Radical Sayings of Jesus:
To say something is radical is to say it relates to the fundamental nature of something. It means to get down to the root of something. A radical can be defined as a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform.
Jesus was motivated by the truth. He wasn't worried about being politically correct. He didn't have a need to be liked by people. Jesus did not have a desire for expedience or convenience. In the Gospel of Matthew , chapter 5 Jesus gives us his sayings which cut to the root of the life he envisions for us. Are we able to be radical as Jesus was radical.
Under the laws of Moses the rule was, "if you murder, you must die"But I have added to that rule, and tell you that if you are only angry, even in your own home, you are in danger of judgement! If you call your friend an idiot you are in danger of being brought before the court.. And if you curse him, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
The law of Moses said "You shall not commit adultery." But I say, Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
So if your eye - even if it is your best eye! causes you to lust , gouge it out and throw it away. Better for part of you to be destroyed than for all of you to be cast into hell. And if your hand - even your right hand - causesyou to sin, cut it off and throw it away. Better that than find yourself in hell.
The law of Moses says" If a man gouges out another's eye, he must pay with his own eye. If a tooth gets knocked out, knbock out the tooth of the one who did it. " But I say: Don't resist violence! If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too
If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two.
Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.
If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too.
Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.
If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too.
There is a saying, "Love your friends and hate your enemies. But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you. In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven
Jesus sums up with these words, "But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Jesus' sayings are certainly radical, mostly counter intuitive, and assuredly difficult. It takes a great deal of courage and strength to follow them. The results, however, are well worth the effort. They cut to the root of what is good. Are you able to be radical for Jesus?
God Love You!