In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 19, a rich young man approaches Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to follow the commandments. The man replies that he's done this since his youth. Then comes the response that prosperity theology conveniently ignores. If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me."
In Luke 6:20, Jesus declares, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." Not, "Blessed are the poor in spirit. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry." These verses, known as Luke's woes, are rarely printed on church coffee mugs or inspirational posters.
Luke 14:333 records Jesus saying, "None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
Matthew 5: “You have heard that it was said eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
In Jesus story in Luke 16 where a rich man never reached out to the beggar at his gate. The rich man goes to torment for ignoring the poor man at his gate. Is he punished for ignoring need when he had the resources to help? Does this parable suggests that passive indifference to the poverty and suffering of others "at our gate" is itself a damning sin?
In Matthew 6, he criticizes those who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Instead, he instructs, "When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your father who is unseen." This teaching would eliminate most public displays of Christianity. No prayer in schools, no prayers before football games, no political candidates praying for cameras.
Matthew 7:1 Records one of his most quoted yet least followed instructions. Do not judge or you too will be judged. The context makes clear this isn't about avoiding all moral distinctions, but about the human tendency to condemn others while excusing ourselves.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
In the story of the good Samaritan Jesus suggests that a kind follower of a false religion is closer to the kingdom of heaven than a cruel believer. Does it mean that actions matter more than claimed beliefs and a converted character more than creed?
In Luke 6:20, Jesus declares, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." Not, "Blessed are the poor in spirit. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry." These verses, known as Luke's woes, are rarely printed on church coffee mugs or inspirational posters.
Luke 14:333 records Jesus saying, "None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
Matthew 5: “You have heard that it was said eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
In Jesus story in Luke 16 where a rich man never reached out to the beggar at his gate. The rich man goes to torment for ignoring the poor man at his gate. Is he punished for ignoring need when he had the resources to help? Does this parable suggests that passive indifference to the poverty and suffering of others "at our gate" is itself a damning sin?
In Matthew 6, he criticizes those who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Instead, he instructs, "When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your father who is unseen." This teaching would eliminate most public displays of Christianity. No prayer in schools, no prayers before football games, no political candidates praying for cameras.
Matthew 7:1 Records one of his most quoted yet least followed instructions. Do not judge or you too will be judged. The context makes clear this isn't about avoiding all moral distinctions, but about the human tendency to condemn others while excusing ourselves.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
In the story of the good Samaritan Jesus suggests that a kind follower of a false religion is closer to the kingdom of heaven than a cruel believer. Does it mean that actions matter more than claimed beliefs and a converted character more than creed?
