Meekness, Mercy, Pure in Heart

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Meekness

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mathew 11:28-30)

Jesus frees people from all these burdens. The rest that Jesus promises is love, healing, and peace with God, not the end of all labor. A relationship with God changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose.

Mercy

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved Children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5: 1, 2)

Just as children imitate their parents, we should imitate Christ. His great love for us led him to sacrifice himself so that we might live. Our love for others should be of the same kind – a love that goes beyond affection to self-sacrificing service.

Pure in Heart

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.(1 John 1-3).

To purify means to keep morally straight, free from the corruption of sin. God also purifies us, but there is action we must take to remain morally fit (see 1 Timothy 5:22; James 4:8; 1 Peter 1:22).

Poor in Spirit-Mourning

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Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up(.James 4:7-10)

How can you come near to God? James gives five ways; (1) Submit to God(4:7). Yield to his authority and will, control, and be willing to follow him. (2) Resist the devil (4:7). Don’t allow Satan to entice and tempt you. (3) Wash your hands … and purify your hearts (that is, lead a pure life) (4:8). Be cleansed from sin, replacing your desire to sin with your desire to experience God’s purity. (4) Grieve and mourn and wail in sincere sorrow for your sins (4:9). Don’t be afraid to express deep heartfelt sorrow for what you have done. (5) Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up (4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).

Humbling ourselves means recognizing that our worth comes from God alone. To be humble involves working with his power according to his guidance, not with our own independent effort. Although we do not deserve God’s favor, he reaches out to us in love and gives us worthy and dignity, despite our human shortcomings.

Key Lessons

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeKey Lessons

 

 Key Lessons

Beatitude	Clashing worldly values	God’s reward	How to develop this attitude
Poor in Spirit	Pride and personal Independence	Kingdom of heaven	James 4:7-10
Mourning	Happiness at any cost	Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:4)	Psalm 51, James 4:7-10
Meekness	Power	Inherit the earth	Mathew 11:27-30
Righteousness	Pursuing personal needs	Filled (satisfied)	John 17:17
Mercy	Strength without feeling	Be shown mercy	Ephesians 5:1, 2
Pure in heart	Deception is acceptable	See God	1 John 3:1-3
Peacemaker	Personal peace is pursued without concern for the world’s chaos	Be called sons of God	1 Peter 3:11
Persecuted	Weak commitments	Inherit the kingdom of heaven	2 Timothy 3:12

  

Beatitude	Clashing worldly values	God’s reward	How to develop this attitude
Poor in Spirit	Pride and personal Independence	Kingdom of heaven	James 4:7-10
Mourning	Happiness at any cost	Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:4)	Psalm 51, James 4:7-10
Meekness	Power	Inherit the earth	Mathew 11:27-30
Righteousness	Pursuing personal needs	Filled (satisfied)	John 17:17
Mercy	Strength without feeling	Be shown mercy	Ephesians 5:1, 2
Pure in heart	Deception is acceptable	See God	1 John 3:1-3
Peacemaker	Personal peace is pursued without concern for the world’s chaos	Be called sons of God	1 Peter 3:11
Persecuted	Weak commitments	Inherit the kingdom of

Mental Attitudes

Image via WikipediaMental Attitudes

 

Measure yourself on these mental attitudes

Poor in Spirit: I have come to the place where I feel accepted by God and do not need success in the world. I recognize my need for God and know that I do not have to earn His/world’s love with wealth, status, or spiritual sophistication.

Mourn: I have come to the place where I can really feel the empty places in my life. I can let others know when I am hurting and share the grief of others without embarrassment. I can weep like Jesus did.

Meek: I have come to the place where I don’t have to be the strong one all the time. I can be tender and gentle with people. I’ve given the control of my life to God and I don’t have to be “in control” all the time.

Spiritual Hunger: I have come to the place where I want to Know God as my LORD and His will for my life more than anything. I am more excited about God’s will for the world than my own financial gain, success in my career, or acceptance by my6 peers. I long for God’s perspective in my decision making.

Merciful: I have come to the place where I can enter into the feelings of someone who is hurting, lonely, or distressed and feel alongside them in their pain. God has given me a sensitivity for the suffering of others.

Pure in Heart: I have come to the place where I can be completely open and honest with God and others – transparent because I have nothing to hide. I don’t have to put on “airs,” or pretend to be what I’m not.

