Jesus
Do not think that I came to
bring peace on the earth.
I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother.
A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.
(Jesus of Nazareth)
Fight Club
Whether
you are a Christian or not, the teachings of Jesus have profoundly affected the
world and how we see it.
Our value system, morals and culture have grown from the influence of his
teachings, and sadly fallen seriously short of realising the heart of his
message.
The film maker David Fincher incorporated elements of Jesus' teachings into his
movies Seven, The Game and Fight Club.
When his character Tyler Durden demonstrates the reality of 'turning the other
cheek' - it is not for the faint-hearted.
The courage required to take a beating and not fight back is unbelievable.
Jesus of Nazareth
The TV film Jesus of Nazareth manages to tell the story in a remarkable way
without any undue sentimentality.
Robert Powell delivers the lines is a very compelling manner, with plenty of
pauses to encourage you to consider what is being said.
You do not need to be a Christian to appreciate the wisdom of Jesus'
words.
They penetrate to the heart of the selfish behaviour so prevalent in modern
culture:
For I was hungry, and you gave
me food.
I was thirsty, and you gave me drink.
I was a stranger, and you made me welcome.
I was naked, and you clothed me.
Sick, and you visited me.
In prison, and you came to see me.
You may ask: when did we do this to you?
Whosoever does this to the least of my brethren, he does it to me.
(Jesus of Nazareth)
Blessed are the meek, for they shall
inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right, for they shall be
filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see god.
(Jesus of Nazareth)
There was once a man and he had two sons.
And to the first son he said, "Go and work in the vineyard."
And the son said, "No."
But afterwards he thought better of it and he went.
Now the man said exactly the same thing to his second son, who said,
"Certainly."
But he didn't go.
Now which of the two boys did his father's will?
And what is the meaning of this story?
That there are those who think they are righteous because they say "Yes" to god
but they do not do his will.
(Jesus of Nazareth)
Love your enemies.
Bless those who curse you.
Do good to those who hate you.
Pray for those who persecute you.
If you love only those who love you, why should you claim any credit?
Even the tax collectors do as much.
If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, offer the other also.
And if anyone takes away your coat, give him your cloak as well.
Give to everyone who ask from you.
And if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them back.
Do not do unto others anything you would not have them do unto you.
Pass no judgement and you will not be judged.
Condemn not, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Be perfect, just as our father in heaven is perfect.
Ask for this gift, and it shall be given you.
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and the door shall be opened.
What father refuses his child?
If you who are imperfect know how to give what is good to your children,
how much more will your father in heaven give to those who ask him?
(Jesus of Nazareth)
Page created 2 August 1998