I read of people who push back against the broad teachings of the Christian scriptures. Folks claim the Old Testament is antiquated, and Paul is out of touch. But these same commentators claim to like Jesus with his words of peace and love.
But it doesn’t take much of Jesus to upend this view. Notice some of his teachings recorded in one chapter of the Bible, Luke 16:
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.
It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
In Hades, where he was in torment…
If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.
In a few lines Jesus condemns the love of money, upholds the Old Testament law, inveighs against divorce and adultery, confirms the reality of hell and presents as fact those who reject him will find themselves there.
It’s possible to use Jesus to as a cover for living on our terms. But when I actually read what Jesus said and engage with his words, I find nowhere to hide.
Don’t get caught up in this popular swindle. Some words of Jesus indeed bring peace, but others bite and sting. If you’re not wrestling with both, you’re not getting the full measure of Jesus.
Luke 16 in Through the Bible in 2024
Photo by Annie Spratt
This speaks to me. I struggle with those who misquote Jesus’ words to justify their beliefs.