Today we are going to be talking about “The Difficult Words of Jesus”.  Have you ever been reading the New Testament and heard the words of Jesus and been completely puzzled?  Well, if so, you are not alone.  Some of the words of Jesus challenge not only beginners, but even seasoned students of scripture.  Thankfully we have scholars who have spent years and years studying the scriptures to help us understand them better.  I’m so honored to have with us today, Amy-Jill Levine, who with her sharp intellect, humor, and imagination, will bring these challenging texts alive for us and invite us in as active participants in the gospel story.  AJ Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Science.  She is an internationally renowned scholar and teacher, she is the author of numerous books including her latest release:  The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings.Coffee and Bible Time - Prayer Journal and Prayer BinderFaithful Counseling (sponsor) - Get 10% off your first month Instacart (sponsor) - Free delivery for new customers on first order!Suggestions from AJ:The Difficult Words of JesusThe Difficult Words of Jesus - Leader GuideThe Difficult Words of Jesus - DVDThe Jewish Annotated New Testament(Amazon link sales financially support our Coffee and Bible Time ministry-THANK YOU!)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/coffeeandbibletime)