How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (NRSV 1:21)
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (KJV 1:21)
Matthew wastes no time. And neither does God, for that matter. The Big Guy already has Jesus's name and life plan ready before the kid is even born. Helicopter parent, much?
Quote #2
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. (NRSV 12:30-31)
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. (KJV 12:30-31)
What is blasphemy against the Spirit? Does Jesus ever explain? It seems like a pretty big deal given that it's the only thing that won't be forgiven.
Quote #3
"If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eyes causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire." (NRSV 18:8-9)
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (KJV 18:8-9)
What do you think—is Jesus speaking literally? Or is this just a really graphic and slightly disturbing metaphor?