Peacemaker: I have come to the place where I really work at keeping the channels of communication open between me and those around me. I deal with anger and disagreements immediately and don’t allow them to fester. I encourage those around me to work out their differences without hurting one another.

Persecution:I have come to the place where I know what I am living for, and for this cause I am not afraid to suffer and, if need be, die. I am willing to “take the heat” and stand alone for what is right. I can take criticism without feeling self-pity or self-righteousness.

The Beatitudes

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Mathew 5:3-12 (Good News Bible)

Blessed are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! Blessed are those who mourn; God will comfort them! Blessed are the meek; they will receive what God has promised! Blessed are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! Blessed are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! Blessed are the pure in heart; they will see God! Blessed are those who work for peace among men; God will call them his sons! Blessed are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!

Blessed are you when men insult you, and persecute you, and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be glad and happy, because a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how men persecuted the prophets who lived before you.

Luke 6:24-24-26

But how terrible for you who are rich now; you have had your easy life! How terrible for you who are full now; you will go hungry! How terrible for you who laugh now; you will mourn and weep! How terrible when all men speak well of you; because their ancestors said the very same things to the false prophets.

The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado

Sacred delight is good news coming through the back door of your heart. It’s what you’d always dreamed but never expected. It’s the too-good-to-be-true coming true. It’s having God as your pinch-hitter, your lawyer, your dad, your biggest fan, and your best friend. God on your side, in your heart, out in front, and protecting your back. It’s hope where you least. It; a flower in life’s sidewalk.

It is sacred because only God can grant it. It is a delight because it (blesses and makes happy). Since it is sacred, it can’t be stolen. And since it is delightful, it can’t be predicted.

It is this sacred delight that Jesus promises in the sermon on the Mount.

Nine times he promises it to:.

“The poor in spirit… those who mourn… the meek… those who hunger and thirst… the meek… those who hunger and thirst… the merciful… the pure in heart… the peacemakers… the persecuted….

Related articles

• The Beatitudes: Bless This Mess (gatheringinlight.com)

Jesus gives the Beatitudes

Image via WikipediaJesus gives the Beatitudes

Jesus began his sermon with words that seem to contradict each other. But God’s way of living usually contradicts the world’s. If you want to live for God you must be ready to say and do what seems strange to the world. You must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, to help when others abuse. By giving up your own rights in order to serve others, you will one day receive everything God has in store for you.

There are at least three ways to understand the Beatitudes: (1) They are a code of ethics for the disciples and a standard of conduct for all believers, (2) They contrast kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary), (3) They contrast a superficial “faith” with the real faith God wants. These beatitudes are not multiple choice – pick what you like and leave the rest. They must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like as Christ’s followers.

Each beatitude tells how to be blessed. “Blessed” means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, “blessed” means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find “real” hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.

Jesus said that God’s kingdom is organized differently from worldly kingdoms. In the kingdom of heaven, wealth and power and authority are unimportant. Kingdom people seek different attitudes. They contrast fake piety with true humility. Are your attitudes a carbon copy of the world’s selfishness, pride, and lust for material things, or do they reflect the humility and self sacrifice of Jesus your LORD.

If you are trying to find fulfillment only through riches, wealth may be the only reward you will ever get – and it does not last. We should not seek comfort now at the expense of eternal life. Popularity is no guarantee of truth, and human flattery does not bring God’s approval. Sadness lies ahead for those who chase after worldly success rather than loving God with their WHOLE HEART.

Seek first his kingdom

Image via WikipediaSeek first his kingdom

 

