Jesus Bible Challenge

[The Rogue Tomato]

I figure this probably deserves its own thread. 

Bible challenge of the week on what we know from Jesus, Himself: fill in the numbers.


1. Number of times Jesus criticized those who focused on their physical appearance in order to look pious and "honor God" (example: "...to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long"). 

____

2. Number of times Jesus focused on his own physical appearance in order to look pious and honor God.

____

3. Number of times Jesus commanded that we focus on our physical appearance in order to look pious and honor God.

____

4. Number of times Jesus criticized people for what they consume, because what they consume taints their appearance of piety.

____

5. Number of times Jesus commanded us to judge others about what they consume because it taints their appearance of piety. 

____

6. Number of times Jesus told us to allow our good deeds to shine and speak for themselves, which glorifies God. 

____

7. Number of times Jesus told us to announce to our brothers and sisters the good deeds we do in the ministry so our good deeds will be seen by them.

____

8. Number of times Jesus told us NOT to announce to our brothers and sisters the good deeds we do in the ministry so our good deeds will be seen by them, and/or number of times Jesus criticized those who do this.

____

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

Wow, I didn't realize this was such a difficult challenge.  I know at least 2 people could could fill in all the (wrong) answers. 

 

[prophet]

You realize that one has to read the 4 Gospels and count 8 different things, so give it some time.

I mean, yeah, a couple of the answers are easy...Zero...but, maybe some are looking all over for that one example they hope is there?

Earnestly Contend

 

[bgwilkinson]

This is a great challenge.

As Prophet said it could take some time to answer these questions, maybe several months.

This could be very reveling.

 

[Walt]

The test is flawed in two regards...

First, the entire Bible is the word of God, and can thus be said to be the words of Jesus.  If we are to live only by what is written in the gospels, why give us the rest of the Scriptures?  The purpose of the gospels is primarily to present Jesus as the Christ of God and the sacrificial Lamb, slain to take away the sins of the world.  It is a mistake to focus solely on what is recorded in Matt-John. In addition, John tells us that Jesus said and did many other things than are recorded.

Second, there are many passages in the Scriptures that focus on our appearance; however, focusing on doing them to "look pious" is universally condemned.  We are commanded to "be holy" (not "look holy") and part of that is also those outward things which God commands. Should we ignore the inward things?  Of course not!  But neither should we ignore those outward things which are commanded.  They should flow from a heart which desires to please God, not to look good in the sight of others.

Thus, I think the test is a bit flawed with the constant refrain of "to look pious in the sight of others"

 

[rsc2a]

Outward things which are commanded?

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

Wow, still no takers? 

You'd think people who preach "follow me as I follow Christ" would have followed Christ enough to learn how to answer at least some of these. 

Maybe if I simplify it.  If the number of times is 1 or greater, answer 1+.  If the number of times is 0, then answer 0. 

Then maybe a little reflection on whether or not you're following Christ.

 

[praise_yeshua]

I figure this probably deserves its own thread. 

Bible challenge of the week on what we know from Jesus, Himself: fill in the numbers.


1. Number of times Jesus criticized those who focused on their physical appearance in order to look pious and "honor God" (example: "...to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long"). 

____

2. Number of times Jesus focused on his own physical appearance in order to look pious and honor God.

____

3. Number of times Jesus commanded that we focus on our physical appearance in order to look pious and honor God.

____

4. Number of times Jesus criticized people for what they consume, because what they consume taints their appearance of piety.

____

5. Number of times Jesus commanded us to judge others about what they consume because it taints their appearance of piety. 

____

6. Number of times Jesus told us to allow our good deeds to shine and speak for themselves, which glorifies God. 

____

7. Number of times Jesus told us to announce to our brothers and sisters the good deeds we do in the ministry so our good deeds will be seen by them.

____

8. Number of times Jesus told us NOT to announce to our brothers and sisters the good deeds we do in the ministry so our good deeds will be seen by them, and/or number of times Jesus criticized those who do this.

____

1.>1
2.<1
3.<1
4.<1
5.<1
6.>1
7.<1
8.>1

 

[ALAYMAN]

Wow, still no takers? 

Wow, still no response to Walt's balanced critique of your loaded questions?  That's a big surprise. 8)  It's sorta like those questions designed by the Pharisees to trick Jesus, disingenuous and self-serving.

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

I figure this probably deserves its own thread. 

Bible challenge of the week on what we know from Jesus, Himself: fill in the numbers.


1. Number of times Jesus criticized those who focused on their physical appearance in order to look pious and "honor God" (example: "...to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long"). 

____

2. Number of times Jesus focused on his own physical appearance in order to look pious and honor God.

____

3. Number of times Jesus commanded that we focus on our physical appearance in order to look pious and honor God.

____

4. Number of times Jesus criticized people for what they consume, because what they consume taints their appearance of piety.

____

5. Number of times Jesus commanded us to judge others about what they consume because it taints their appearance of piety. 

____

6. Number of times Jesus told us to allow our good deeds to shine and speak for themselves, which glorifies God. 

____

7. Number of times Jesus told us to announce to our brothers and sisters the good deeds we do in the ministry so our good deeds will be seen by them.

____

8. Number of times Jesus told us NOT to announce to our brothers and sisters the good deeds we do in the ministry so our good deeds will be seen by them, and/or number of times Jesus criticized those who do this.

____

1.>1
2.<1
3.<1
4.<1
5.<1
6.>1
7.<1
8.>1

Thank you!  Now, you who say you follow Jesus, go and do likewise. 

 

[Mathew Ward]

Reading this thread reminds me of this passage:

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.  And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.  Luke 9:49-50