The title is a bit inflammatory; sorry about that.
When you think about the qualities that make for a good salesman, you think about tenacity, having a bit of a silver tongue, and being able to meet your potential client in the middle, to give a little on the price or throw in a bonus perk in order to close the sale.
In that respect, Jesus is 0-fer.
And, behold, one came and said unto Him, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” And He said unto him, “Why callest thou Me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” He saith unto Him, “Which?” Jesus said, “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” The young man saith unto Him, “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” Jesus said unto him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto His disciples, “Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven…”
(Matthew 19:16-23)
In the midst of His ministry, the Master met a man eager to attain the exact blessing Jesus came to earth to give us. From a salesman’s perspective, Jesus was a car salesman who man with cash in hand, ready to buy a new ride. This was the perfect audience, and he asked the right question. The Lord’s answer was blunt, specific, and without a hint of “sugar coating.” Jesus didn’t soften His reply, nor did He use His Divine power to peer into the mind of this man and determine what sensitive issues He should avoid. In fact, if anything, Jesus read this man’s heart and told him exactly what was holding him back. He went right to the sensitive topic.
Then, when the man went away, unwilling to part with his riches, the Lord let him go. When was the last time you shook your head at a car dealer’s offer and they just shrugged and let you walk off the lot?! What car salesman worth his salt wouldn’t throw in a fresh coat of “rust proofing” or some other gimmick that makes the deal look a bit sweeter? What salesman wouldn’t give you the old “let me talk to my boss…” routine, where they go to a back room, twiddle their thumbs for five minutes (talking to no one), then come back with a better price that’s closer to your liking? And then, when you get off the lot and that yellow warning light pops up after the first pot hole, what shady used car salesman wouldn’t say “sorry; all deals are final!”
Jesus, on the other hand, does not dissemble. He does not cloud the issue at hand, nor does He conceal every possible (short term) negative that might come with it. And if we hesitate, and seem unwilling to commit—fully—to the offer of salvation that’s on the table, we should not expect the Lord to meet us halfway, toss out a few of the stickier expectations, and let us have an easier deal. On the contrary, Jesus advises us to “count the cost” before we dive in (Luke 14:28).
As a salesman, Jesus wouldn’t make it very long in the used car business.
As a Savior, however, you’ll find no better. In fact, you’ll find no other (Acts 4:12).
~Matthew