Jesus      . I'm studying the Gospel for ways that Jesus figured things out. He understands scriptural revelation. He makes sure to let people keep their freedom, by performing miracles and speaking in parables. He has expectations and emotional responses. He accepts people's hearts. Consider the decisions that Jesus made. What system do they form?

               My diagram of Jesus' mind      Here is my sketch of Jesus's mind based on the ways that he figured things out. See also the diagram above. He was very concerned not to cause others to stumble, and hoped he didn't cause John the Baptist to stumble, but ultimately, he caused his disciples to stumble. He spoke of two gates, the narrow to life and the wide to destruction. He urged people to repent and enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and he spoke to their belief, and some people did believe, and some were ready to die for him. He hoped that the Kingdom of Heaven could be thus established. Yet he accepted God's will to save all of the world, not just some, and so he accepted death and resurrection. So some people accepted him as he was, alive, and others dead, as they wished him, yet resurrected. And so the two branches are made one. Martha gave a great example of the practical work of the courts where the judge ignored the law to do what was right, where the judge gave a woman the right to parent a deaf child because she and her daughters had learned sign language and engaged him whereas his biological father had not. And so if there is nobody to dispute a ruling, then there is healing, there is justice in the most important sense. But if there is somebody to dispute it, then it can go up the system, and the laws can be worked out. Or as in the case of Solomon and the baby, it can become clear, through the process, what was not clear before it, such as who was the real mother. So the law supports a culture but ultimately it must be an internally based culture, and that is the "way", the truth and the life, the branch that Jesus offers, the "gate", the "light".

               Please crowdfund my philosophical portrait of Jesus!      Thank you for contributing money and for spreading the word!

Don't cause believers to stumble      Jesus warns us not to cause others to stumble. He is concerned that he himself not cause others (such as John the Baptist) to stumble. Ultimately, he causes his disciples to stumble. Paul says the law of righteousness is the stumbling stone. Whereas Peter says that Jesus is the stumbling stone. God is the one who causes Israel to stumble. For it wouldn't learn from being treated nicely, thus it must learn from being treated meanly. Thus God is a teacher and Israel may come to understand. But it is better for Israel, then it is for Assyria, which is God's instrument of stumbling. Woe, likewise, to Satan and all instruments of stumbling. Whereas those who God makes stumble may yet learn. And those who believe are those who accept some injustice because they know that justice will come, that the cornerstone is being laid.

               Don't cause the little ones who believe to stumble      Mark 9:38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone who doesn't follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn't follow us." 9:39 But Jesus said, "Don't forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. 9:40 For whoever is not against us is on our side. 9:41 For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward. 9:42 Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he were thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck. 9:43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire, 9:44 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.' 9:45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into Gehenna, into the fire that will never be quenchedâ€" 9:46 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.' 9:47 If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire, 9:48 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.'* 9:49 For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

               Keep forgiving so they do not stumble      Luke 17:1 He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come! 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. 17:3 Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 17:4 If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."

          Are you embracing what's right? or keeping others from embracing it?      Matthew 23:14 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you don't enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter.

          Be sure to not cause others to stumble      Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" 17:25 He said, "Yes." When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?" 17:26 Peter said to him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Therefore the children are exempt. 17:27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you."

          Get behind me, Satan!       Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. 4:9 He said to him, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me." 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.'"

               Get behind me, Satan! Jesus rebukes Peter      Matthew 16:21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. 16:22 Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you." 16:23 But he turned, and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men." 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 16:25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. 16:26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?

          Is Jesus causing others to stumble?      Jesus' is concerned that he himself not be the cause of others, such as John, to stumble. Matthew 11:2 Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 11:3 and said to him, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?" 11:4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

          Jesus' prophesies can keep the disciples from stumbling       John 16:1 These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn't be caused to stumble.

          Jesus' words cause them to have sin      John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.

          Whoever causes others to stumble will be destroyed      18:7 "Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes! 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire. 18:9 If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire.

Good Will: Building a culture of faith      This is the Kingdom of Heaven where Jesus is the Son of Man. Jesus urges us to go through the narrow gate that leads to life. Look for the ways to address Maslow's hierarchy of needs: Cling to what you have; get more than what you need; avoid extremes. Jesus believes in positivity, prefers it to negativity as taught by the Father, as given by his aloofness and prophets and warnings and having them resisted and humiliated and killed. But Jesus grows in reflection of the Father's way and ultimately does his will. Light as opposed to darkness.

What you believe is what happens      "What you believe is what happens" is the content of many of Jesus's parables, perhaps all of those that relate to the kingdom of heaven. Faith is the wish to understand, thus the irresistibility of coming to understand.

     Faith accepts God's love     

          Ask in prayer      Matthew 21:20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree immediately wither away?" 21:21 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith, and don't doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it would be done. 21:22 All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

          Believe that God knows what you need even before you ask      Matthew 6:8 Therefore don't be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.

          Believe that you have received      Mark 11:22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. 11:24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.

          People are saved by their faith      Luke 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." 7:48 He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 7:49 Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 7:50 He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

     Faith commands from God's certainty     

          Assurance in his own path      Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."

          Certainty      Mark 11:22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, "Be taken up and cast into the sea" and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.

          Command the forces of nature      Matthew 8:26 He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm. 8:27 The men marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

          Faith evokes duty      When we believe, we take ourselves to be believed in; and whatever obeys the belief, obeys out of duty. Thus faith evokes duty. Luke 17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, 'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. 17:7 But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say, when he comes in from the field, 'Come immediately and sit down at the table,' 17:8 and will not rather tell him, 'Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me, while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink'? 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not. 17:10 Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.'"

          God is glorified when Jesus' disciples bear fruit      See video commentary by Dee Guyton! John 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. 15:8 "In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.

          Specific case follows from general principle      Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. 7:8 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.

          Teach from authority      Matthew 7:28 It happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things, that the multitudes were astonished at his teaching, 7:29 for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.

     Faith is for those who wish for change     

          The Harvest, those who are attracted to his Good News      The Good News is relevant to those who want healing. Matthew 9:35 Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 9:38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest."

          What does Jesus want?      Matthew 8:2 Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean." 8:3 Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 8:4 Jesus said to him, "See that you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

          Who seeks a new outlook      Jesus represents a new outlook and it is meaningful for those who want to repent and life fresh, live new. Those who are already attached to an outlook, such as the Pharisees or the disciples of John, don't get excited and attached to the new outlook, for they long for the old. Thus these passages come just after those where Jesus says he has come for the sick, not for the healthy. Luke 5:33 They said to him, "Why do John's disciples often fast and pray, likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?" 5:34 He said to them, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast, while the bridegroom is with them? 5:35 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast in those days." 5:36 He also told a parable to them. "No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old garment, or else he will tear the new, and also the piece from the new will not match the old. 5:37 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 5:38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved. 5:39 No man having drunk old wine immediately desires new, for he says, 'The old is better.'" See also: Matthew 9:14, Mark 2:18

     Faith is irresistible     

          Note the relation between call and response      Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. 7:8 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.

          What grows larger      Matthew 13:31 He set another parable before them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; 13:32 which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches."

          What spreads through      Matthew 13:33 He spoke another parable to them. "The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, until it was all leavened."

          Why will it obey      Luke 17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, 'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

     Persistence of faith     

          Having faith      Matthew 17:20 He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 17:21 But this kind doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting."

          Must keep praying and not give up      Luke 18:1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, 18:2 saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. 18:3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' 18:4 He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, 18:5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 18:6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

          Not doubt       Matthew 21:20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree immediately wither away?" 21:21 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith, and don't doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it would be done. 21:22 All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

          Not doubt in your heart      Mark 11:22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. 11:24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.

     Requirement to participate in the Kingdom of Heaven     

          The greatest commandment      Matthew 22:35 One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing him. 22:36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" 22:37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. 22:39 A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 22:40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

          What depends on what?      22:34 But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. 22:35 One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing him. 22:36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" 22:37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. 22:39 A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 22:40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

          What is the greatest commandment?      22:34 But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. 22:35 One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing him. 22:36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" 22:37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. 22:39 A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 22:40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

          What is the way to life?      The gate of "belief" leads to life; the gate of "caring" leads to destruction. We can distinguish the gates by seeing who goes through them. Matthew 7:13 "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. 7:14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

          Who can enter the Kingdom of Heaven      Luke 18:24 Jesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

          Who can enter the Kingdom of Heaven      John 3:5 ... "Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God! 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 3:7 Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' 3:8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don't know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

          Who can or can't understand      The word "overcome" is also translated "comprehended". God (who understands) and Jesus (who comes to understand) are the same God because they understand the same thing. Thus the darkness can't understand the light because it is not God. Only those who are of God can understand the light. John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it

     Speak to their faith     

          Building on faith as an outlook for a culture      Jesus looks to people's faith as the test of whether they have a shared culture. And given that faith, he speaks to that culture in them. Matthew 9:2 Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you."

          Jesus allows belief to be fulfilled      Jesus' will allows for belief to be fulfilled. Matthew 8:13 Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed." His servant was healed in that hour.

          Jesus believes in the fruitfulness of their belief      Matthew 9:27 As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, "Have mercy on us, son of David!" 9:28 When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They told him, "Yes, Lord." 9:29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." 9:30 Their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, "See that no one knows about this." 9:31 But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.

