); I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6); all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Matthew 28:18); at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).

Yes, I liked the movie and soundtrack, and I see Jesus as a happy, joyful guy gathering up his sheep and rescuing his lost lambs, (Me! ). But I sometimes forget how awesome and holy he is, too. We should preach and submit to holy obedience, be wise and  transformed, and love as He loves.

Because it’s Sunday

Lord, …”Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name,” I ask for thy kingdom to come on earth as in heaven, for daily provision, forgiveness of sins (as I forgive others), and protection from temptation and evil.”
I love you! AMEN