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The Paradoxes of Jesus

Gregory of Nazianzus, A.D. 381

Gregory of Nazianzus wrote: “He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life. Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water. Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest. Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King. Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons. Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears. Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world. Jesus was led as a sheep to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd.” The paradoxes are the point. The One who needed was the One who supplies.

How you’d preach it

Rich summary of the contrasts in Jesus’ life and work. Useful for Christ-centered preaching.

  • Presence
  • The Cross
  • Identity

Nazianzus

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