          Jesus believes in them, just as they believe in him      Jesus does as he is requested to do, and does not argue with them as to what to do, which shows that he believed in them. Matthew 9:18 While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 9:19 Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples. ... 9:23 When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd in noisy disorder, 9:24 he said to them, "Make room, because the girl isn't dead, but sleeping." They were ridiculing him. 9:25 But when the crowd was put out, he entered in, took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 9:26 The report of this went out into all that land.

               Woman issuing blood      Matthew 9:20 Behold, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; 9:21 for she said within herself, "If I just touch his garment, I will be made well." 9:22 But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, "Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour.

          Speaking to the good in others      I did a study of the Gospel of Mark to understand Jesus' emotional responses, his cognitive expectations and how he responded to them to get things done. He spoke to the good in others.

          Why was Jesus born      John 18:37 ... For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

     Their mindset traps them     

          Incapacity is caused by a demon which can be cast out      Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him. 9:33 When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!" 9:34 But the Pharisees said, "By the prince of the demons, he casts out demons."

          You *say* that       Jesus frequently responds in a peculiar way, "You're the one who is saying that..." It seems that he infers that if somebody states a question, then their mind conceives the statement, so that given that all statements are true, then the person has already made it true simply by conceiving it, and choosing to say it, thus allow for it, make it real. Or how else to understand him? Where should the emphasis be? Perhaps: You *say* that... For then the statement is true as a statement, even if it is just part of a question. And for Jesus, it seems, if it is true as a statement, as a word, then it is true in reality.

               Judas asks if he will betray Jesus      Matthew 26:25 Judas, who betrayed him, answered, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You said it."

               You say that I am a king.      John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

          What you believe is what happens.      "What you believe is what happens" is as much about our limitations - we are bound by the limits of our minds - as it is about our possibilities. For God is to reach us, and that must take place through our channels that we allow for.

Replying to Scripture with Scripture      The greater context makes exceptions legitimate.

          Analogy of us to others      Matthew 7:12 Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

          Appreciating the power of God      Mark 12:24 Jesus answered them, "Isn't this because you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God? 12:25 For when they will rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

          How much does Jesus demand of them?      Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

          Know Scripture      Mark 12:24 Jesus answered them, "Isn't this because you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God? ... 12:26 But about the dead, that they are raised; haven't you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to him, saying, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

          Ponder Scripture      Matthew 22:41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 22:42 saying, "What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "Of David." 22:43 He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying, 22:44 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?' 22:45 "If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" 22:46 No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forth.

          Replying to Scripture with Scripture      In Matthew, the devil cites the Scripture in tempting Jesus, and Jesus responds with Scripture, and only Scripture, except for "Get behind me Satan!" with his last reply. Jesus seems to accord to Scripture greater assurance than anything he could say with his own mind.

          What do people need to hear?      Matthew 10:7 As you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!'

          What God wishes for      Matthew 9:12 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 9:13 But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

          What is the law and the prophets?      Matthew 7:12 Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

          What lets one read Scripture with fresh eyes      Matthew 13:51 Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?" They answered him, "Yes, Lord." 13:52 He said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings out of his treasure new and old things."

          What might have changed the course of history      Matthew 11:20 Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn't repent. 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 11:22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 11:23 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. 11:24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you."

          Who declares that he is the Son of God      Jesus wants to act as man, not as God. Matthew 8:29 Behold, they cried out, saying, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?"

          Who is worthy of Jesus      We must love God beyond individuals in order to love God through an individual, Jesus. Matthew 10:37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn't worthy of me. 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me.

     What makes exceptions legitimate      Jesus notes that in Scripture there are cases of exceptions. And those exceptions are made legitimate, for example, by the greater context, such as the temple, or even greater than that, the Son of Man. Matthew 12:1 At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 12:2 But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, "Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." 12:3 But he said to them, "Haven't you read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him; 12:4 how he entered into God's house, and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 12:5 Or have you not read in the law, that on the Sabbath day, the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? 12:6 But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.

Accepting God's justice      We may have real reason to note that what God does in particular cases is unfair. Yet by accepting God's justice, even God's unfairness to us, we allow him more possibilities and we participate with him to create an outstanding justice in the big picture. We thus heal ourselves, and next we can heal others. Adding our slack, which is mercy.

          Dependence on circumstances      Matthew 9:14 Then John's disciples came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast?" 9:15 Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

          Add his faith where faith is lacking      Matthew 8:23 When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 8:24 Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep. 8:25 They came to him, and woke him up, saying, "Save us, Lord! We are dying!" 8:26 He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.

          Be thankful to God      Matthew 11:25 At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. 11:26 Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

          God's justice rewards those who have not yet been rewarded      Matthew 6:1 "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 6:2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6:3 But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does, 6:4 so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

          How others value followers      Matthew 10:24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!

          Know the opposing culture, thus know what they are thinking      Jesus is familiar with a culture based on faith (the Kingdom of Heaven) and also with a culture that is not (the Kingdom of Man). If people don't show faith, then he knows they are of the opposing culture, he knows how they are interpreting things and he knows what they are thinking. Matthew 9:2 Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you." 9:3 Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man blasphemes." 9:4 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?

          Men reward each other in this world      Matthew 6:1 "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 6:2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.

          Showing good will and allowing others to condemn you      Jesus, John the Baptist and Paul show good will to others by satisfying their norms, at least to an extent, and yet allow others to condemn them even so. Matthew 11:16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions 11:17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.' 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children."

          The Son of Man is nowhere acceptable      Jesus is the Son of Man in that Man teaches him by making an example out of him. Thus the Son of Man is never acceptable. This is an injustice that Jesus bears for the sake of healing. Matthew 8:19 A scribe came, and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." 8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."

          Unfairness towards the good son      Luke 15:25 "Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 15:26 He called one of the servants to him, and asked what was going on. 15:27 He said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.' 15:28 But he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and begged him. 15:29 But he answered his father, 'Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 15:30 But when this, your son, came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.' 15:31 "He said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 15:32 But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.'"

          What a disciple should expect      Matthew 10:24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!

          What does it take for people to repent?      People may repent if they wrong the righteous. Matthew 23:33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna? 23:34 Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; 23:35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.

          What does mercy require?      Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 9:12 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 9:13 But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

          What is one's cross      Matthew 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me.

          What to expect of a disciple      Matthew 10:24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!

          What will Jesus give to those who are burdened      Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

          Whether to be afraid      Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, 10:30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 10:31 Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

          Who bears the brunt of hate      Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.

          Who should come to Jesus      Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

          Why did he come?      Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard it, they were indignant with the two brothers. 20:25 But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 20:26 It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 20:27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

     What makes exceptions possible      The Sabbath is a day of exceptions, and the Son of Man is, by his slack, his mercy, the one who makes exceptions possible. Sacrifice is just a sign of slack. Thus there is no guilt for those who the Son of Man gives slack to. Matthew 12:7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

Healing      Jesus heals many people and they are made whole and do not stumble because of him. Yet others are upset that he heals on the Sabbath and thus stumble because of him. Jesus keeps believers from stumbling. God gives the reward, and the reward is Jesus. The good does not receive the reward, because they had the good from the beginning, for the reward is sharing in all things, and so Jesus appreciates the logic, for Jesus had appreciated the wealth of God from the beginning, and received it likewise, and so could have no reward, except through those who were given to him by God.

          Am I causing others to stumble?      Jesus doesn't want others to stumble because of him, yet it may happen, and yet he suggests that there are those who he doesn't cause to stumble, and thus more fundamentally, people need not stumble. Luke 7:19 John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?" ... Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 7:23 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.

          Anticipating      Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" 17:25 He said, "Yes." When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?"

          Distinguish between people and their demons      Matthew 8:28 When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that nobody could pass that way. 8:29 Behold, they cried out, saying, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" 8:30 Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding far away from them. 8:31 The demons begged him, saying, "If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs." 8:32 He said to them, "Go!" They came out, and went into the herd of pigs: and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea, and died in the water.

          Encourage others to pray for intercession      Matthew 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 9:38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest."

          Give as was given to you      By giving freely as was freely given to us, we extend the giving of the giver, support it, confirm it and include ourselves in it. Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.

          How Jesus treats us      Jesus treats us as equals, as we treat him. Matthew 10:32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 10:33 But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

          How will one be saved      Fleeing is key to being saved, and the variety of places to go, and the fact that there are more places than needed to "teach by making an example of". Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.

          Pray to God for vocation      Matthew 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 9:38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest."

          The down-to-earth nature of the good      Luke 7:19 John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?" ... Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 7:23 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.

          What are the consequences of believing?      Matthew 7:24 "Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. 7:25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the rock.

          What confirms the Kingdom of Heaven?      Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.

          What does God control      Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, 10:30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 10:31 Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

          What happens to one who seeks or loses one's life      Matthew 10:39 He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.

          What is more relevant?      Spiritual health is more relevant than physical health. Jesus naturally is alert to a person's spiritual well being and focuses on that rather on their physical well-being. Thus he takes liberty to interpret the person's sadness or happiness as regarding his sins, not his illness. Matthew 9:2 Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you."

