Why does a Gospel text bother us?

That’s the essential question when confronted with a text we don’t like. The essential answer is this: 

The text bothers us because it conflicts with our understanding of God.

Jesus doesn’t always speak or act consistently with our faith. 

So how do you find the sermon message when dealing with Gospel texts where Jesus frustrates, disappoints, or makes you nervous? This 8-step process examines the backstory of your faith so you can name your theology, identify the apparent inconsistencies in the text, and then bridge the gap between them.