Jesus never said that!

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 the reminder needs to be bookmarked for many believers is that sometimes, people misquote the Bible–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; they treat God’s Word like Salt Water Taffy in the Texas heat. Yet, throughout the centuries, some often-quoted Scriptures always fall in the “Jesus never said that” category.

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Here are the Top 10 common sayings that Jesus never said:

11. 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. 

Job 1:21 NKJV

When we hear this oft-misconstrued verse in Job for the honourable 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 removes 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.

John 16:33 NKJV

If Jesus had given a prophecy, it would have matched 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 He will be there for us regardless of tribulation.

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.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

“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

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from faith in greediness and pierced themselves through many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV

Yeah, yeah. “Money can’t buy happiness.” That’s true, but purchasing a new wardrobe or a used car 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 is rightly judged by no one.

1 Corinthians 2:15 NKJV

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 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 complete 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.

Psalm 37:4 NJKV

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 one gaping hole in that theory is that 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.’

Acts 16:31 NKJV

Initially, self-belief, worth, and confidence are 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 improve. Jesus Christ helps us accomplish those things. Believe in yourself to understand that, then place that belief at Christ's feet.

5. Heaven must have needed another angel

Nor is He worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.

Acts 17:25 NKJV

Listen to those words if that’s what it takes for you to overcome insurmountable grief. 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 in need. When we die, we gain eternal life 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

Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV)

This is a popular sentiment 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.

John 8:32 NKJV

The most recent witticisms, albeit well-intended to help someone understand their identity, can be dangerous. As children of God, we aren’t supposed to embark 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, it doesn’t mean the answer changes. The truth is still the truth, whether we like it or not. Obey it or not. We shouldn’t want to follow a lie or even distort the truth.

The truth, in Christ alone, will set us free.

2. This too shall pass

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.

(2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV)

This isn’t even an actual 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 says that although affliction hurts and is authentic, that is nothing compared to God's glory. That is what eventually makes everything pass.

1. What would Jesus do

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

(1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV)

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.” That’s it. End of sentiment.

WWJD? Don’t ask Him first. Read up on what He already did.