Over the years, many sayings, proverbs, sermons, words and beliefs have been attributed to Jesus that actually aren’t even in the Bible – things he never ever uttered while He was on Earth or resurrected. Many can be attributed to the church or Christian followers. Others are simply society’s good moral beliefs. And while many of them are noble, they’re also untrue and confusing. In this list, we look at a few of these things and why Jesus didn’t say them.
“Be a good person, and you’ll go to Heaven”
While it sounds right on paper, Jesus’ message focused on grace, repentance, and a relationship with God. He never said that you needed to be “good” in order to enter Heaven. Instead, He said that no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be good. Accepting that is key to becoming a Christian.
“All paths lead to God”
This is a modern saying that doesn’t align with Jesus’ words in the Bible. In fact, Jesus says the opposite. He says the path to God is narrow and not easy to follow. Jesus made exclusive claims about the way to God, which is why this modern idea doesn’t line up with His teachings. He believed that the only path to God was through His son.
“Do what makes you happy”
Jesus is very clear in the Bible that He did not come to make everyone happy. In fact, He often challenged the idea of comfort. In His teachings, we learn that happiness isn’t the goal. Following Him is. Once you’ve done that, everything else, including happiness, will be given to you.
“Do not Judge — ever”
This one’s always and often quoted out of context. See, Jesus actually warned against hypocritical judgment, not all forms of judgment and discernment. Read the letters written by Paul, he often “judges” the churches and their followers.
“Ask, and you’ll get whatever you want”
Despite what prosperity teachers believe, Jesus never said that He would give you everything you want. Again, His words were… Follow me, and “all these things shall be added unto you.” God is not a genie that you can rub in order to get what you want.
“Believe in yourself”
On the contrary, Jesus actually said to believe in Him and not in yourself. You have no power to turn a single hair on your head white or black. Believing in yourself means not believing in Him. Which is the opposite of what He preached – that you cannot do anything without God.
“Live your truth”
We hear this saying often in modern society. Except that there aren’t versions of the truth. There is only the truth. Jesus didn’t preach subjective truth — He made very strong claims that He was the truth. There is no truth without Him.
“God won’t give you more than you can handle”
This is another Christian saying that often gets uttered in churches. Except it’s not true either. Jesus never says this. Instead, He says when you face more than you can handle, He will be there to help you.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness”
One of the things Jesus came to challenge was the idea of cleanliness. While the Pharisees had hundreds of rules to remain clean, Jesus spat in the mud and healed the blind. He often did things that were considered “unclean”. While cleanliness is important, it’s not an instruction from Jesus.
“This too shall pass”
You’ll hear this often in churches today, except… the problem is that Jesus never actually said this either. It sounds like something that would be in the Bible, but it isn’t. It’s more of an ancient proverb.
“God works in mysterious ways”
These words never actually appear in scripture, even if we believe them to be true. It’s a saying that comes from poems and writings over the years.
“Money is the root of all evil”
While Jesus does talk about money, this line is often misquoted. Jesus said the love of money is the root of all evil. Money in itself is not a bad thing. Loving it more than God is.
“Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child”
This isn’t a line Jesus ever uttered. Many confuse it for another verse in the Bible: “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” In this case, the rod of correction is discipline, not spanking your child. A rod doesn’t bend. It is firm.
“Everything happens for a reason”
While these words are comforting, especially in times of need, Jesus never actually says it – no matter how true it might seem during hard times.
“You’re perfect just the way you are”
While it certainly is encouraging and good to hear, Jesus never actually said this. Jesus said you’re not perfect the way you are. That’s why He came. So that, through Him, you could find perfection.
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