          What is pleasing to God      The Kingdom of Heaven is hidden from the wise and understanding as part of the union of all through God's impartiality. It is not for those who understand (as God the Father) but who are coming to understand (as the Son of Man who is ultimately, upon understanding, the Son of God). Matthew 11:25 At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. 11:26 Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

          What is the reward for leaving everything to follow Jesus      Matthew 19:27 Then Peter answered, "Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?" 19:28 Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 19:29 Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. 19:30 But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.

          Who is blessed      Jesus thinks about who is blessed. He feels that those who aren't disappointed in him will be blessed. Matthew 11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.

          Who needs a physician?      Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 9:12 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 9:13 But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

          Who will be saved      Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.

Good heart: Saving those who stumble      The theology of grace, of saving the sinner. Here Jesus is the Son of God. This is the wide gate that leads to destruction. Jesus apparently has in mind a progression: great (master), greater (teacher), greatest (lord) which corresponds to the math ideas of extreme point, greatest lower bound and limit, and also brings to mind the ways to address Maslow's hierarchy of needs: self-esteem, opportunity, self-fulfillment. Darkness as opposed to light.

What you find is what you love      "What you find is what you love" is the content of several of Jesus's parables, such as the coin that the widow lost but found, or the lost sheep that the shepherd went after, leaving ninety-nine behind. It is, I think, the most important message of his parables, even more important than "what you believe is what happens", for it gives God's point of view, as such.

          Favor the lost sheep of the House of Israel      Matthew 10:5 Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, "Don't go among the Gentiles, and don't enter into any city of the Samaritans. 10:6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

          Jesus has compassion for those who suffer      Matthew 8:5 When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him, 8:6 and saying, "Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented." 8:7 Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

               Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law      Matthew 8:14 When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. 8:15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and served him.

          People love as much as they are forgiven      Luke 7:41 ... A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 7:42 When they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?" 7:43 Simon answered, "He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most." He said to him, "You have judged correctly." 7:44 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. 7:45 You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. 7:46 You didn't anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.

          Somebody suggests to Jesus what Jesus might want      Matthew 8:2 Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean." 8:3 Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 8:4 Jesus said to him, "See that you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

          What is the way to destruction?      The gate of "belief" leads to life; the gate of "caring" leads to destruction. We can distinguish the gates by seeing who goes through them. Matthew 7:13 "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. 7:14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

          What you find is what you love.     

Wait for the master, share in the treasure.      Jesus appeals to people: Choose what to invest in.

          Distinguish direct and indirect importance      Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 6:26 See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?

          Figure things out soundly      The "eye" is how the body figures things out. We should choose to figure things out soundly. Matthew 6:22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. 6:23 But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

          Incompatibility      Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.

          Invest in what is eternal, not temporary      Matthew 6:19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; 6:21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

          Jesus took our infirmities      Jesus dealt with the human condition, including illness, whether or not his own. Matthew 8:16 When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick; 8:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases."

          Jesus wishes to see faith      Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8:9 For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and tell another, 'Come,' and he comes; and tell my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, "Most certainly I tell you, I haven't found so great a faith, not even in Israel.

          Relative comparison      Mark 12:43 ... "Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, 12:44 for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on."

          The relationship between what we let go and receive      What we are able to let go of is more than matched by what we are able to receive. Luke 18:28 Peter said, "Look, we have left everything, and followed you." 18:29 He said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the Kingdom of God's sake, 18:30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life."

          Thinking while working       I think of two people working together, but one is thinking and the other is not. The one who thinks a few new thoughts each day will have thousands of thoughts in their mind, and the other will not. One is "taken away" and the other is not. Luke 17:35 There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left.

          We speak out of the abundance of our hearts      Luke 6:45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.

          What creates difficulty      Matthew 19:20 The young man said to him, "All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?" 19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 19:22 But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions. 19:23 Jesus said to his disciples, "Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

          What do they seek?      They devour widows' houses. Matthew 23:13 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

          What is preferred      Matthew 13:44 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

          What is the right scope for anxiety?      Matthew 6:34 Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.

          What keeps us from thinking correctly?      Matthew 7:3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye? 7:4 Or how will you tell your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and behold, the beam is in your own eye? 7:5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye.

          What must one give up      Luke 18:24 Jesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

          What one is willing to give up for it      Matthew 13:45 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, 13:46 who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

          What shall be in your heart      Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one: 6:5 and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6:6 These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; 6:7 and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.

          Where to have one's treasure      Luke 18:21 He said, "I have observed all these things from my youth up." 18:22 When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me." 18:23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.

          Who is our master?      Matthew 23:10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.

          Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven      The greatest is the one who is most humble, thus most healing. 18:1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" 18:2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in their midst, 18:3 and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

          Words are things brought of one's treasure      Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit. 12:34 You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. 12:35 The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things. 12:36 I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

          Your heart is where your treasure is      Matthew 6:19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; 6:21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

     Behavior depends on emotion      Matthew 9:14 Then John's disciples came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast?" 9:15 Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

          What attracts people      Matthew 11:7 As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 11:8 But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king's houses. 11:9 But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

Follow the teacher, share in the virtue.      Jesus asks in different ways, What is greater? The teacher is greater than the student. At best, the student is the equal of the teacher. Jesus came to set people at odds. Distinguishing, who can hurt the body, and who the soul.

          A disciple is not above his teacher      Luke 6:39 ... "Can the blind guide the blind? Won't they both fall into a pit? 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

          Are you doing bad? and even worse?      Matthew 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of Gehenna as yourselves.

          Are you making any converts?      Matthew 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of Gehenna as yourselves.

          Are you making people better?      Matthew 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of Gehenna as yourselves.

          Being a blind guide      Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 23:24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!

          Can different values coexist      Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, 10:30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 10:31 Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

          Distinguish between individuals and multitudes      Matthew 8:18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side.

          Give authority over unclean spirits      Matthew 10:1 He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

          Having them answer      Mark 12:15 He said to them, "Whose is this image and inscription?" They said to him, "Caesar's."

          How people think in their hearts      Matthew 5:22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?

          Hypocrisy as cause for greater condemnation      The condemnation is greater because of the pretense. Matthew 23:13 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

          Listening to teachers and asking them questions      Luke 2:46 It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 2:47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

          Looking for exceptions      Matthew 7:9 Or who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 7:10 Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent?

          What is Jesus' name to believe in?      "Jesus' name" by which to believe is the "one and only Son of God". It seems to be enough to believe in his name (his ideal, his possibility) rather than the historical Jesus. John 3:17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 3:18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 3:19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 3:20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 3:21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God."

          What is the nature of wisdom?      Wisdom approaches people where they are at, or where they claim to be at. Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children."

          What is the source of hate      Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.

          What should we be anxious about?      Matthew 6:34 Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.

          Whether people are aware of what they are asking      Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him. 20:21 He said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand, and one on your left hand, in your Kingdom." 20:22 But Jesus answered, "You don't know what you are asking.

          Whether they think Jesus is of God      Jesus wants to know how they think of him, whether or not he is from God, because that determines how he interacts with them. Luke 18:18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 18:19 Jesus asked him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one—God. 18:20 You know the commandments: 'Don't commit adultery,' 'Don't murder,' 'Don't steal,' 'Don't give false testimony,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"

          Who finds or loses life      Matthew 10:39 He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.

          Who is greater      Matthew 11:11 Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

          Who is judged or not      John 3:17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 3:18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 3:19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 3:20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 3:21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God."

          Who is the teacher?      Matthew 23:8 But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.

          Who only kills the body      The body can be resurrected. Matthew 10:26 Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. 10:27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. 10:28 Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

          Why Jesus came      Jesus brings out every person on their own. Matthew 10:34 "Don't think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn't come to send peace, but a sword. 10:35 For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 10:36 A man's foes will be those of his own household.

          Why should they learn from Jesus      Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

          Will this be relevant to people?      Matthew 23:36 Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.

          Wisdom is expressed through many styles      Wisdom caters to all styles, yet those who wish will reject each style. Luke 7:31 ... To what then will I liken the people of this generation? What are they like? 7:32 They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call one to another, saying, 'We piped to you, and you didn't dance. We mourned, and you didn't weep.' 7:33 For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 7:34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 7:35 Wisdom is justified by all her children.

          Working independently of his disciples      Matthew 11:1 It happened that when Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Belong to the Lord, share in the favor of the Lord.      We receive each other, we receive Jesus, we receive a reward from God. Jesus is our reward.

          Cast out with a word      Matthew 8:16 When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick; 8:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases."

          Do people and Jesus truly know each other?      Matthew 7:22 Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' 7:23 Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'

          God through Jesus and angles saves those who stumble      God, Jesus, angels look to protect and save those who stumble. Matthew 18:10 See that you don't despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 18:11 For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost.

          How are we one with Jesus and God      Matthew 10:40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 10:41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 10:42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward."

          How can judgment be escaped?      Matthew 23:33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?

          How does one receive      We receive by receiving on behalf of another, of God in them, by giving through them. Matthew 10:40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 10:41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 10:42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward."

          Note from whom God hides and to whom reveals      The significance of Jesus' miracles are hidden from John the Baptist, from Bethsaida and Capernaum, from the wise and understanding, but "infants" are delighted and uplifted, those who are fresh in faith, who don't want to justify the world, but want it bettered, by those who suffer and labor, who want healing. Matthew 11:25 At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. 11:26 Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

          What are the consequences of not believing?      Matthew 7:26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. 7:27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."

          What happens to the bad tree?      Matthew 7:19 Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.

