Why Is It Only Offensive When You Talk About Jesus?

Have you ever noticed how the world doesn’t get offended when you talk about Buddha, Muhammad, or even crystals and karma, but mention the name Jesus, and suddenly the temperature in the room changes?

You can talk about "faith," "spirituality," or being "religious," and people will nod in agreement. But say, “Jesus is the only way to God,” and watch the backlash begin. Eyes roll. Conversations end. Doors close. Why?

Because there is power in the name of Jesus, this isn't just cultural sensitivity. It's spiritual warfare.

Jesus Himself said in John 15:18–19 (LSB):

"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world...the world hates you."

The offense isn’t in religion. It’s in the exclusivity of truth. It’s the claim that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). That cuts against the grain of a culture obsessed with “your truth,” tolerance, and feel-good spirituality.

But here's the thing: Jesus didn’t come to be popular. He came to set captives free.

And freedom always offends the chains.

The early Church didn’t get persecuted for being “religious.” They got beaten, imprisoned, and killed because they declared there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). They didn’t blend in. They stood out. And they paid the price for it.

So what about us?

Are we still willing to speak the name of Jesus in a culture that tolerates every belief except the One that can actually save them?

It’s easy to stay silent. To talk about “God” in vague terms. To blend in and avoid the offense. But Jesus never called us to be safe—He called us to be faithful.

Church, let’s not apologize for the truth that can save souls. Let’s not water down the only message that brings life. Let’s not whisper His name when the world needs to hear it shouted from the rooftops.

Jesus is offensive because He confronts sin.
Jesus is offensive because He claims Lordship.
Jesus is offensive because He demands surrender.
But Jesus is also the only One who saves, heals, forgives, restores, and redeems.

That’s why His name matters.
That’s why we won’t stop speaking it.
That’s why we’ll keep proclaiming it—no matter who gets offended.

In Love,

Pastor Jody