| The Christian church has always struggled with a common view of Jesus as a limp, flower-clutching, hippy-like drip, who let people walk all over him. Well, I can understand that, but any aspects of Jesus ministry and teaching that might appear weak need to be set against a whole host of events and warnings that show the uncompromising toughness of the Son of God. If you’ll excuse me a burst of irony, here, for those who nurture the illusion that Jesus was a softy, is a sermon that he never preached on the Mount or anywhere else.
Blessed are they who exchange money and sell cattle, sheep or doves in the temple court, for they shall be driven out with a knotted cord.
Blessed are they who cause little ones to sin, for it will be better for them if they were to drown with a millstone tied around their necks.
Blessed are they whose debts have been cancelled, but will not cancel the debts owed to them, for they shall be turned over to the jailers to be tortured until they have paid back all that they owe.
Blessed are they who arrive to celebrate the wedding of the king’s son without wedding clothes, for they shall be bound hand and foot and thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Blessed are they who say to me, “Lord, Lord”, but do not do the will of my Father, for they will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who refuse to forgive others, for they will not be forgiven by God.
Blessed are they who continue to sin after being rescued from the cruelty of men, for worse shall befall them.
Blessed are they who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men, for they have received their reward in full.
Blessed are they who judge others, for they will be judged by the same measure.
Blessed are they who did not give me something to eat when I was hungry, nor something to drink when I was thirsty, who did not invite me in when I was a stranger, nor clothe me when I was naked, nor visit me in prison when I was sick, for they will depart into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Blessed are they who do not believe in me, for they shall not inherit eternal life. |