Jesus Said What? Exploring His most shocking words

What do you do when you hear Jesus say to “hate” your family (Luke 14:26), or that it’s impossible for rich people to go to heaven (Mark 10:25)?

What about when He tells His followers to cut off their own hand (Mark 9:43-47), commands us to “be perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48) or even speak words that sound like He’s calling a woman a dog (Mark 7:34–30)?

These aren’t obscure passages. They’re real statements from Jesus found in the Gospels, and they have surprised, disturbed and even offended readers for generations.

Christopher M. Kennedy’s book, Jesus Said What?, tackles these challenging verses, helping readers make sense of Christ’s most perplexing teachings. Kennedy’s approach is refreshingly direct and compassionate, creating clarity for anyone who has wrestled with these passages.

Jesus Said What? serves two key audiences effectively. First, it speaks to believers whose faith has been shaken by these hard teachings. Kennedy offers context and explanation, helping readers confront their discomfort with honesty and thoughtful reflection. Second, it guides people facing real-life situations these verses address—people who may not realize how directly Jesus spoke to their strugglers.

Kennedy’s strength lies in his method of examining the broader biblical landscape. For every challenging statement, he invites readers to dig deeper by considering:

• What else did Jesus say about this topic?
• How do other New Testament passages address it?
• What foundational insights does the Old Testament provide?

This thoughtful, structured approach equips readers with complete biblically sound understanding.

Designed for individual reading or Bible study groups, Jesus Said What? goes beyond commentary. It empowers His followers to study deeply and explore Scripture’s richness with greater confidence.

Kennedy’s accessible resource helps anyone grow in faith and understanding, even (and especially) when the questions are hard.

Jesus Said What? is available through Concordia Publishing House.