Jesus actually upset almost everyone at some point. From religious leaders, political authorities, the wealthy, and even His own followers all because His teachings became difficult.

That tension is part of why His message has remained so powerful and challenging across cultures and centuries.

Recently on the Higher Learning Podcast, host Rachel Lindsey asked multi-hyphenate creator and Christian KevOnStage what he thought Jesus might get canceled for today—especially if He had a podcast.

KevOnStage didn’t make a list. Instead, he challenged the way many people think about Jesus.

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The point isn’t that He actually should be canceled, but that many of His teachings challenge modern cultural assumptions across society and the political spectrums.

KevOnStage talked about how Jesus spent time with marginalized people. That idea came up repeatedly in the comments, along with several other themes that stood out.

1. Claiming to Be the Only Way to God

Jesus made an exclusive truth claim.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Modern culture strongly values religious pluralism (“all paths lead to God”). Saying one path is the only way is often labeled intolerant or exclusionary.

2. Calling People to Repentance

Jesus regularly told people to repent and turn away from sin.

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

Telling people they are sinful and need repentance can be seen as judgmental or shaming, especially in a culture that prioritizes personal affirmation.

3. Criticizing Religious Leaders Publicly

Jesus strongly rebuked the religious establishment.

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13

Publicly confronting powerful leaders is seen as taboo especially when using words like “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” and “whitewashed tombs.” True, Jesus would definitely trend on social media, but He’d also be on the receiving end of great backlash.

4. Saying Hard Things About Wealth

Jesus warned frequently about money and wealth.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24

This scripture is often misinterpreted in our consumer-driven society. Yet it was a strong warning about wealth and materialism which can feel uncomfortable or radical.

5. Refusing to Fit Political Expectations

People wanted Jesus to take political sides or become a revolutionary leader.

Instead, He said things like:

“My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36

Both political sides often expect public figures to fully align with their agendas. Jesus consistently refused to be co-opted by any political faction.

6. Showing Radical Compassion to “Outsiders”

Jesus regularly spent time with people society rejected. It included sinners, Samaritans, prostitutes and even the poor and marginalized.

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Matthew 9:12

Some people would accuse Him of associating with the wrong crowd or “platforming” controversial individuals.

The last one is a personal takeaway. It didn’t come up much in the conversation, but it’s something that hits home when you start learning what it really means to surrender things to God.

7. Challenging Self-Centered Living

Jesus consistently called people to deny themselves and put God first. That in itself runs directly against today’s culture of self-focus and personal fulfillment.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Much of modern culture centers on the message of “follow your heart,” “live your truth,” or “do what makes you happy.” But Jesus often taught the opposite: that real life is found not in chasing our own desires, but in surrendering our lives to God.

That kind of message can feel uncomfortable today because it asks people to give up control, put others first, and trust that God’s way leads to something better than our own plans.

Perhaps the most common response was surprisingly consistent:

The very things that might get Jesus “canceled” today are the same truths the world desperately needs, and the power we need to transform our lives.

So the real question becomes personal:

What does it actually mean to follow Jesus?

For many people, faith has been reduced to a moment… praying a prayer, walking an aisle, or checking a religious box. But the invitation Jesus gives throughout the Gospels is much deeper than that. Check out what it means to follow Christ with this FREE short study.

Following Jesus