Jesus’ life began with scandal—a young girl impregnated by the Holy Spirit.

Who’s going to ever believe that crazy story?

Not her betrothed, her parents, her friends, the village elders, or the person who picked up the first stone.

Joseph had a dream—he said an angel told him that Mary was telling the truth. He married Mary, but didn’t know her until the baby was born.

Who’s going to ever believe that crazy story?

Jesus continued this pattern of scandal. He hung out with women, even prostitutes. Society declared “children should be seen and not heard”—but he called them important. He loved all people—without preference for wealth, social standing, political power, or looks. His followers were unwashed, unclean, money grubbers, uneducated—sinners all. He didn’t follow the rules set down by those in religious authority, but said our relationships must be based on love—love as great as his. He let people kill him in a most horrible way. He died willingly to pay for my sins—all that pain, all that blood, and a stay in hell. But he defeated death and came back to life. Now he lives in heaven and has rooms prepared room there for all of his followers for eternity.

Who’s going to ever believe that crazy story?

Our society thrives on scandal, but its definition doesn’t match Jesus’ examples. He didn’t create scandal to get attention, to stroke his own ego, to stay in the headlines, or to do whatever he felt like doing whenever he felt like it. Instead:

His scandals set us free from rigid rules and striving for perfection.
It’s a heart issue.

We will sin, and justice demands payment.
But Jesus satisfied justice for everyone—all we have to do is believe.
It’s a heart issue.

Imagine it: from Triune God one minute to a mewling baby born in the filth of a sheep shed,
from almighty to helpless in one gasp for breath.
Jesus’ scandals stemmed from his great love for us.
It’s a heart issue.

Who’s going to ever believe that crazy story?

Look around. Those who believe are living scandalous lives. It’s a heart issue.