          What is beyond this world will manifest in this world      Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

          What is needed for judgment      Jesus is the judge because he is a "son of man" and knows what it means to be human. Yet he seeks not his own will, but that of his Father, who sent him and gave him life. John 5:24 "Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. 5:25 Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God's voice; and those who hear will live. 5:26 For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself. 5:27 He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. 5:28 Don't marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, 5:29 and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. 5:30 I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don't seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

          What is possible for man and God      God can change one's heart. Luke 18:26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" 18:27 But he said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

          What is the ultimate outcome?      Matthew 24:1 Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. 24:2 But he answered them, "You see all of these things, don't you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down."

          What makes people believe      God the Father changes people's hearts. John 4:47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and begged him that he would come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 4:48 Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will in no way believe." 4:49 The nobleman said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 4:50 Jesus said to him, "Go your way. Your son lives." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

          What sanctifies what?      23:16 "Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, 'Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.' 23:17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 23:18 'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?' 23:19 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 23:20 He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it. 23:21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him who was living in it. 23:22 He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him who sits on it.

          Where did the good and the bad come from      Matthew 13:37 He answered them, "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 13:38 the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one. 13:39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 13:40 As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age. 13:41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, 13:42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 13:43 Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

          Who comes to the light      John 3:17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 3:18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 3:19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 3:20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 3:21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God."

          Who is our Father?      Matthew 23:9 Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.

          Who loves the world      It is the Father who loved the world and gave up his Son for it. John 3:14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 3:15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 3:17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.

          Whom to fear and why      Fear God. God is the only one who can destroy completely. Matthew 10:26 Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. 10:27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. 10:28 Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

          Why is a reward received      Matthew 10:40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 10:41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 10:42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward."

          What does Jesus offer, as Lord?      The Sabbath is a day of exceptions, and the Son of Man is, by his slack, his mercy, the one who makes exceptions possible. Sacrifice is just a sign of slack. Thus there is no guilt for those who the Son of Man gives slack to. Matthew 12:7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

Millstone hung around the neck      In the gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke, Jesus refers to a "huge millstone" hung around the neck, which I think is the "relative learning" of taking a stand, following through and reflecting, for it is very slow learning, yet it is better than evil. In Greek it is "mulos onikos", which is a donkey-powered millstone, and I take him to compare such a ponderous "relative learner" (or scientist) with an ass.

               Millstone in Luke      Luke 17:1 He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come! 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. 17:3 Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 17:4 If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."

               Millstone in Mark      Mark 9:38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone who doesn't follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn't follow us." 9:39 But Jesus said, "Don't forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. 9:40 For whoever is not against us is on our side. 9:41 For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward. 9:42 Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he were thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck. 9:43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire, 9:44 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.'

               Millstone in Matthew      Matthew 18:1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" 18:2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in their midst, 18:3 and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

          What is lowly      12:14 Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written, 12:15 "Don't be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey's colt." 12:16 His disciples didn't understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

          What is easier?      It is hard to forgive somebody, harder than to tell somebody, get up and walk!Yet it is easier to forgive somebody than to let somebody walk who is unable. Jesus plays on this ambiguity so they could believe or not, as they choose. Matthew 9:5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?' 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (then he said to the paralytic), "Get up, and take up your mat, and go up to your house."

As you value the little, so you value the big.      The Pharisees do the little matters of justice, but not the big ones. Jesus experiments by sending out his disciples. They are the little and he is the big.

          As with little, so with much      Mark 16:10 He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 16:11 If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 16:12 If you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

          Doing the little things, but not the big ones      Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 23:24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!

          Stay with those who are worthy      Matthew 10:11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on.

          The sender experiments by sending      Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.

          What is more and less important      Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 23:24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!

As you value others, so are you valued.      Continuity between ourselves and others... Each test is a test of the tested, the tester and the test. This is the cross, that man is taught by making an example out of. Don't judge so you won't be judged - let the experiment take place. The experiment should be stark and self-sustaining, not have extra resources.

               Inspecting a coin      Mark 12:15 ... But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, ´Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it. 12:16 They brought it.

               Inspecting a fig tree      Mark 11:13 Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

          Are you a hypocrite?      Matthew 7:3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye? 7:4 Or how will you tell your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and behold, the beam is in your own eye? 7:5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye.

          As you do, so God does to you      Mark 11:25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions. 11:26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions."

          Calling out hypocrisy      Each test is a test of the tested, but also a test of the tester and their test. Mark 12:14 ... "...Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it."

          Cultures experiment with each other      Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.

          Don't judge and you won't be judged      If you don't judge, then you are perfect, as God is perfect, and you do as God, and so Jesus won't judge you, for God does not judge, but Jesus judges, yet he does not and need not judge those who do as God does. Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful. 6:37 Don't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free.

          Having the least bit      Matthew 17:20 He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 17:21 But this kind doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting."

          How we should treat Jesus      Jesus treats us as equals, as we treat him. Matthew 10:32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 10:33 But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

          How will you be judged?      Matthew 7:1 "Don't judge, so that you won't be judged. 7:2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.

          If you forgive, then God forgives you, and if you don't, then God won't forgive you      Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 6:15 But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

          Let a social experiment be stark      Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

          Let the bad and the good grow distinct      Matthew 13:24 He set another parable before them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, 13:25 but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the wheat, and went away. 13:26 But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then the darnel weeds appeared also. 13:27 The servants of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where did this darnel come from?' 13:28 "He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and gather them up?' 13:29 "But he said, 'No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them. 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, "First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn."'"

          Let the tester be tested by his testing      Every test is also a test of the tester, of their values and their intent. Jesus lets John be tested by his testing. Matthew 11:2 Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 11:3 and said to him, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?" 11:4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

          Relative comparison      "Twice as much" Matthew 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of Gehenna as yourselves.

          Remove the beam from your own eye      Luke 6:41 Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye? 6:42 Or how can you tell your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,' when you yourself don't see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother's eye.

          What is one worthy of?      If we are laborers, then we should not have to depend on anything but our labor. Matthew 10:9 Don't take any gold, nor silver, nor brass in your money belts. 10:10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.

          What should we depend on?      If we are laborers, then we should not have to depend on anything but our labor. Matthew 10:9 Don't take any gold, nor silver, nor brass in your money belts. 10:10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.

          Who empathizes with whom?      Matthew 23:29 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous, 23:30 and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn't have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' 23:31 Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets. 23:32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.

          Who is more valuable      Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 6:26 See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?

          Who is our enemy      Matthew 10:21 "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.

          Who is the greatest among us?      Matthew 23:11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.

          Your measure will be used to measure for you      Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you."

Good word: As you value the fruit, so you value the tree.      To deny this is the "sin against the Holy spirit". Jesus denounces those who do not receive him and his word, who do not repent. Repentance is the fruit, the person is the tree.

          How can I show my authority?      Jesus' miracles manifest his authority: Judge the tree by the fruit. Matthew 9:5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?' 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (then he said to the paralytic), "Get up, and take up your mat, and go up to your house."

               Judge the tree by the fruit      Mark 11:14 Jesus told it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" and his disciples heard it.

          Acknowledging faith      Matthew 15:25 But she came and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, help me." 15:26 But he answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 15:27 But she said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." 15:28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

          Are works truly good?      Matthew 7:22 Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' 7:23 Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'

          Are you making people better?      Matthew 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of Gehenna as yourselves.

          Childhood can't be presumed, but must be demonstrated      Jesus distinguishes between the ethnic children and the spiritual children of the Jewish patriarchs. Spiritual childhood is perhaps the point of being "born again". Thus all people are inherently equal. Matthew 8:11 I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, 8:12 but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

          Could it be better not to be born?      Matthew 26:24 The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.

          Denouncing      Why does Jesus denounce the cities? Perhaps they are free to repent, perhaps others will learn from them, and perhaps he is confirming God's will. Matthew 11:20 Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn't repent. 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 11:22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 11:23 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. 11:24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you."

          Distinguish between those he torments and those he heals      Matthew 8:28 When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that nobody could pass that way. 8:29 Behold, they cried out, saying, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?"

          Do they make life easier or harder?      Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.

          Does one take up their cross and follow Jesus      Matthew 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me.

          Judge by the outcome that you hear and see      Matthew 11:2 Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 11:3 and said to him, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?" 11:4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

          No good tree brings forth rotten fruit      Luke 6:43 For there is no good tree that brings forth rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree that brings forth good fruit. 6:44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people don't gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.

          The tree is known by the fruit.      Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 7:16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 7:17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 7:18 A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. 7:19 Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. 7:20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

          What will happen to the good and the bad      Matthew 13:37 He answered them, "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 13:38 the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one. 13:39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 13:40 As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age. 13:41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, 13:42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 13:43 Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

          What will happen to the good and the bad      Matthew 13:47 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet, that was cast into the sea, and gathered some fish of every kind, 13:48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down, and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. 13:49 So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous, 13:50 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth."

          Whether they succeed      Matthew 17:19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, "Why weren't we able to cast it out?" 17:20 He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 17:21 But this kind doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting."

          Whether to prepare what to say      Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.

          Who is the cause of the result?      Matthew 6:28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, 6:29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?

          Who is worthy?      Matthew 10:11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on.

          Who speaks through whom      Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. 10:20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

          Whose judgment brings out whose testimony      Matthew 10:18 Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.

