Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
Tanya described her Army crisis as coming “face to face…with the teachings of Jesus,” especially “not returning evil for evil” and the impossibility of being “willing to kill for…an earthly kingdom” while loving enemies; what in your own discipleship would become impossible—or would have to change—if Jesus “really meant every word He said”?
Another way to ask: If Jesus truly meant everything He taught (like loving enemies and not repaying evil), what parts of your life would have to change? What would become hard or impossible to keep doing?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on Tanya’s story, taking Jesus’ teachings as literal, present-day commands forces a re-evaluation of any commitments that require breaking His instructions—especially around retaliation, enemy-love, and allegiance to earthly causes.
- Tanya recounts swearing to “preserve and protect my country… willing to kill,” then confronting Jesus’ teachings: “not to return evil for evil… lay your life down… we should not kill.”
- She says she “couldn’t make peace with that” and entered “a crisis.”
- The turning-point question in her bio: “What if Jesus really meant every word He said?” which led them to leave the Army as conscientious objectors.
- She critiques the idea Jesus’ teachings are not for “our current era,” calling it “absurd,” and gives the example: “How hard is it to love your enemies in heaven?”
- She concludes Jesus’ commands are “Christian non-negotiables meant to be lived out by the power of the Holy Spirit now.”