We always think of Jesus as the prince of peace and as someone who heals and reconciles others. He also said some puzzling and disturbing things about his role in history. He insisted that he brought not peace but division and would turn many people - even family members - against one another! In fact, he wanted to start a fire blazing on the earth. Jesus did not come to keep everything as it is and certainly not to make people comfortable - he came to stir things up. He taught us to be compassionate, forgiving, non-judgmental, non-violent, open-minded, humble, generous, and simple. Those who really take his teachings seriously and apply them in their lives will not really fit in. They will be at odds with society and even with many religious people. They will be resisted and at times rejected or persecuted - and that is just fine, for it is a sign that they are on the right path! There is an old saying: If you were put on trial for being a follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you?