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) To ‘seek first his kingdom’ means to turn to God first for help, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for our pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything.
NICODEMUS (CONT’D) People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don’t actively choose to give him first place in every area of our life.
NICODEMUS (CONT’D) Knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through. Our life will withstand the storms of life only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it. We need to submit humbly to the Lordship of Christ.
NICODEMUS (CONT’D) We need to be willing to give up anything, if God ask us to do so. This kind of attitude allows nothing to come between us and God and keeps us from using our God - given wealth selfishly.
NICODEMUS (CONT’D) We cannot love God with all our hearts and yet keep our money to ourselves. Loving him totally means using our money in ways that please him. Faith in Christ, not in self or riches, is what counts. As believers, our true reward is God’s presence and power through the Holy Spirit.
NICODEMUS (CONT’D) We need childlike attitudes of trust in God. Money represents our pride of accomplishment and self effort. We cannot say we our following the first commandment if we let anything be more important than God. If there is, you cannot meet the most basic requirement Jesus gave- to turn over our whole heart and life over to Jesus as our Savior and LORD.
NICODEMUS (CONT’D) Faith, service, and obedience are the way to become rich toward God. Seeking the Kingdom of God means making Jesus the Lord and king of our life. He must control every area - our work, play, plans, relationships. The kingdom must be central to all we do, or he is not God, Savior, and Lord in our life. And therefore we truly do not believe Jesus is our Savior and Lord. And without that, we are not saved and will not have a everlasting relationship with God.
NICODEMUS (CONT’D) As Lord and Creator, he wants to provide what we need as well as guide how we use what he provides. Trusting that, Wife, I now have God’s kingdom in my heart.
INT ACT 3-MODERN MAN WAKES UP A modern man wakes up in bed and sits up in bed crying, He obviously trying to make up his mind on what he should do.

Nicodemus acts

Image via WikipediaNicodemus acts

 

EXT ACT 3-END MOVING INTO A SMALLER HOUSE As the sequence opens we see Nicodemus and his wife loading a cart with some of their possessions from their house.

Nicodemus is excited and says: NICODEMUS Wife, I have never been so joyful and felt so blessed. I truly understand that Jesus was the Messiah. And his kingdom on earth is in the hearts of men/women who love God with their whole heart, mind, soul, spirit and strength.

WIFE Yes, but why did you sell our possessions and our house. And why must we move. And why did you quit your job.

NICODEMUS Patience wife, and I will answer you. To start with you need to understand is that in order to have Jesus’s kingdom in your heart you must obey what God expect’s of us, with our whole heart.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) He warned us that we can not achieve that if we have fame and fortune; rather we will have mourning, hunger and persecution. This is necessary so that we do not find ourselves using God’s message only to promote our personal interests. Rather we need to learn to trust God instead of our own abilities.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) We must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, to help when others abuse. By giving up our own rights in order to serve others, we will one day receive everything God has in store for us.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) This is why we sold everything. So that we can live simply and trust in our God for our food, and everything else we need. By doing this we can take what money we had and thereby turn over the proceeds of the sale to the disciples in order to use it to help others. This is necessary, in order to be a follower of Jesus.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) In order to find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, we must follow Jesus no matter what the cost. Our attitudes must reflect the humility and self-sacrifice of Jesus, our King. We should not seek comfort now at the expense of eternal life.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) Our intention should be to seek the fulfillment of God’s purposes in all we do, not merely with our money. Self-serving desires, interests and goals block God’s purposes. Serving God is the best way to restore it. A ‘good’ eye is one that is fixed on God.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) Jesus says we can have only one master. We live in a materialistic society where many people serve money. Their desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters. Whatever we store up, we will spend much of our time and energy thinking about.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) This means we have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming to important to us. Jesus is calling for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting.

Jesus Visits

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While they are still talking about this, Jesus appears among them and says to them:

JESUS Peace be with you.

The disciples are startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He says to them, JESUS (CONT’D) Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see, a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

JESUS (CONT’D) Do you have anything here to eat? They give him a piece of broiled fish and he takes it and eats it.

JESUS (CONT’D) This is what I told you while I was still with you; Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Scriptures.

JESUS (CONT’D) This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to provide you what my Father has promised.

JESUS (CONT’D) Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.

JESUS (CONT’D) If you love me; feed my sheep and follow me.

JESUS (CONT’D) As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. And with that he breathed on them and says,

JESUS (CONT’D) Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins they are forgiven.

JESUS (CONT’D) All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Jesus disappears and Nicodemus talks to other disciples

NICODEMUS Jesus is truly the Son of God. And I am going to dedicate my life to loving God with my whole heart, mind, soul, and spirit.

Nicodemus starts to leave as he says, NICODEMUS (CONT’D) I now know what I must do to have God’s Kingdom in my heart, and be a member of Jesus’s Kingdom.

Crucifixion

Image via WikipediaCrucifixion

 

EXT ACT 2 PT 4 GOLGOTHA We see a mentally and emotionally beaten Nicodemus in the background as Jesus (physically beaten but emotionally and mentally strong) is crucified. They offer Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refuses to drink it.

