Often, when I think of Jesus I think of the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), the Lamb of God (John 1:29), the man who healed the sick and aided the poor and lowly. I imagine Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-40) or healing a leper (Mat 8:2-3). I imagine Him walking with His disciples and giving them wisdom and insight into the world.

However, this is not the entire character of Jesus, and we would be remiss to leave out His dealings with the Pharisees and His overturning of the tables in the temple. Jesus was meek and lowly, but He was not weak. Jesus came to bring a sword:

Mat 10:34  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

This may seem contradictory – how can Jesus be both the Prince of Peace and come to bring a sword? Well, as it turns out this is what is commonly called a paradox, it is not a contradiction. A paradox is something that appears contradictory but upon further examination it is not.

Jesus was (and is) a paradox. He is infinitely merciful, but He is also infinitely just. Jesus always does exactly as He tells us He will do in the Bible – it is not in His nature to do otherwise. He tells us to obey His commandments (Mat 7:24-27), and as our creator He has the right to demand such (John 1:1).

This contrast between mercy/love and justice/wrath is what led brother Thomas B. Warren to proclaim that Christ is the Lamb-Lion. The ultimate paradox who gives us the final and conclusive meaning of the universe, the world, and our individual lives. Jesus gives us all things that are good, and in return we are expected to follow and obey His commandments.

If we are to accept Jesus’ loving mercies we must also be willing to accept our responsibilities to Him as soldiers of the cross. Let us all take up our cross and follow the ultimate paradox, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mat 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

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