That statement may sound shocking.
But before reacting, consider this:
The question is not whether Jesus spoke these words.
He did.
The question is:
To whom was He speaking?
If we ignore the audience, we will eventually misunderstand the message.
That is exactly why Paul instructs us:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Rightly dividing doesn’t diminish the authority of Christ’s words.
It honors them by understanding them in the setting in which He gave them.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself declared His mission:
“But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” — Matthew 15:24 (KJV)
Paul later confirms this:
“Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.” — Romans 15:8 (KJV)
That means many instructions Jesus gave during His earthly ministry belonged to Israel’s prophetic kingdom program, not to the Church, the Body of Christ, which was later revealed as the Mystery.
Here are a few examples.
👉 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16)
This was part of the commission given to the Twelve concerning Israel’s kingdom program.
But when Christ later revealed the gospel of grace to Paul, Paul wrote:
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” — 1 Corinthians 1:17 (KJV)
The gospel that saves today is:
“How that Christ died for our sins… and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)
👉 “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17)
Jesus was speaking to the rich young ruler under Israel’s covenant program.
Paul later reveals God’s message for us today:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works…” — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
👉 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Many quote this as though it were Paul’s pattern for the Body of Christ.
But Paul teaches that believers today serve from a new identity created by grace.
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” — Romans 6:14 (KJV)
Our obedience flows from who we are in Christ, not from trying to place ourselves under Israel’s covenant obligations.
The Bible does not contradict itself.
It simply distinguishes between God’s prophetic program for Israel and His Mystery program for the Body of Christ.
👉 Israel’s hope is earthly.
👉 The Body of Christ’s hope is heavenly.
👉 Israel’s program was prophesied.
👉 The Church was kept secret until revealed to Paul.
Paul explains:
“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” — Romans 11:13 (KJV)
And again:
“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery…” — Ephesians 3:3 (KJV)
Today, God is not offering salvation through kingdom signs, covenant requirements, or the Law.
He is offering salvation freely through the finished work of Christ.
You are saved by trusting that:
“Christ died for our sins… was buried… and rose again the third day.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)
That is the gospel of the grace of God.
That is the message committed to the Apostle Paul.
So don’t ask merely,
“Did Jesus say it?”
Ask also,
“To whom did Jesus say it?”
When we rightly divide the Word of truth, we don’t set Jesus against Paul.
We recognize that the same risen Lord who ministered to Israel on earth later revealed to Paul the Mystery concerning the Church, the Body of Christ.
Honor every word of Scripture by believing it where God placed it. Then the Bible becomes wonderfully clear, Christ’s finished work becomes your confidence, and your heavenly calling becomes your joy.
