When we emphasize what Jesus did not say at the expense of what Jesus did say we are putting words in his mouth. It is a failure of entry level Jesus 101.
Also, it is now a common act of avoidance — seeking to redefine the Christian faith to align with one’s preferred ideology rather than faithfully seeking what Jesus called his followers to be and do.
Hushing up Jesus has become so commonplace in much of Americanized Christianity that those who dare to raise his words — or seek to align his teachings with our corporate values and behaviors — are regarded as troublemakers. (Hint: so was he.)
Many professing Christians today want just enough of Jesus to get to heaven but not enough to do what he said identifies them as his followers.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
“You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies…” Matthew 5:43-43
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy… Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:7, 9
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
There’s much more, including warnings about the eternal destinies of those who ignore the hungry, thirsty and oppressed — and the strangers among them. Matthew 25:44-46
And very clearly, he wrapped it all up neatly when asked which of the commandments was the greatest.
“Jesus replied ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
Nothing about Bible study groups, doctrinal statements or religious affiliation.
Nothing about looking out for one’s own interests first or aligning politically with the empire.
Nothing about harming the most vulnerable people in the name of lawfulness while empowering the lawlessness of the most privileged.
Did Jesus get it all wrong? Or have so many who now claim his name?
Shutting up Jesus is certainly an odd approach for those who want to spend eternity with him.
John D. Pierce is director of the Jesus Worldview Initiative (jesusworldview.org), part of Belmont University’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership. Please make October 12-14, 2026 for the second Jesus Worldview Conference in Nashville.