Blog of Philologos www.jesuscentral.com/10946   December 12, 2006 The people vs. Zacchae`us When the people said, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner" ''upon seeing Jesus go into the house of Zacchae`us'', am I to assume that they all thought they were saints and thus innocent of all sin" By: Philologos - December 12, 2006 - Public Category: Jesus with The Hated - Zacchaeus the Tax collector (3) Comments Comment Helpful? Favorite Violation October 01, 2006 Matthew 3:4 (wild locusts and honey) Although locusts may be an excellent source of protein, it`s quite possible that John the Baptist actually survived the desert by eating carob beans. Carob as we know it comes from the common Mediterranean shrub ceratonia siliqua - specifically, from the shrub`s seeds, known as locust beans ''although, considering the technology and resources of the time, one wonders if real locusts were any tastier''. By: Philologos - October 01, 2006 - Public Category: John the Baptist Prepares the Way Comment Helpful? Favorite Violation September 29, 2006 Humility According to my understanding of this particular instance ''from Luke 18:10-14'', the Pharisee thinks he`s better than the "other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector" - i.e., those that he considers to be worthless in the eyes of God. Thus he is exalting himself, and will, sooner or later, wish that he hadn`t. As it says in Proverbs 16:18-19, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud." Furthermore, in verse 5 of the same book, it says, "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished." So he`s setting himself up for a whole lot of trouble, both in this world and the next. Not only that, but as one who is ''or at least should be'' familiar with Mosaic Law, he should know better than to say such things. Therefore, while he may be following the Letter of the Law, he sure isn`t following the Spirit, if you know what I mean. On the other hand, the tax collector has abased himself and feels that he is not worthy of God`s love and forgiveness. Thus, he is humbling himself, and will therefore be recognized and forgiven by God, and welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. As Jesus makes perfectly clear, "all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." So guess whose side He`s on in this story" By: Philologos - September 29, 2006 - Public Category: Humility as a Virtue Comment Helpful? Favorite Violation September 29, 2006 John 12:46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. ''Thus, where there is light, there can be no darkness -- physically or spiritually.'' By: Philologos - September 29, 2006 - Public Category: My Blog Comment Helpful? Attachment Favorite Violation September 29, 2006 Public entry (Matthew 20:16) So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen. By: Philologos - September 29, 2006 - Public Category: My Blog Comment Helpful? Favorite Violation Next >>