NICODEMUS There my Lord is on the cross, but he is strong enough to face it, without any help. I am here with everything, and I am emotionally and mentally beaten. They divide up Jesus clothes by casting dice.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) Jesus gives up everything, even his clothes and life. I am unable to give up nothing.

Religious leaders & Elders come up and say, ELDERS You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God?

ELDERS (CONT’D) He saved others, but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, I am the Son of God.

Nicodemus is shocked by this and says, NICODEMUS It is clear that I cannot be both a member of the Sanhedrin and a disciple of Jesus. I need to commit to one or the other. Jesus cries out in a loud voice,

JESUS My God, my God why have you forsaken me?

ELDERS He’s calling Elijah. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.

NICODEMUS There is no doubt who is closer to God, Jesus, not the religious leaders. I need to make a break from my current life.

JESUS It is finished. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

Jesus dies NICODEMUS I believe this man is truly my Savior and Lord. I turn over my life to God, along with everything in my life. I will trust him for everything; and Love him with my whole heart, mind, soul, spirit and strength. Nicodemus walks away weeping. CUT TO:

INT ACT 2 PP2 - HIGH PRIEST HOUSE Nicodemus walks up to High Priest and hands him a Scroll and says,

NICODEMUS O honored High Priest, I have become a disciple of Jesus and I feel that I no longer can be a member of the Sanhedrin, who has condemned my Lord to death. Therefore this is my resignation.

NICODEMUS (CONT’D) I have gotten permission from Pilate to bury my Lord; and this is what I am going to do.

Nicodemus turns and walks away. CUT TO:

EXT GARDEN TOMB ALONGSIDE GOLGOTHA(CHRIST CRUCIFICTION)

Nicodemus and a friend come to the cross and take Jesus down. The two of them wrap the body with spices, in strips of linen. They carry the body to a nearby tomb and lay Jesus in it. The sequence ends with Nicodemus weeping tears of joy.

Warns his disciples

Image by Carla216 via FlickrWarns his disciples

 

CUT TO: EXT OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE ACT 2 PT 3 Jesus is leaving the temple and is walking away when the disciples along with Nicodemus come up to him. Jesus says,

JESUS You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At the end times many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

A messenger comes to Nicodemus (Judas is standing close by and listening), and says, MESSENGER Please come to a meeting of the Sanhedrin. Judas leaves the group.

CUT TO: INT PALACE OF HIGH PRIEST Religious Leaders are meeting, with Nicodemus in the background.

HIGHPRIEST But not during the Feast or there may be a riot among the people Judas comes in.

JUDAS What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you. The Leaders count out thirty silver coins. Nicodemus leaves looking confused and murmuring

NICODEMUS What should I do, What should I do.

CUT TO: INT TRIAL ROOM-HIGH PRIEST-NICODEMUS-JESUS Jesus is led in, and a mildly confident Nicodemus moving close to Jesus. He becomes Jesus defender.

NICODEMUS Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing. Jesus tell the what you teach.

HIGHPRIEST Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee. So Jesus, what is this we hear about your teaching.

JESUS I have spoken only to the world. I always taught in synagogues or at the Temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.

OFFICIAL Is this the way you answer the high priest?

JESUS If I said something wrong, testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?

WITNESS This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild another not made by man in three days.

HIGHPRIEST Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?

HIGHPRIEST (CONT’D) I charge you under oath by the Living God: Tell us if you are the Christ the Son of God.

JESUS If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. Yes, it is as you say, But I say to all of you. In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty one and coming on the clouds of heaven.

HIGHPRIEST He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy from his own lips? What do you think?

OFFICIAL He is worthy of death.

Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slap him. Nicodemus is shocked and feels responsible for the condemnation.

OFFICIAL (CONT’D) Prophesy to us, Christ, Who hit you?

Could this be?

Image via WikipediaCould this be?

