Did You Hear What He Said?
A Jesus Framework for Counter-Cultural Living
For context, this month's article is inspired by Jesus' repeated use of a phrase in Matthew 5. For readability, I've chosen a shortened version of Jesus' statement. While He says, "You have heard that it was said, … but I say to you," here I've used, "You have heard it said, but I say," for a more conversational feel. The heart of His words remains the same.
Jesus was a rabbi.
In Hebrew, the term means "master." However, “rabbi” wasn't simply a title; it was an identity that carried with it authority and expertise, a calling to guide others into the deep, often complex wisdom of the Torah—the sacred Scriptures of the day. Every rabbi had a unique way of interpreting the text and what it means to live life as God intended, which is the intent captured by the Hebrew idiom "yoke."
And Jesus was no exception.
He once said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV emphasis added).
But Jesus' teachings didn't follow the cultural norms.
Picture this: You're living in a world where cultural values shift with every new trend, where voices around you call for comfort and clout, nudging you to redefine truth on your terms. Right and wrong? They're flexible. Everyone (and I do mean everyone) has an opinion on what's meaningful and true.
Welcome to the post-Christian West. No shade.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, this new rabbi steps in, cutting through the noise with a phrase that feels both unsettling and deeply freeing:
“You have heard it said, but I say,”
In that one line, Jesus speaks with a clarity that draws you in, a perspective that doesn't pander to cultural expectations but challenges them directly. His words carry an authority that feels rooted and stable—an invitation to rethink everything, to pursue a life far richer, deeper, and truer than the fleeting promises of the world.
For those of us navigating faith in the post-Christian West, Jesus' words are still as compelling and challenging as ever. They remind us that He didn’t come to offer spiritual platitudes or surface-level insights. His teachings were radical, transforming, calling us to live in a way that often runs counter to the cultural tides.
This month, we'll look at Jesus' use of "But I say" as a framework for counter-cultural living. After, I'll offer self-coaching questions to help us put these things into practice or as we like to say, work these words in the post-Christian West.
Let's get started.
But first, a Dallas Willard quote—because, let’s be honest, I wouldn’t be a spiritual formation guy without one.
"In general, the way Jesus taught was to take whatever cultural balloon was floating by and let the air out of it." —Dallas Willard
Examine and Question Cultural Norms
In a world where cultural assumptions go unchallenged, Jesus' "But I say" statements invite us to rethink the values we often take for granted. In first-century Israel, society ran on principles of retribution, public status, and rigid religious rule—a world where people equated righteousness with appearance and power. Jesus didn't just teach a slightly different alternative; He flipped these values on their heads, calling people to rethink everything they thought they knew.
Today, our culture shapes us with different assumptions, such as pursuing personal success, instant gratification, and influence. But these assumptions are just that—assumptions. Although they can feel compelling, even purposeful, Jesus calls us to examine these cultural "balloons"—to look beyond the shiny surface and ask if these values truly deliver the life they promise. Jesus shows us that life, as God intended, is rooted in purpose, not popularity. In a culture of more, He calls us to a life of less.
More on that in the months to come.
Move Beyond a Surface-Level Faith
In our performance-driven culture, settling for a faith that simply looks right is easy. But Jesus calls us to a different kind of faith that moves from modification to transformation, from looking holy to being whole. His teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, invite us beyond the surface to a depth where faith shapes what we do and who we are becoming.
Richard Foster wisely observes, "The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people." Following Jesus in the post-Christian West means embracing a faith that isn't just about keeping up appearances. Jesus doesn't ask us to live for social approval. Instead, He challenges us to push past the "letter of the law"—rules that often focus more on how we look to others than on how we're living before God. This is an invitation to go beyond actions and to examine the heart behind our motives and desires.
Embrace Jesus as your Guide
Jesus' "But I say" statements do more than challenge cultural norms or push us beyond surface-level faith; they declare His authority. He wasn't just one voice among many; He claimed to be the final word, the ultimate guide to what is true, good, and right. In a culture full of competing definitions of justice, truth, and purpose, Jesus' words remain a steadfast compass, calling us back to the heart of who God is.
To embrace Jesus as our guide is to hold His words as the foundation, the unchanging standard in a world where truth is often molded to fit personal convenience. As C.S. Lewis said, "If Christianity is false, it is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." Jesus didn't leave room for partial obedience or selective interpretation. His call is all or nothing; truth is not up for debate or revision—it is more than what He says; it is who He is.
For more on Jesus' relationship to truth, check out Jesus & Truth on Apple or Spotify.
Work These Words
As we step back and consider Jesus' words, we see they're more than just teachings. They're an invitation—a call to live differently, go beyond cultural norms, and follow a path leading to true transformation. Jesus doesn't just ask us to listen; He calls us to act, to work these words into every corner of our lives, allowing them to direct, shape, and sometimes even disrupt how we live.
So, let's pause. What would it look like to live this out?
What cultural assumptions have I accepted without question? Where might Jesus be inviting me to reexamine and reshape my values?
Is my faith more about appearance or depth? How can I move from a surface faith to a deeply authentic and transformative one?
Do I truly see Jesus as my guide? Where am I tempted to let other voices set the standard, and how can I realign my life with His unchanging truth?
I pray these questions serve as a self-coaching tool. Sit with them and allow Jesus' words to work in you. As you reflect and take small steps, you'll discover the beauty of a life that doesn't just hear His words but puts them into practice.
PS: Work These Words is a formation ecosystem with a podcast launching later this fall. You can subscribe today on Apple or Spotify.