“When Jesus arrived in Bethany, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.” “And Jesus wept. So the people said, ‘See how he loved him.’” Jesus went to the burial cave and a stone lay across it. “Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Jesus raised his eyes and said, … … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Racial Harmony”
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Consistent Ethic of Life: Healing
“As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned.” Jesus then “spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Healing”
Consistent Ethic of Life: Pregnancy
“Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus began talking with her.” “His disciples returned, and were shocked that he was talking with a woman.” Dehumanizing women was a routine ancient practice. It remains a routine current practice. One aspect … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Pregnancy”
Consistent Ethic of Life: Social Activism
“Jesus was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” “Peter said to Jesus in reply, “It is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make… tents here.” But Jesus led them “down from the mountain.” Peter witnesses a stunning transformation on high, above … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Social Activism”
Consistent Ethic of Life: Peacemaking
“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert.” “He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached” Jesus to forsake his peacemaking mission from the Spirit. Jesus refused, including the last to rule the world, “the devil… showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world… “All these … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Peacemaking”
Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent
Jesus tells listeners, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not respond violently to one who is violent… You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to … Continue reading “Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent”
Replacing Religion’s Tribalism with Community
“Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law… I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” But then Jesus proceeds to in fact abolish the Old Testament law and replace it. He says, for example, “You have heard the law, ‘An eye for an eye, a … Continue reading “Replacing Religion’s Tribalism with Community”
Essential
Jesus is talking to commoners knowing that rulers “insult and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you.” But Jesus tells them, “You are the salt of the earth.” Jesus describes people made to feel inessential as salt – essential for life. Essential became a designation for some people during the initial stages … Continue reading “Essential”
Taking Things Personally and Socially
Jesus is talking to people who are made “poor,” “hungry, and are “persecuted.” It is possible for these listeners to feel cursed and to become resentful over the pain done to them. But Jesus tells his “poor,” “hungry,” and “persecuted” listeners to know they are “Blessed” and to “Rejoice.” In one sense, Jesus is encouraging … Continue reading “Taking Things Personally and Socially”
Arrested
“When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.” “From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Convert, for the Community of God is at hand.” John the Baptist has been a conscientious public witness, telling the truth about the ruler Herod. Like all rulers, Herod arrests the truth and … Continue reading “Arrested”