 

EXT COURT YARD-ACT 2 MP Religious Leaders along with Nicodemus in the background (obviously uncomfortable) come to Jesus. They bring him a demon-possessed man who is blind and mute. Jesus heals him, so that he can both talk and see. All the people standing around say,
PEOPLE Could this be the Son of David?
PHARISEES It is only by the devil, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.
JESUS Every Kingdom divided against itself will be ruined and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his Kingdom stand. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
JESUS (CONT’D) He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and it’s fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
PHARISEES Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.
JESUS A wicked and adulterous generation ask for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
PHARISEES Jesus said ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven. But is he not Jesus, the son of Joseph whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, I came down from heaven?
JESUS Stop grumbling among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him and I raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Nicodemus starts to back away from the other religious leaders. Nicodemus stands alone dejected with Jesus and a few disciples going one direction and the leaders going another.
CUT TO: EXT OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE ACT 2 PT 3 Jesus is leaving the temple and is walking away when the disciples along with Nicodemus come up to him. Jesus says,
JESUS You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At the end times many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
A messenger comes to Nicodemus (Judas is standing close by and listening), and says, MESSENGER Please come to a meeting of the Sanhedrin. Judas leaves the group.

Shall we give to the needy?

Shall we give to the needy?

 

NICODEMUS Should we give to the needy?

JESUS Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

JESUS (CONT’D) So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

NICODEMUS Teacher, teach me to pray?

JESUS And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

JESUS (CONT’D) This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.

JESUS (CONT’D) For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

NICODEMUS Can we judge or criticize others?

JESUS Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

JESUS (CONT’D) 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? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ When all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

JESUS (CONT’D) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and i will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentile and humble in heart, ann you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

JESUS (CONT’D) The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into his harvest.

JESUS (CONT’D) If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me can not be my disciple. A group of religious approach Jesus Jesus turns to the Nicodemus and speaks:

JESUS (CONT’D) Now do you understand that all of life and its challenges are solved by the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. Then you will not be far from the Kingdom of God; and you will live. Nicodemus becomes flustered and he backs off to the edge of the crowd. Jesus turns and walks away. We see Nicodemus weeping again.

FADE OUT.

Help for Anger

Image via WikipediaHelp for Anger

 

NICODEMUS I need help dealing with anger?
JESUS you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his bother, ‘You are comtemptable’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool! Will be in danger of the fire of hell.
JESUS (CONT’D) Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
NICODEMUS I have trouble dealing with lust? Can you help me?
JESUS You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
NICODEMUS Some of my friends are dealing with divorce. What are your teachings concerning this?
JESUS It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce. But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife,except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
NICODEMUS How important is it to tell the truth?
JESUS Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord. But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
NICODEMUS Can we retaliate against wrongdoers?
JESUS 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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
NICODEMUS You have taught that we should love our neighbor; but what if our neighbor is our enemy?
JESUS You have heard that it was said ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Who is my neighbor?

Image via WikipediaWho is my neighbor?

 

NICODEMUS Who is my neighbor?

JESUS A man was taking a trip, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road and when he saw the man he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

JESUS (CONT’D) But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came were the man was; and when he saw him he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. The he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper ‘Look after him;’ he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you might have.

JESUS (CONT’D) Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? Go, and do likewise.

NICODEMUS How important is love?

JESUS A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

NICODEMUS How is love tied to following the commandments

JESUS Whoever has my commands and obey them, he is the one who love me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. This is one of my commands: Love each other.

NICODEMUS I have trouble loving God more than others?

JESUS Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep.

NICODEMUS Why should we affect the world around us?

JESUS You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for everything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

JESUS (CONT’D) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your lite shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

NICODEMUS Must we still obey the commandments?

JESUS Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law; I have not come to abolish them. I tell you the truth until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the law until everything is accomplished.

JESUS (CONT’D) Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.

NICODEMUS Who is my neighbor?

JESUS A man was taking a trip, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road and when he saw the man he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

JESUS (CONT’D) But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came were the man was; and when he saw him he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. The he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper ‘Look after him;’ he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you might have.

JESUS (CONT’D) Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? Go, and do likewise.

NICODEMUS How important is love?

JESUS A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

NICODEMUS How is love tied to following the commandments

JESUS Whoever has my commands and obey them, he is the one who love me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. This is one of my commands: Love each other.

NICODEMUS I have trouble loving God more than others?

JESUS Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep.

NICODEMUS Why should we affect the world around us?

JESUS You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for everything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

JESUS (CONT’D) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your lite shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

NICODEMUS Must we still obey the commandments?

JESUS Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law; I have not come to abolish them. I tell you the truth until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the law until everything is accomplished.

