The 3 Jesuses We Invent When We’re Tired of the Real One
We live in an age of spiritual customization. Everyone wants a version of Jesus that fits their mood, their cause, or their comfort level.
But the longer I walk with Christ, the more I see how often we’re drawn to make Him in our image instead of letting Him remake us in His.
While writing my book The Grunt, The Woke, The Polite, The Real Jesus, I had to face this in my own heart first. These aren’t theories. They’re confessions.
1. The Grunt Jesus — The Fighter Without a Cross
He loves a good war.
He’s bold, brash, patriotic, and ready to call down fire on the “enemy.”
He quotes Scripture like bullets and uses “truth” as a club.
This version of Jesus thrives in outrage culture — where shouting feels like conviction and anger feels like holiness.
But the real Jesus didn’t come to destroy His enemies; He died for them. He didn’t win by crushing Rome. He won by carrying a cross.
And every time we baptize our rage, we lose our resemblance to the Lamb.
“The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” — James 1:20
2. The Woke Jesus — The Healer Without Repentance
He’s warm, inclusive, affirming, and allergic to confrontation.
He never offends, never corrects, and always agrees with your truth.
He talks endlessly about love — but never about sin. He preaches self-expression, not self-denial.
And He promises peace without repentance.
But the real Jesus wasn’t crucified for being “nice.”
He was crucified because He spoke truth that cut deep — truth that exposes idols and calls for surrender.
He healed lepers and ate with sinners, but every encounter ended with the same call:
“Go and sin no more.”
Love without repentance isn’t compassion — it’s sedation.
3. The Polite Jesus — The Savior Without Power
He’s charming. Predictable. Well-dressed and well-mannered.
He’s safe for dinner parties and never disturbs the peace of the respectable.
The Polite Jesus doesn’t demand obedience; He just asks for a little attention on Sundays.
He fits perfectly in middle-class Christianity — where comfort is king and holiness feels extreme.
But the real Jesus will wreck your comfort to save your soul.
He doesn’t come to make you polite — He comes to make you new.
He flips tables, interrupts routines, and commands storms.
He’s not manageable. He’s majestic.
The Real Jesus Can’t Be Managed
Each of these versions — the Grunt, the Woke, and the Polite — are symptoms of fatigue.
When we’re tired of tension, tired of hypocrisy, tired of church drama, we build an idol to make the pain simpler.
But the real Jesus is not simple.
He’s not a slogan, a brand, or a side to pick.
He’s the Son of God — too wild for your box, too holy for your comfort, too good to fit your agenda.
He ruins the false versions so He can reveal Himself.
So Which Jesus Are You Following?
This question has haunted me — not as a writer, but as a disciple.
Because I can see traces of all three in my own past.
I’ve shouted truth without grace.
I’ve preached grace without truth.
And I’ve settled for being polite instead of being holy.
But every time I come back to the Word — to the living Christ — He dismantles my illusions and calls me back to Himself.
Final Reflection
You don’t need a new version of Jesus.
You need a fresh revelation of Real Jesus.
The One who still calls sinners, confronts hypocrisy, and carries power.
The One who refuses to be your mascot — because He already reigns as your King.
“Who do you say that I am?” — Matthew 16:15
P.S. This is one of the core themes I’m unpacking in my upcoming book The Grunt, The Woke, The Polite, The Real Jesus.
If you want early access to the devotional journey that pairs with it — “Recovering the Real Jesus” — join the mailing list at
robjr.site.
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