A well-traveled aphorism in churches nationwide is a fantastic word about something Jesus never said.
Jesus didn’t say, “I am finished.” He said, “It is finished.” Why? Because He was just getting started.
It’s a solid reminder about the meaning of our Savior’s last words on the Cross. The work of His walk may have ended on Earth but Jesus’ steps would continue into perpetuity. Another reason why the reminder needs to be bookmarked for many believers is because sometimes people misquote the Bible–whether unintentionally or manipulatively.
Inside the numbers of the Bible, there are:
- 66 books
- 1,189 chapters
- 3,294 questions
- 6,468 commands
- 8,810 promises
- 31,102 verses
- And depending on the version you read, there are over 783,000 words
What do all those numbers have in common? Every word connected to a number has been misquoted, ignored, misappropriated, taken out of context, misunderstood, twisted into a pretzel, or flat-out put into a lie at some point in history.
It’s crucial to understand the sacred words in the Bible. According to theologians, only 1,500 to 2,000 words in the New Testament can be attributed directly to Jesus. People can memorize a 1,500- to 2,000-word essay without a problem. Look at Hollywood, and they treat God’s Word like Salt Water Taffy in the Texas heat. Yet, throughout the centuries, there are some often-quoted Scriptures that seem to always fall in the “Jesus never said that” category.
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Here are the Top 10 common sayings that Jesus never said:
HM. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away
Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.
When we hear this oft-misconstrued verse in Job for the honorable mention (i.e., “HM”). It is usually shared like God is playing that ball on a string game with us, and we are just the cats reaching for something swiped from our grasp. Like, always. He doesn’t work like that. Job praised God’s sovereignty. God gives us salvation through Jesus; He takes away shame. The Lord gives us righteousness; He takes away the reality of hell, death, and the grave.
Blessed be the name of the Lord for that!
10. God won’t give you more than you can handle
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
If Jesus gave a prophecy, it would match every individual from that point forward. “In the world, you will have tribulation.” He’s not talking to individuals and relating “life happens” to the point where each one of them can manage. We will have tribulation. It’s a fact. And it’s not that God isn’t sovereign enough to where He can wish it away. We are blessed that, regardless of tribulation, He will be there for us.
Yet, Paul said this to the Church of Corinth:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
“Beyond what you are able.” Yeah, but that specific note is about temptations, not tribulations. This is about choice, not calamity. God is faithful. In the end, somehow, some way, we will prevail.
9. Money is the root of all evil
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Yeah, yeah. “Money can’t buy happiness.” That’s true, but purchasing a new wardrobe or even a used car sure can make you smile. Money–in its essence–is not evil. It’s what happens when all those dead Benjamins get in the hands of unscrupulous people. The money doesn’t possess them; greed does. Regretfully, we have seen way too many times how the love of money has led to evil in the Church. That lust leads to the same thing outside of it too.
Money does good for anyone, including those inside any church. However, a love for Jesus should always take precedence.
8. Love the sinner, hate the sin
But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
How many times have you heard this phrase rationalize hate? Do you know the number of people who have said this believing it somehow comes from the Bible? Everyone inside and outside the church loves to remind people that we are no one to judge anyone else (Matthew 7:1-3). Yet, why don’t those same people have a problem to holding our actions under that same “hands-off” lens? It may be because of this friendly reminder that we hate sin or action.
Read the full concept in verses 10-16. Someone who lives with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit can assess the actions of those who don’t follow God–as a means to bring them closer to a Savior. The mind of Christ, in verse 16, has that mentality. There is no other intent with this verse or that saying.
7. Follow your heart
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Name the romcom, drama scene with two people standing in the rain, or even a random Hallmark movie, and you’re instantly confronted with a “Jesus never said” that moment. It’s a lovely sentiment to encourage and motivate someone. But there’s one gaping hole in that theory–emotions are rarely reliable. Why? The heart is “deceitful…and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NKJV).
Lay your wants at His feet and your heart becomes something to follow because it’s led by a selfless Savior instead of a somewhat selfish soul.
6. Believe in yourself
So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’
Initially, self-belief, -worth, and -confidence are all crucial to a thriving sense of mental health. They are necessary and intended by God for us to use throughout life. However, the trouble with this adage is that most people think that’s where the belief should stop. It’s not. Why do some athletes take steroids? To be better. Why do some students use caffeinated pills or beverages? To stay awake and do more.
We all want an edge to climb higher, go faster, and become better. Jesus Christ helps us accomplish those things. Believe in yourself to understand that, then place that belief at the feet of Christ.
5. Heaven must have needed another angel
Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
If that’s what it takes for you to overcome insurmountable grief, listen to those words. Give them moments of your time. However, understand God doesn’t need anything. He wants us to accept His Son as the atonement for sin, but we are the ones in need. When we die, we gain life eternal with God (Philippians 1:21). We all pray for answers during tragedy, and often, we don’t get them the way we want. Nonetheless, God didn’t “take” or doesn’t “need” your loved one. He is, however, resting with them in Paradise until you get there.
4. God works in mysterious ways
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts
This is a popular sentiment that you may hear from your pastor once a month, but it’s nowhere in the Bible. It’s an excellent point, which is probably inspired by Isaiah. When you are counting on the actions of God, it demands faith, which makes them mysterious. Why does He do what He does? We don’t know, and may never know this side of Heaven. What is crucial is that we believe He is always up to something for our good and our best life.
His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. Yet, they’re both designed for us.
3. Live your truth
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
The most recent of witticisms, albeit, a well-intended one to help someone understand their identity, can be a dangerous one. As children of God, we aren’t supposed to set out on a meandering voyage of self-discovery. We already have a truth to uncover. “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). If someone tells you the truth about something, and you don’t like the answer, doesn’t mean the answer changes. The truth is still the truth. Like it or not. Obey it or not. We shouldn’t want to follow a lie or even a distortion of the truth.
The truth, in Christ alone, will set us free.
2. This too shall pass
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal
This isn’t even a real verse. G’hed. I’ll wait. Are you done? It’s not in there. Nowhere among the 66 books of the Holy Bible is the phrase, “This too shall pass.” The sentiment is a good one. If you are focused on God and the blessings of Jesus, whatever you’re experiencing will eventually pass. God will get the glory somehow. And all will know that He’ll be praised.
However, Paul isn’t saying “Meh. Don’t worry. Be happy.” If you read verse 18, he is saying that although affliction hurts and it’s real, that is nothing in reality compared to the glory of God. That is what makes everything pass, eventually.
1. What would Jesus do
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Easily, this is the most successful marketing campaign the Body of Christ has ever seen. Who didn’t have a bracelet, some gear, or even these initials tattooed on their body? The question is a powerful one. It’s not rhetorical or overly inquisitive. We should want to understand what Jesus would do in any situation, but that’s the rub. If we read the Bible, we should already know. The real question is “What did Jesus already do?” Paul knew that. “If you Corinthians think I’m all that, follow my example, which is to follow Christ’s example.” That’s it. End of sentiment.
WWJD? Don’t ask Him first. Read up on what He already did.
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