Linking heaven to earth      God fights by retreating. Thus the Kingdom of Heaven is taken violently by those who want to enter into it by killing Jesus. Jesus connects earth and heaven, light and darkness, identity and perfection, metaphysically. He is the light of the world. He is the substitute for each of us, by whom we can substitute for each of us. The last day, when there is no more night, thus no distinction between night and day, the two branches.

     Jesus's expectations      I did a study of the Gospel of Mark of Jesus's emotional responses to see what he was responding to, what his expectations were. His expectations were that we are all one.

          Allegiance to Jesus' name      What is Jesus' name? It is a substitute for him that shows who is accepting his culture. It is perhaps a unifier for the two branches. A name allows for ambiguity and resolves it to unity. 18:1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" 18:2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in their midst, 18:3 and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

          Analogy of God to us as parent to children      Matthew 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

          Are we the same or different?      Matthew 23:8 But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.

          Asking them to make evident their belief      Jesus has them say if they are believers or not so that he can know how to speak to them. Mark 11:29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 11:30 The baptism of John - was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me."

          Call his disciples      Matthew 10:1 He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

          Children do as the parent does     

               Children of Wisdom      Wisdom approaches people where they are at, or where they claim to be at. Matthew 11:19 ... But wisdom is justified by her children."

          Creating a tangible reference to an abstract question      Jesus calls a child to make his point. 18:1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" 18:2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in their midst, 18:3 and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

          Eightfold structure of Lord's prayer      Matthew 6:9 Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 6:10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. 6:11 Give us today our daily bread. 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 6:13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.'

          Essential concepts      Jesus cares about law, justice, mercy faith. Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 23:24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!

          God's will: the bread of life      Bread of life - DIFFERENCE/UNITY IN BELIEVING - guarantee eternity - to do the Father's will that all he draws to Jesus do indeed believe in him unwaveringly, thus have eternal life, as Jesus' gift is unwavering

          How are distinctions reconciled?      The last day means that there is no more alternation of night and day and so the two branches are reconciled. John 6:39 This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. 6:40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

          How is good related to God      Matthew 19:16 Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" 19:17 He said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God.

          How to unify      Jesus unifies the two branches by laying down his life. John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I'm known by my own; 10:15 even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 10:16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. 10:17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 10:18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father."

          Identify Peter as the Stone      Matthew 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 16:17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 16:18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven."

          Identifying himself as born of spirit, not born of woman      The Kingdom of Heaven is rejected violently by those who prefer Jesus to be dead. Thus the violent enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, by killing Jesus so that he could save them. 11:12 From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

          Is a name or word appropriate?      Matthew 23:8 But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. 23:9 Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. 23:10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.

          Jesus knows himself ("most certainly")      Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8:9 For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and tell another, 'Come,' and he comes; and tell my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, "Most certainly I tell you, I haven't found so great a faith, not even in Israel.

          Love God      "Love God" is the positive commandment that unites four of the commandments. It is what unites us as people with God through love for him.

          Naming      Matthew 16:17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 16:18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

          Note from whom God hides and to whom reveals      The significance of Jesus' miracles are hidden from John the Baptist, from Bethsaida and Capernaum, from the wise and understanding, but "infants" are delighted and uplifted, those who are fresh in faith, who don't want to justify the world, but want it bettered, by those who suffer and labor, who want healing. Matthew 11:25 At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. 11:26 Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

          Planning      Matthew 16:18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven."

          Seeking the greatest commandment      Mark 12:28 One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the greatest of all?" 12:29 Jesus answered, "The greatest is, "Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: 12:30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment. 12:31 The second is like this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." There is no other commandment greater than these."

          Speak from what they can know      John 3:10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things? 3:11 Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness. 3:12 If I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

          The Jewish prophets are the Kingdom of Heaven      Jesus calls the Jewish people "the children of the Kingdom of Heaven" and says that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be in the Kingdom of Heaven. But this means that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are already in the Kingdom of Heaven and even define the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore the "children" ethnically are not necessarily the children spiritually. Jesus is, it seems, discovering this distinction. Note also that Isaac is the child of Abraham, and Jacob is the child of Isaac. Matthew 8:11 I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, 8:12 but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

          To whom will I give the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven       Matthew 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 16:17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 16:18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven."

          What do they already know      Jesus is sensitive to what they already know, even as they ask. Luke 18:18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 18:19 Jesus asked him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one—God. 18:20 You know the commandments: 'Don't commit adultery,' 'Don't murder,' 'Don't steal,' 'Don't give false testimony,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"

          What does God deliver to Jesus      God the Father (understanding) delivers all things to God the Son (who is coming to understand) for that is how all things are understood. Matthew 11:27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father.

          What example does he give?      Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard it, they were indignant with the two brothers. 20:25 But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 20:26 It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 20:27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

          What is done for the sake of his name      Matthew 19:27 Then Peter answered, "Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?" 19:28 Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 19:29 Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. 19:30 But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.

          What is good      Jesus thinks that what is good, what is important, is that people open up to spiritual life, embrace the Kingdom of Heaven as possible, and thus live a faith in eternal life. I think that he felt this should be in tandem, physically and spiritually. Matthew 11:2 Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 11:3 and said to him, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?" 11:4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

          What is good      What is good is what we believe in (what you believe is what happens) and/or what we care about (what you find is what you love). Luke 18:18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 18:19 Jesus asked him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one—God. 18:20 You know the commandments: 'Don't commit adultery,' 'Don't murder,' 'Don't steal,' 'Don't give false testimony,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"

          Where is Jesus from      John 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.

          Whether Jesus or Satan has them      Jesus prayed that Peter's faith not fail. Luke 22:31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, 22:32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers."

          Whether their faith will fail      Jesus prayed that Peter's faith not fail. Luke 22:31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, 22:32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers."

          Whether they think he is of God or not      Matthew 19:16 Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" 19:17 He said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God.

          Who can know God      God is understanding. To know God is to come to understanding, thus is by and through Jesus, for Jesus is coming to understand. Jesus reveals God to those who believe, those of the Kingdom of Heaven. God is impartial, and gives judgment to Jesus, whom he teaches to be impartial. Jesus is God's impartial judgment, for Jesus is distinct and independent of God, thus impartial with regard to God, for Jesus came to understanding. To know God is to know his impartiality, aand to know his Son is likewise to know his impartiality. The impartiality of God manifests in his Son who manifests it, Matthew 11:27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.

          Who can know the Son of God      Only God the Father (understanding) knows the Son of God, for God is of beyond this world and only so can be apart from it and understand, be distinct, from one who is firmly in it. Matthew 11:27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.

          Who does God listen to      John 9:30 The man answered them, "How amazing! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 9:31 We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God, and does his will, he listens to him.

          Who is a substitute for Jesus      A child is a substitute for Jesus. Matthew 18:1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" 18:2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in their midst, 18:3 and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

          Who revealed this      Matthew 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 16:17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 16:18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven."

The prophets      Jesus speaks of "the prophets and the law".

Feel moved      Emotions are the most intense way that we are attached to the world and engaged in it. They are our and Jesus' complete engagement. Especially compassion for others and their plight in this world.

     Jesus felt moved     

          Be profoundly troubled      Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go there and pray." 26:37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled. 26:38 Then he said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me."

          Compassion      9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.

          Compassion for what they may suffer      Matthew 15:32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way."

          Note their feelings      Luke 24:36 As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you." 24:37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 24:38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?

     What is hidden will be revealed     

          All will be revealed      We should strive to understand of our own free will, for it will be revealed regardless, even after we have lost it. Luke 8:16 "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light. 8:17 For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light. 8:18 Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever doesn't have, from him will be taken away even that which he thinks he has."

          How are Jesus' disciples different from him      Jesus' disciples may speak plainly what he spoke in parables. As disciples, they add freedom to what Jesus says, for they took freely what he offered, and so they can give freely. Unlike the Son, who was taught by the Father? Matthew 10:26 Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. 10:27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.

          What can be contained or not      Matthew 10:26 Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. 10:27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.

          What is hidden      Matthew 13:34 Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn't speak to them, 13:35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world." Psalm 78:2 78:1 Hear my teaching, my people. Turn your ears to the words of my mouth. 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old, 78:3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, his strength, and his wondrous works that he has done.

Do not take away their freedom      Jesus does not speak plainly to those who don't believe so as not to take away their freedom to not believe. Others accept Jesus' word and testify to it and so can declare it to others for they believe of their own. Whereas perhaps Jesus believes because he was sent by the Father and he obeyed the Father. Jesus believes the Father because he has seen the Father; blessed are those who believe without having seen.

     Distinguish what they say and do     

          Distinguish between what people say and do      Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, 23:2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses' seat. 23:3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do.

          Does the outside match the inside?      Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

          How things appear on the inside and the outside      Matthew 23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 23:28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

          Whose seat they sat on?      What does it mean, to sit in Moses' seat? Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, 23:2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses' seat. 23:3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do.

     Jesus speaks so they are free to understand or not     

          How can I show my authority? without forcing belief?      By having the force of character to heal the paralytic, Jesus suggests that he has the strength of character to forgive him as well. People who believe his character can appreciate his personal ability to personally forgive. (Why a personal Jesus is relevant). People who don't believe can think that he's referring to a divine mystical authority and not acknowledge his person. Matthew 9:5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?' 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (then he said to the paralytic), "Get up, and take up your mat, and go up to your house."