JESUS (CONT’D) Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.

What must we do?

What must we do?

 

NICODEMUS What must we do to do the works God requires?

JESUS The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.

NICODEMUS Is he really concerned about us.

JESUS What do you think? If a man own’s a hundred sheep, and one of them wonders away, will he not leave the ninety nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

JESUS (CONT’D) See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

NICODEMUS Lord, Jesus, I am having trouble loving someone who has wronged me. Teach me about love?

JESUS 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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

JESUS (CONT’D) You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what rewards will you get? Are not even tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly father, is perfect.

NICODEMUS Of the commandments; which is most important?

JESUS The most important one is this: Hear the Lord our God, the Lord is one Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your should and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. Do this then you are not far from the Kingdom of God. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

How can faith impact my life?

Image via WikipediaHow can faith impact my life?

 

NICODEMUS How can faith impact my life?

JESUS Once two blind men followed me calling out “have mercy on us, Son of David!’ I asked them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ ‘Yes Lord,” they replied. Then I touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith will it be done to you’; and their sight was restored.

NICODEMUS But sometimes my faith falters!

JESUS Once when the disciples where out on a boat, I walked out to them. Peter cried out: ‘Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,‘ I said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward me. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ I reached out and caught him, and said, ‘why did you doubt?’ When we climbed back into the boat, all the disciples worshiped me, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

NICODEMUS I am worried about my small faith being sufficient?

JESUS Once when a man came to me and complained ‘I brought my son who has seizures and is suffering greatly to your disciples, but they could not heal him.’ I replied, ‘O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.’ I rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. The disciples asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ I replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. This kind can come out only by prayer. Nothing will be impossible for you.’ The father replied, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’

NICODEMUS Why do I need a child like faith?

JESUS In the past people have brought babies to me to touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. But I called the children to me and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’

NICODEMUS How important is prayer in faith?

JESUS Have faith in God, I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, in will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

NICODEMUS Lord, show us the Father?

JESUS All things have been committed to me by my Father, No one knows who the Son is except the Father and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, show us the Father. Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me. The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.

How shall we act

Image via WikipediaHow shall we act

 

NICODEMUS How should we act in this Kingdom?

JESUS The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. Nicodemus is bent over weeping

NICODEMUS I vow that I will learn how to enter this personal Kingdom.

TWO MEN TALKING

NICODEMUS Jesus, You have talked a lot about faith. I have been raised by my parents in the faith. But I have still not sure what you mean?

JESUS Do not think you can say to your self; I have Christian parents! I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Christians. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

JESUS (CONT’D) As a example: when I saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their net into a lake, for they were fishermen. I asked them to: ‘Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed me.

JESUS (CONT’D) And when I saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat preparing their nets. Without delay, they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed me. This is faith.

NICODEMUS Since I am a new Christian, I have trouble sharing my faith.

JESUS Once, as I walked along, I saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at a tax collector’s booth. I asked him to: ‘Follow me.’ Levi got up and followed me. He had a dinner for me with other tax collectors and “sinners” and their were many who followed me. And yet at the same time many leaders believe in me. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

NICODEMUS I want my faith to impact others.

JESUS Some men came to me carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into a house I was preaching at. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him through a hole in the roof. When I saw their faith, I said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven. Your faith affects others.

NICODEMUS Why is faith so important?

JESUS I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.

Do you need to work

Image via WikipediaDo you need to work

 

NICODEMUS Do we need to work in the kingdom?

JESUS Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

JESUS (CONT’D) After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the five talents brought the other five; ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’

JESUS (CONT’D) His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

JESUS (CONT’D) The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!

JESUS (CONT’D) Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered sed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

JESUS (CONT’D) His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

JESUS (CONT’D) Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

JESUS (CONT’D) I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them-bring them here and kill them in front of me.’

NICODEMUS Will you be giving us a place in your kingdom?

JESUS Who then is the faithful and wise manager, who the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself. My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink an get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

JESUS (CONT’D) That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From, everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Kingdom of God

Image by nick kulas via Flickr Kingdom of God

 

TWO MEN TALKING

NICODEMUS Jesus you have preached on the Kingdom of God, but I am not clear on it, would you explain it.

NICODEMUS (CONT'D) How do we get in?

JESUS I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.

