Did Jesus engage in controversy?

Welcome to Midway Church of Christ

What’s Your Question? for March 2, 2011

A popular doctrine says those who “argue” over religion do not have the mind of Christ. Fact is, there was never a better debater than Jesus! He debated the devil himself (Mt. 4:1-11). He was in constant controversy with the Pharisees (Mt. 15:1-12; 22:23-33). The word of God commands us to “give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). We are to “prove all things” (1 Thess. 5:21), and “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). It is not politically correct to say there is a right way to serve God, but if we believe something wrong and then refuse to talk about it, we will probably remain in the false teaching. It is not wrong to discuss religious differences.