          Jesus wanted people to understand him of their own      Matthew 11:15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 8:8 As he said these things, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

          People are free to not believe      Luke 18:1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, 18:2 saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. 18:3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' 18:4 He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, 18:5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 18:6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

          Speaking in parables      Jesus spoke in parables so that people would be free to understand him or not, as they themselves chose. He does not force them to understand, and thus to believe, which would be the case if he spoke clearly. Thus he speaks plainly to those who already believe. Matthew 13:10 The disciples came, and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" 13:11 He answered them, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. 13:12 For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance, but whoever doesn't have, from him will be taken away even that which he has. 13:13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don't see, and hearing, they don't hear, neither do they understand. 13:14 In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, 'By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand; Seeing you will see, and will in no way perceive: 13:15 for this people's heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, they have closed their eyes; or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and should turn again; and I would heal them.' 13:16 "But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. 13:17 For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn't see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn't hear them.

          Who to be related to      Allow people to be doomed completely. If they aren't interested, let them go. Matthew 10:14 Whoever doesn't receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet. 10:15 Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

          Who to give peace to      Peace is invasive, apparently. It shouldn't be forced upon others. Matthew 10:13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn't worthy, let your peace return to you.

     Jesus thinks by analogy     

          Analogy and ambiguity of physical and spiritual health      I think that Jesus' miracles of healing allowed him to refer ambiguously to physical and spiritual health, as with "seeing" and "hearing", "walking" and "raising of the dead", which can be taken physically or spiritually. Matthew 11:2 Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 11:3 and said to him, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?" 11:4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

          Analogy from human nature      Mark 12:9 What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers, and will give the vineyard to others.

          Analogy with children's ways      Matthew 11:16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions 11:17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.'

          Analogy with society      Luke 18:1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, 18:2 saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. 18:3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' 18:4 He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, 18:5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 18:6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

          Analogy with the law      Matthew 12:1 At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 12:2 But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, "Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." 12:3 But he said to them, "Haven't you read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him; 12:4 how he entered into God's house, and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 12:5 Or have you not read in the law, that on the Sabbath day, the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? 12:6 But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.

          Analogy with the natural world      Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 6:26 See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?

               Foxes have holes and birds have nests      8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."

               Lilies of the field      Matthew 6:28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, 6:29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?

          Analogy with the unrighteous world      Luke 18:1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, 18:2 saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. 18:3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' 18:4 He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, 18:5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 18:6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

          Looking for comparisons      Matthew 11:16 "But to what shall I compare this generation?

          Social rules as models for general rules      Matthew 9:14 Then John's disciples came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast?" 9:15 Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

     Miracles allow for belief and unbelief     

          How they figure things out      The sayings seem arbitrary as the same word is used for red with different results. Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 16:2 But he answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 16:3 In the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times! 16:4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah."

          Miracles      It seems that Jesus did miracles so that people would be able to not understand his goodness, would be attracted to hear him but need not understand him. I and others might think, "I would do miracles, too, if I had such powers," and not appreciate that if we had such powers, then we might do very nasty things, or selfish things, or not apply ourselves. We don't appreciate the care with which Jesus did his miracles, that his goodness was not what he did, but how and why he did it.

          What sign will he give      Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 16:2 But he answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 16:3 In the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times! 16:4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah."

     What distinguishes the cultures     

          Born of woman vs. born of spirit      Matthew 11:11 Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

          Distinguish foretelling and establishing      Jesus came to establish, to put into place, to fate, not to foretell or warn or heighten free will. Matthew 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

          Do people and Jesus truly know each other?      Matthew 7:22 Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' 7:23 Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'

          Do they want their works to be seen by men or by God?      Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, 23:6 and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 23:7 the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi' by men.

          Do what I say and you are unshakeable      Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things which I say? 6:47 Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who he is like. 6:48 He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock. 6:49 But he who hears, and doesn't do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

          How to receive the Kingdom of God      Children and fools don't live by experience. Luke 18:15 They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 18:16 Jesus summoned them, saying, "Allow the little children to come to me, and don't hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 18:17 Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."

          Identifying himself as born of spirit, not born of woman      Jesus is important as a person born of spirit, not of woman. John the Baptizer is more impressive than Jesus as a person born of woman. 11:11 Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

          What distinguishes the ways to life and to destruction?      The gate of "belief" leads to life; the gate of "caring" leads to destruction. We can distinguish the gates by seeing who goes through them. Matthew 7:13 "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. 7:14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

          What happens to those who listen to Jesus?      Matthew 7:24 "Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. 7:25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the rock. 7:26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. 7:27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."

          What is the difference between cultures?      Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.

          Who do disciples say that I am?      Matthew 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 16:17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

          Who do people say that I am?      Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 16:14 They said, "Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."

     What his disciples should not yet tell others     

          Confiding      How do we know of the devil's temptation of Jesus? There were no witnesses except for Jesus himself. The Holy Spirit may have informed the evangelists or Jesus may have told his disciples himself. If they were to know, then it seems that he might as well have told them himself. Why would he then tell about the temptations? Perhaps to say that they were the "down-to-earth" salt of the earth that he had chosen, that it was he who needed them. Jesus also seems to have confided much to John, his best friend, who seems to present Jesus' point of view as Jesus understood himself.

          Telling only his disciples      Matthew 16:20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.

          Who should know       Matthew 16:20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ. 16:21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

The first will be last and the last will be first      In this world, the truth of the world is prior to the truth of the heart; but in peace, the truth of the heart is prior to the truth of the world. Jesus may be relating the principle of reflectivity, which changes the direction of the twosome, so that reflection switches what is first and what is last. Thus we can never be certain, which will be first and which will be last, but must stay on our toes.

     How God cares and judges     

               The land of Galilee shall be exalted      Isaiah 9:1 But there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time he has made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined. 9:3 You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy.

          Believe that God hears you when you speak once      Matthew 6:7 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.

          Children by heredity and by spirit will be distinguished      Jesus distinguishes between the ethnic children and the spiritual children of the Jewish patriarchs. Spiritual childhood is perhaps the point of being "born again". Matthew 8:11 I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, 8:12 but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

          Consequence of general principle      If we can serve only one master, and that master is God, then God will provide for us, and we need not be anxious. Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon. 6:25 Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 6:26 See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?

          Correction of our self-conception      Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

          How would the Gentiles have reacted      Matthew 11:20 Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn't repent. 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 11:22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 11:23 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. 11:24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you."

          Who is convinced of their own righteousness      What is the difference between faith in oneself and being convinced of one's own righteousness? What is the difference between praying to oneself and praying to God? Luke 18:9 He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. 18:10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: 'God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 18:12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.' 18:13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

          Why are you anxious?      Matthew 6:28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, 6:29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?

     How will God reward     

          Distinguishing those who will lose and those who will gain      In the passage below from Luke, which can be compared to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, Jesus refers to the "poor" rather than the "poor-in-spirit", and the "Kingdom of God" rather than the "kingdom of heaven". It reminds me of "the last will be first and the first will be list" as with pop-up automata or climbing into and out of a bus. Luke 6:20 ... Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 6:22 Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. 6:23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets. 6:24 "But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation. 6:25 Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 6:26 Woe, when men speak well of you, for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets.

          Jesus wants to be rewarded by God      Jesus often forbids his works from being known. I imagine it is because he wants to be rewarded by God, not by this world. Matthew 9:30 ... Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, "See that no one knows about this." 9:31 But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.

          Reward is from the one who sees      Matthew 6:17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; 6:18 so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

          Reward is that what is secret is made open      Matthew 6:5 "When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

          Who decides what is fair      Matthew 19:29 Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. 19:30 But many will be last who are first; and first who are last. 20:1 "For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 20:2 When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 20:3 He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace. 20:4 To them he said, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went their way. 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 20:6 About the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle. He said to them, 'Why do you stand here all day idle?' 20:7 "They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' "He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.' 20:8 When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.' 20:9 "When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. 20:10 When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius. 20:11 When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household, 20:12 saying, 'These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!' 20:13 "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn't you agree with me for a denarius? 20:14 Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. 20:15 Isn't it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?' 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen."

          Who do people seek a reward from?      Matthew 6:16 "Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.

     What is first from which the rest follows     

          What follows from what?      Matthew 6:31 "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 6:33 But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

          What should be dealt with first      Matthew 23:25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness. 23:26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.

          Who is first among others?      Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard it, they were indignant with the two brothers. 20:25 But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 20:26 It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 20:27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

     What sanctifies     

          The circumstances are greater than what is in them      Heaven is greater than God, for heaven sanctifies God. God is Godly because of his throne, because of heaven. 23:16 "Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, 'Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.' 23:17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 23:18 'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?' 23:19 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 23:20 He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it. 23:21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him who was living in it. 23:22 He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him who sits on it.

          Who regards what is holy or valuable?      Matthew 7:6 "Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

See oneself in Scripture      Jesus distinguishes between four levels of receiving the word. By receiving each other, as we receive Jesus, we are receiving the word. Thus we can take the word to heart, not just other people.

