There are many people who are big fans of Jesus that fall just a little short of understanding him.  I’ve spoken before of Hippie Jesus, Smiley Jesus, Mr. Rogers type Jesus, but that’s not what I’m talking about here.  There have been a gazillion (pretty sure that’s the actual number) books on the “historical” Jesus.  There’s now lots of those, too.  I’m talking about people that have read or listened to things Jesus said and consider him to be a great guy.  I’m talking about people who know that Jesus loved everybody, talked about peace, refused to stone the woman caught in adultery, fed the 5,000 and raised Lazarus.  Yet at the same time those people ignore his command to “take up the cross” and follow.  They almost get Jesus. Continue reading →