My Favorite Verses - Vol V (Feb 17 to Jun 17)
An illustrated collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and some of its least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
An illustrated collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and some of its least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
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And this same interpretation also explains his claim that we all have the<br />
power <strong>to</strong> forgive the sins of others, and thereby rectify the sins of ourselves (see<br />
“if you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father [who resides within you –<br />
see John 14:20] will also forgive you yours” ~ Matthew 6:14) … And it also<br />
harmonizes him telling others that “the Son of Man did not come <strong>to</strong> be served,<br />
but <strong>to</strong> serve” (Matthew 20:28), a phrase that resonates in perfect harmony with the<br />
primary message of his entire ministry – namely, his Gospel; that the Kingdom<br />
of Heaven was already “at hand” (Matthew 10:7), and that anyone could enter the<br />
same by persistently & selflessly serving others (Matthew 24:12-14) – especially<br />
one‟s enemies (i.e. those who obviously needed forgiveness more than most; see<br />
Matthew 5:43-49 & Luke 10:29-37).<br />
Yes, it seems true<br />
that Jesus did want <strong>to</strong> be<br />
followed (i.e. for us all <strong>to</strong><br />
emulate his teachings and<br />
enliven his Way of<br />
selfless LOVE – see<br />
Matthew 7:21-24,<br />
Matthew 16:24 & John<br />
13:15-<strong>17</strong> et al), and yet<br />
he also made it<br />
extremely clear that he<br />
did not want <strong>to</strong> be<br />
worshipped in any way,<br />
shape, or form (see Luke<br />
18:19, John 5:41, John<br />
7:16, John 12:44 et al).<br />
And this all actually<br />
makes perfect sense …<br />
After all, if neither<br />
Jesus nor his heavenly<br />
Father would ever<br />
condemn sinners (see<br />
John 5:22, John 8:15 &<br />
John12:47-48), why<br />
would they be the only<br />
ones with the ability <strong>to</strong><br />
forgive the same?<br />
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