     Concepts from Scripture     

          Instruments of stumbling will be destroyed      Instruments of stumbling (such as Assyria) will be destroyed, not simply punished

          Those who are punished are not destroyed      Psalm 118:17 I will not die, but live, and declare Yah's works. Jesus cites this Psalm. There is a distinction between being punished and being destroyed. We are punished by those who will ultimately be destroyed. The stone they reject will become the head of the corner. 118:18 Yah has punished me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will enter into them. I will give thanks to Yah. 118:20 This is the gate of Yahweh; the righteous will enter into it. 118:21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation. 118:22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. 118:23 This is Yahweh's doing. It is marvelous in our eyes. 118:24 This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it! 118:25 Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh! Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now. 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh! We have blessed you out of the house of Yahweh. 118:27 Yahweh is God, and he has given us light. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.

     Identify in Scripture others who you personally know      Matthew 11:9 But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'

     Jesus' role     

          An action that others will understand later      12:14 Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written, 12:15 "Don't be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey's colt." 12:16 His disciples didn't understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

          Appreciating the power of God      Mark 11:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 11:2 and said to them, "Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him. 11:3 If anyone asks you, "Why are you doing this?" say, "The Lord needs him and immediately he will send him back here."

          Contemplating Scripture      Mark 12:35 Jesus responded, as he taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 12:36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit, "The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet."" 12:37 Therefore David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?"

          Finding confirmation in Scripture      Mark 12:10 Haven't you even read this Scripture: "The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner. 12:11 This was from the Lord, it is marvelous in our eyes"

          Foretelling      Jesus foretells several events that came to pass, and several that may still come to pass. How did he know? Did he gather that from the Scripture? Or his knowledge of God?

          Foretelling based on Scripture      Jesus foretells several events, and of these, some seem to be based on his interpreting Scripture. Matthew 26:21 As they were eating, he said, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me." 26:22 They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, "It isn't me, is it, Lord?" 26:23 He answered, "He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me. 26:24 The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."

          Fulfilling Scripture      Jesus enters Jerusalem with great fanfare on Palm Sunday, takes a look around the temple, and simply leaves. Mark 11:11 Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

               Jesus took our infirmities      Jesus dealt with the human condition, including illness. Matthew 8:16 When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick; 8:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases."

          How he chose to speak to the multitudes      Matthew 13:34 Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn't speak to them, 13:35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world." Psalm 78:2 78:1 Hear my teaching, my people. Turn your ears to the words of my mouth. 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old, 78:3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, his strength, and his wondrous works that he has done.

          Interpreting Scripture metaphorically      Jesus sees himself as the bridegroom, and the apostles as his friends. I presume this is an image that he has taken from Scripture. Matthew 9:15 Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

          Knowing from Scripture      Matthew 20:17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 20:18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, 20:19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up."

          Reference point in Scripture      The coming of the Son of Man is for Jesus a reference point in Scripture. Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.

          Remind of what he said beforehand      Luke 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled." 24:45 Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 24:46 He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 24:48 You are witnesses of these things.

          Requesting of Father, if it is possible      Jesus sees the distinction between his desires and God's desires. Matthew 26:39 He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire."

          Role as a Shepherd      Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.

          Statements       In the gospel of John, Jesus makes eight statements of the form "I am...", namely: I am the good shepherd; I am the light of the world; I am the way, the truth and the life; I am the gate for the sheep; I am the bread of life; I am the true vine; I am the resurrection and the life; I am. Thank you to Adrian Hunter for alerting me to these statements. I have related them to the lines of the Beatitudes, Maslow's hierarchy of need, and operating principles to address those needs. The "I am..." statements apply the operating principles more broadly to transcend each of the needs. How did the "I am..." statements arise in Jesus' mind? Perhaps as he read Scripture he kept thinking, What is that? What does it mean? and sometimes he would answer, I am that! This refers to me.

          Telling them what they may understand later      Luke 18:31 He took the twelve aside, and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed. 18:32 For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on. 18:33 They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again." 18:34 They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn't understand the things that were said.

          What is Jesus lord of?      The Sabbath is a day of exceptions, and the Son of Man is, by his slack, his mercy, the one who makes exceptions possible. Sacrifice is just a sign of slack. Thus there is no guilt for those who the Son of Man gives slack to. Matthew 12:7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

          What is written in the prophets      There will be a culture of the righteous. Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught of Yahweh; and great shall be the peace of your children. 54:14 In righteousness you shall be established: you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not be afraid; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, 'They will all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who hears from the Father, and has learned, comes to me. 6:46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God. He has seen the Father.

          Who was he sent to      Matthew 15:22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely demonized!" 15:23 But he answered her not a word.His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away; for she cries after us." 15:24 But he answered, "I wasn't sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

          Why Jesus came      Matthew 9:12 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 9:13 But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

     Led by the Spirit     

          Fast and be hungry      Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 4:2 When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.

          Go to the wilderness      Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 4:2 When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.

          Led by the Spirit into temptation by the devil      Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

     The word and the foursome     

          Foursome: The parable of the sower      Luke 8:5 "The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the sky devoured it. 8:6 Other seed fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 8:7 Other fell amid the thorns, and the thorns grew with it, and choked it. 8:8 Other fell into the good ground, and grew, and brought forth fruit one hundred times." ... 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 8:12 Those along the road are those who hear, then the devil comes, and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved. 8:13 Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation. 8:14 That which fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 8:15 That in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and bring forth fruit with patience.

          Representations of the foursome      Matthew and Luke describe three ways that Satan tempts Jesus. They bring to mind for me the levels of the foursome: Whether, What, How, Why. Satan places Jesus at the pinnacle of the temple and encourages him to jump down on the rocks below, on their sensory image, What. Satan leads him up to a high mountain and shows him the kingdoms of the world, all that he will give him; he's using the rock as a How. Satan tempts him to turn the stone into food, which plays with Why and Whether it is a stone. After these temptations, Jesus calls forth his disciples, and he tells Simon that he will be called Peter, which is rock or stone on which he will build his church. One reading is that turning the stone into food was Why, whereas Peter is stone as Whether. Satan tempts Jesus with idealism that favors Why, How, What over Whether, but Jesus rejects it as empty unless it is grounded in Whether. The kingdom-of-heaven is down-to-earth (the salt of the earth) and Peter is, too. When Peter later gets caught up in Jesus as king, then Jesus rebukes him, "Get behind me, Satan!" just as he did to Satan in the desert.

          Speak and hear by way of the foursome      The foursome is how Jesus speaks to several audiences, and how the word reaches people, and their hearts: the level at which the words is received: Whether, what, how or why. Also, the word is what they "find", and these are the four levels of the "finding" in the House of Knowledge. Mark 4:13 He said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables? 4:14 The farmer sows the word. 4:15 The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 4:16 These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. 4:17 They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. 4:18 Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, 4:19 and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 4:20 Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times."

          Tempted by conditionals      Barbara Pecker noticed that in Matthew, the devil's temptations of Jesus are all based on conditionals ("If..."): "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'He will put his angels in charge of you.' and, 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don't dash your foot against a stone.'" 4:8 Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. 4:9 He said to him, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me."

The Law: You have heard it said..., but I say to you...      The relationship between life and eternal life is that of "believing" and "not having doubt". The positive commandments are ways that we believe, and the negative commandments, as expressed by the counterquestions, are ways of overcoming doubt, thus having certainty. Life (in this world) is the positive commandments and eternal life (beyond this world) is the negative commandments and so they are connected. These are ways of receiving the word, just as we receive others or Jesus or our reward. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks six antitheses regarding God's commandments from the Old Testament. They match up with six counterquestions that I have found for addressing doubts. I expect he counters the truths of the world with the truths of the heart, the narrower perspective with the broader perspective. These are six of the commandments, and along with the four other commandments, this may be thought of as "the prophets and the law". The six are pairs that express the gap between the ways that evil grows clear, the world as opposed to the heart (continuously, feeling, as the little, so the big; distinguishing inside and outside, as the work, so the worker; distinguishing the first and the last, staying within our domain, as others, so us) and the ways of fixing bad relationships, setting the heart right (with ourselves, with others, with God). The gap means that we can fix bad relationships before they are bad, and thus, we can foster good relationships, even without any bad, by being obedient proactively. It also means that we must be ever adaptive to what it means to be good, ever alert to our doubts and ever responsive to change and grow. It is the way in which God creates, but making room, allowing for a gap, giving slack, being flexible, alive, sensitive, responsive.

               Jesus's antitheses      I'm trying to understand the structure of Jesus's antitheses, "You have heard it said... but I say unto you..."

               Ten Commandments      I think that the ten commandments give the 6+4 rooms of the House of Knowledge and that Jesus expressed this connection. But I'm not sure exactly what it is. I don't remember, where did I come up with the structure: engage, wait, believe, rely, love, suffer? The will of God is expressed as the commandments, and Jesus' interest not to force understanding, but rather to encourage it.

• covet people - discard what causes you to stumble - do not let yourself stumble; let God punish
• murder - reconcile, fix before you are judged - let yourself be saved; let God punish
• covet things - be rewarded by God for your unrewarded love - let yourself be saved; let God reward
• lie - do not set yourself or others up to stumble by your words - do not cause others to stumble; let God determine
• steal - do not cause others to stumble by resisting them - do not cause others to stumble; let God reward
• adultery - do not cause others to stumble by righteousness - do not cause others to stumble; let God punish

          Receiving      Ways of uniting the two branches. One branch is receiving, unity with God, and the other branch is not receiving, difference from God and others.

