Jesus tells a man who had just lost his father: "Let the dead bury the dead." 8:21
Families will be torn apart because of Jesus (this is one of the few "prophecies" in the Bible that has actually come
true). "Brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents,
and cause them to be put to death." 10:21
Jesus says that he has come to destroy families by making family members hate each other. He has "come not to
send peace, but a sword." 10:34-36
Jesus warns us not to love our parents or children too much. We have to make sure that we always love him (who we
don't even know existed) more than our family. 10:37
When Jesus' mother and brothers want to see him, Jesus asks, "Who is my mother? Who are my
brothers?" So much for Jesus' family values. 12:47-49
Jesus is criticized by the Pharisees for not
washing his hands before eating. He defends himself by attacking them for not
killing disobedient children according to the commandment: "He that curseth
father or mother, let him die the death." (See Ex.21:15,
Lev.20:9, Dt.21:18-21)
So, does Jesus think that children who curse their parents should be killed? It
sure sounds like it. 15:4-7
In the parable of the unforgiving servant, the king threatens to enslave a man and his entire
family to pay for a debt. This practice, which was common at the time, seems not to have bothered Jesus very much.
18:25
"It is not good to marry."
After Jesus denounces divorce, his disciples say that if divorce isn't allowed, then "it is good not to
marry." Jesus agrees by saying that it is better to make yourself a eunuch
"for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him
receive it." 19:10
Abandon your wife and children for Jesus and he'll give you a big reward. 19:29
Jesus tells us to "call no man your
father upon the earth." Not even dear old dad? How can we "honor our father" if we
refuse to call him our father? 23:9
"Woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days." Why? Does God especially hate
pregnant and nursing women? 24:19
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who went to meet their
bridegroom. 25:1
Jesus shows disrespect for his mother and family by asking, "Who is my mother, or my brethren?" when he is told
that his family wants to speak with him. 3:31-34
Jesus criticizes the Jews for not killing their disobedient children as required by Old Testament law.
7:9-10
Jesus will reward men who abandon their wives and families. 10:29-30
In the last days God will make things especially rough on pregnant women. 13:17
When Jesus' parents begin the long trip back to Nazareth, the twelve year old Jesus stays behind, without
even asking for their permission. Mary and Joseph search for him for three days and when they finally find him, Jesus
doesn't apologize. Rather, he blames them for not knowing that he was doing his real father's business.
2:43-49
Peter and his partners (James and John) abandon their wives and children to follow Jesus. 5:11
Jesus, when told that his mother and brothers want to see him, ignores and insults them by saying that his
mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. 8:20-21
Jesus won't even let his followers bury their dead parents or say farewell to their families before abandoning
them. 9:59-62
Jesus prophesies that families will be divided because of him and his teachings. Sadly, this is one prophecy
that has been fulfilled. 12:52-53
Jesus says that his disciples must hate their families (mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives,
children) and themselves. 14:26
If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you must abandon everything, including your family.
14:33
Abandon your wife and family for Jesus and he'll give you a big reward.
18:29-30
Jesus says that everyone in heaven is single. Does that mean that married people can't go there, that they must
get a divorce once they arrive, or what? 20:35
"Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks."
Families and friendships will be torn apart because of Jesus. 21:16
"A bishop must be ... the husband of one wife." Apparently, it's OK for laymen to have
several. 3:2
You should help a widow only if she 1) is over 60 years old, 2) had only one husband, 3) has raised
children, 4) has lodged strangers, 5) has "washed the saints feet," 6) has relieved the afflicted, and 7) has "diligently
followed very good work." Otherwise, let them starve. "But the younger widows refuse [to help]: for ... they will
marry; having damnation." Besides the young widows are always idle tattlers -- "busybodies, spreading things which
they ought not." He adds that "some are already turned aside after Satan." 5:9-15
James says Abraham was justified by works (for being willing to
kill his son for God); Paul (Rom.4:2-3) says he
was justified by faith (for believing that God would order him to do such an
evil act). 2:21
Peter orders all wives to be "in subjection" to their husbands. 3:1
Wives are to use "chaste conversation, coupled with fear." They are not to braid their hair, wear gold, or put on
any "apparel." They are to do these things in imitation of the "holy" women of the Old testament who were "in
subjection to their won husbands: even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord." 3:2-6
In relation to her husband, the wife is "the weaker vessel." 3:7
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Family Values in the New Testament