JESUS (CONT’D) The Kingdom of God is like a man (me) who sowed good seed (Sons of God)in his field (the world). But while everyone was sleeping his enemy (the devil) sowed weeds (sons of the evil one) among the wheat and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads (fruit of their faith), then the weeds also appeared.

JESUS (CONT’D) The owner’s servants came to him and said; ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?

JESUS (CONT’D) ‘And enemy did this,’ He said. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds you may root up the wheat with them. Let booth grow together until the harvest (end of the age). At that time, I will tell the harvesters (angels): First collect the weeds (everything that causes sin and all who do evil) and tie them in bundles to be burned into the fiery furnace (where there will be weeping and ganshing of teeth); then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn. (Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father). He who has ears, let him hear.

JESUS (CONT’D) This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain-first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.

NICODEMUS The kingdom is so small, will it grow and produce results?

JESUS The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seed, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree; to that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.

NICODEMUS Will it impact the world?

JESUS The Kingdom of God is like yeast that a women took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.

NICODEMUS Will we receive any rewards in the Kingdom.

JESUS For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

JESUS (CONT’D) About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.

JESUS (CONT’D) He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘ Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

JESUS (CONT’D) When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.

JESUS (CONT’D) The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

JESUS (CONT’D) But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last thee same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

Rich Fool

Image via Wikipedia Rich Fool

 

RICH FOOL Teacher, tell my brother to divide with me the property our father left us.

JESUS Man, who gave me the right to judge or to divide the property between you two?

JESUS (CONT’D) Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because a person’s true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be.

JESUS (CONT’D) There was once a rich man who had land which bore good crops. He began to think to himself, ‘I don’t have a place to keep all my crops. What can I do? This is what I will do,’ he told himself; ‘I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I will store the grain and all my other goods. Then I will say to myself, Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself! But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?

JESUS (CONT’D) This is how it is with those who pile up, riches for themselves but are not rich in God’s sight.

JESUS (CONT’D) There was once a rich man who dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in great luxury every day. There was also a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who used to be brought to the rich man’s door, hoping to, eat the bits of food that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs would come and lick his sores.

JESUS (CONT’D) The poor man died and was carried by the angels to the feast in heaven. The rich man died and was buried, and in hell, where he was in great pain He looked up and saw Abraham, far away, with Lazarus at his side. So he called out, ‘Father Abraham! Take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue, because I am in great pain in this fire!

JESUS (CONT’D) But Abraham said, ‘Remember, my son, that in your lifetime you were given all the good things, while Lazarus got all the bad things. But now he is enjoying himself here, while you are in pain.

JESUS (CONT’D) Besides all that, there is a deep pit lying between us, so that those who want to cross over to us from where you are.

JESUS (CONT’D) The rich man said, ‘Then I beg you father Abraham, send Lazarus to my house, where I have five brothers. Let him go and warn them so that they, at least, will not come to this place of pain. Abraham said, ‘Your brothers have the scriptures to warn them; your brothers should respond to what it says.’ The rich man answered, ‘That is not enough, Father Abraham! But if someone were to rise from death and go to them, then they would turn from their sins! But Abraham said, ‘If they will not respond to the scriptures, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death.’

Jesus stands up and starts back down the hill, a RICH MAN runs up, kneels before him and asks Jesus:

RICH MAN Good Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?

JESUS Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. Keep the commandments if you want to enter life: Do not commit murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; do not cheat; respect your father and your mother.

RICH MAN Teacher, ever since I was young, I have obeyed all these commandments. What else do I need to do? Jesus looking straight at him with love and said:

JESUS You need only one more thing to be perfect. Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me. When the Rich Man heard this, gloom spread over his face, and he walks away sad, because he was very rich. Jesus looks around at his disciples and says to them;

JESUS (CONT’D) I assure you: it will be very hard for rich people, to enter the Kingdom of God. I repeat: it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. When the Disciples heard this, they are completely amazed. They ask:

DISCIPLES Who then, can be saved? Jesus looks straight at them and answers:

JESUS This is impossible for men but not for God; everything is possible for God.

PETER Look we have left everything and followed you.

JESUS Yes and I tell you that anyone who leaves home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and for the gospel will receive a hundred times more houses and fields - and persecutions as well; and in the age to come he will receive eternal life. But many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first.

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