We sin in our hearts      Matthew 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery;' 5:28 but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 5:29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 5:30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

          Empathize with the fearful      Matthew 8:25 They came to him, and woke him up, saying, "Save us, Lord! We are dying!" 8:26 He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"

          The glory of God: the resurrection and the life      The resurrection and the life - DIFFERENCE/UNITY IN HEARING - the transcendence of death through belief in, acceptance of God's perspective through us - all will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who believe in him will not be judged, but will live and never die; but judgment is given to the Son of Man; and those who do evil will be judged

Reconcile quickly      Matthew 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;' and 'Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.' 5:22 But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. 5:23 "If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 5:24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 5:25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him in the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 5:26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.

          Distinguish between what they say and what they do      Matthew 23:2 ... "The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses' seat. 23:3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do.

          God's intent: The gate for the sheep      The gate for the sheep - DIFFERENCE/UNITY IN LISTENING - Jesus is the entry to the culture of those who live in belief, by which they can go in and out of their culture

          What should we seek first?      Matthew 6:31 "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 6:33 But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

          What should you do first?      Matthew 7:3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye? 7:4 Or how will you tell your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and behold, the beam is in your own eye? 7:5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye.

Be perfect.       Matthew 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 5:45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 5:47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

          Be merciful as your Father is merciful      Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful. 6:37 Don't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free.

          Distinguish the living and the dead based on their priorities      Matthew 8:21 Another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father." 8:22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."

          God is kind toward the unthankful and evil      Luke 6:27 "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 6:28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 6:29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. 6:30 Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. 6:31 "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. 6:32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 6:33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 6:34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

          God's example: the way, the truth and the life      The way, the truth and the life -- DIFFERENCE/UNITY IN DOING -- Jesus is the way that links the life (heaven to earth) and the truth (from earth to heaven), thus people know the Father by knowing the Son, and do their works (of life) by asking the Son and keeping his commandments, and see and know and receive as counselor the Spirit of Truth, which the world doesn't see or know or receive

          How to be perfect      Matthew 19:20 The young man said to him, "All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?" 19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 19:22 But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions. 19:23 Jesus said to his disciples, "Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

          Should you judge?      Matthew 7:1 "Don't judge, so that you won't be judged. 7:2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.

          Touch and feel      Luke 24:38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 24:39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones, as you see that I have." 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 24:41 While they still didn't believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 24:42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 24:43 He took them, and ate in front of them.

          What distinguishes the Gentiles and God?      Matthew 6:31 "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

          What is your reward?      Matthew 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 5:47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

          Which is the way that leads to life?      The gate of "belief" leads to life; the gate of "caring" leads to destruction. We can distinguish the gates by seeing who goes through them. Matthew 7:13 "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. 7:14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

          Who does one love more      Matthew 10:37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn't worthy of me. 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me.

          Who will find it more tolerable      Matthew 11:20 Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn't repent. 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 11:22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 11:23 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. 11:24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you."

          Why should we be anxious or not?      Matthew 6:34 Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.

Let your 'Yes' be Yes and your 'No' be No      What is more than 'yes' and 'no' are conditionals 'if', counterfactuals, as by which Satan tempted Jesus. Matthew 5:33 "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' 5:34 but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 5:35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 5:36 Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. 5:37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

          Do I have authority?      Jesus is the Son of Man in that Man ever teaches him by making an example out of him. So Jesus suffers much abuse. And, like any abused person, Jesus has the authority to forgive his abusers. To the extent that I and others of us maintain and justify this abusive culture, I abuse Jesus, too. And he can thus forgive me and forgive all as the person upon whom all of our sins and all of the abusive culture ultimately bear down. Matthew 9:5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?' 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (then he said to the paralytic), "Get up, and take up your mat, and go up to your house."

          Can we prolong our lives?      Matthew 6:27 "Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?

          God's love: the good shepherd      The good shepherd - DIFFERENCE/UNITY IN RECOGNIZING - Jesus lays down his life for his sheep, thus they know each other, just as he and God know each other, and he will bring in another flock, and unify them

          What is anxious for itself?      Matthew 6:34 Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.

Don't resist one who is evil      Matthew 5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' 5:39 But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 5:40 If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 5:41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 5:42 Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you.

          Allowing demons to do as they wish      Matthew 8:31 The demons begged him, saying, "If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs." 8:32 He said to them, "Go!" They came out, and went into the herd of pigs: and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea, and died in the water.

          Do as people wish him to      Matthew 8:33 Those who fed them fled, and went away into the city, and told everything, including what happened to those who were possessed with demons. 8:34 Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.

          God's work: the light of the world      Light of the world -- DIFFERENCE/UNITY IN SEEING - give people the chance to escape darkness

          What questions are productive?      Matthew 6:31 "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?'

          Why don't people believe?      To believe is to accept a way of figuring things out. Matthew 6:28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, 6:29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?

What God has joined together, don't let man tear apart      Matthew 5:31 "It was also said, 'Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,' 5:32 but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery. ... 19:3 Pharisees came to him, testing him, and saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?" 19:4 He answered, "Haven't you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,* 19:5 and said, 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall join to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?' 19:6 So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don't let man tear apart."

          God will not delay justice      Luke 18:1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, 18:2 saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. 18:3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' 18:4 He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, 18:5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 18:6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

          God's command: the true vine      The true vine - DIFFERENCE/UNITY IN FATE - Jesus cleans those who keep to his commandment to love one another as he loves them, thus asking of the Father in the Son's name, and bearing fruit; and those who don't, are burned away.

          How was it in the beginning?      Matthew 19:7 They asked him, "Why then did Moses command us to give her a bill of divorce, and divorce her?" 19:8 He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so.

          Offspring of vipers      Is the viper a reference to the serpent of Genesis who tempted Adam and Eve? Matthew 23:33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?

          What is appropriate      Matthew 15:25 But she came and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, help me." 15:26 But he answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

          What is the nature of people?      Matthew 19:7 They asked him, "Why then did Moses command us to give her a bill of divorce, and divorce her?" 19:8 He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so.

          Who was responsible for the commandments?      Matthew 19:7 They asked him, "Why then did Moses command us to give her a bill of divorce, and divorce her?" 19:8 He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so.

          Why are the commandments the ways they are?      Matthew 19:7 They asked him, "Why then did Moses command us to give her a bill of divorce, and divorce her?" 19:8 He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so.

The will of God      In the gospel of John, Jesus says that the will of God is eternal life.

          Fulfill all righteousness      Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 3:14 But John would have hindered him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?" 3:15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, "Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him.

          Heaven confirms      Matthew 3:16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. 3:17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

          How people of good will act so that others not reject them      Jesus and John choose their ways so that people might not reject them, although they do, even so. Matthew 11:16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions 11:17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.' 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children."

          How to enter into life      Matthew 19:17 ... But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 19:18 He said to him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder.' 'You shall not commit adultery.' 'You shall not steal.' 'You shall not offer false testimony.' 19:19 'Honor your father and mother.'* And, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

          Jesus wants the law to be obeyed      Matthew 8:4 Jesus said to him, "See that you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

          Love your neighbor as yourself      Leviticus 19:18 "'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh. ... Leviticus 19:33 "'If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 19:34 The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.

          Love your neighbor as yourself      Luke 10:25 Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 10:26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" 10:27 He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind;* and your neighbor as yourself." 10:28 He said to him, "You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live."

          Love your neighbor as yourself      "Love your neighbor as yourself" is the negative commandment that unites six of the commandments. It shows the freedom that God opens up for us. Thus it is how God is one with us.

          Noting how people change their standards to condemn others      Matthew 11:16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions 11:17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.' 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children."

          The lost child should go where his parents will look for him      Luke 2:48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you." 2:49 He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" 2:50 They didn't understand the saying which he spoke to them.

          The Son is not greater than the Father      Matthew 22:45 "If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?"

          What is an extenuating circumstance      Jesus points to hunger as a special context, an extenuating circumstance, just as the temple is and he and his culture is. Matthew 12:3 But he said to them, "Haven't you read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him; 12:4 how he entered into God's house, and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests?

          What makes things possible      Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God." 19:25 When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" 19:26 Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

          What to do to inherit eternal life      To inherit is to be a child, a son of the Father. Luke 18:18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 18:19 Jesus asked him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one—God. 18:20 You know the commandments: 'Don't commit adultery,' 'Don't murder,' 'Don't steal,' 'Don't give false testimony,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"

          Who shows mercy      Luke 10:29 But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" 10:30 Jesus answered, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 10:31 By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 10:32 In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, 10:34 came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 10:35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, 'Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.' 10:36 Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?" 10:37 He said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

          Who will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven?      Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

          Whose is what to give?      Matthew 20:23 He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with, but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

More ways Jesus figured things out     

     Structures      Jesus thought in terms of a variety of structures including the division into four (the parable of the sower, the tempations by the devil), the eightfold way (the Beatitudes, the Lord's prayer), the threesome (the donkey's millstone around your neck). He drew (pictures? diagrams?) in the sand.

     What is the nature of good?      I did a study of the Gospel of Matthew to see how Jesus variously uses the concept "good". He talks of: good heart, good God, good gift, good quality, good person, good deed, good word, good news.

     Content of Jesus's sayings      I considered Jesus's parables in Luke in terms of their content. I think he had eight different things to say.