Issued: 07/20/21 Revised: 12/2/23

“For I have set you an example in order that you may do what I have done to you”.

John 13:15

PLEASE NOTE:  Because Bible versions sometimes differ from each other in crucial ways, the version quoted here will be the one that best clarifies the point being made.  For a quick comparison between versions, please go to: http://www.biblehub.com.

   All bracketed material may be authorial comments, attempts at proper syntax, or minimal rewordings of Scripture for the sake of clarity and continuity.  These emendations will not be italicized.

   The “/” will be used to signify “and/or.”  The symbol “↔” is used to connect verses corroborating each other and so establishing doctrinal truths (Matthew 18:16↔2Corinthians 13:1).

   In differentiating between Yahweh Son [Jesus] and Yahweh Father [the Most High God], lower case letters have been used when discussing the former; upper case letters are reserved for the Only and Most High God.  Since Jesus was at pains to differentiate himself from Father, we have followed his lead here.

   The term neo-Christians will be used to differentiate between false Christians and Jesus’ true followers.

Familiarity breeds complacency.  Jesus has been with us for so long that we have forgotten what makes him truly special.  We all know he died for our sins and that his blood “washes” us clean (1John 1:7; Revelation 7:14), thereby giving us a shot at eternal life.  But this ‘mantra’ not only obscures what he really stood for but what he demanded  from us in return for his sacrifice and continued support:  Loyalty and obedience to him above anyone and anything else (Matthew 10:37; John 15:5).

Thus, we were warned not to put our “trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help” (Psalm 146:3) “princes,” in Scriptural parlance, meaning both secular and religious leaders (Genesis 25:16; Exodus 22:28; Numbers 7:2; 1Samuel 29:2; Acts 23:5)—excepting Jesus, who was not born of man (Luke 1:35). Perhaps his virgin birth was meant to reinforce this teaching; for other than Joseph and Mary, who got the ‘inside scoop’ on Jesus’ paternity (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:31-35), no one at that time would have had this insight (Luke 3:23). It was intended for future generations of Bible readers.

That we continue to fail him in these respects is clearly discernible from our attachments to politicians, religious leaders, newscasters, influencers, role-models, spiritual gurus, any and all persons presuming to be our guides. To our detriment, we continue to dismiss Jesus’ ‘metrics’ regarding the words and deeds of men (Luke 6:43-45), which allow us to distinguish the wheat from the chaff. Or as Jeremiah was advised: If you separate the precious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth; but let them convert to you and not the other way around (Jeremiah 15:19). Without forgetting, of course, that none of us fares better in Father‘s sight than the rest of mankind (Matthew 7:11; Mark 10:18↔Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-12); and that our only true merit lies in acknowledging our evil condition while making amends to correct it. Whoever ‘re-invents’ him/herself as ‘righteous,’ is whistling Dixie (Job 9:20↔Galatians 6:3).

 ROLE MODEL

Throughout his ministry, Jesus set out to broadcast his disconnect from men. If you prioritize family and others over me, you are unworthy of me and cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26). I have left examples for you to follow (John 13:15); I did the talk and the walk, you do the same (1John 2:6). Stay clear from political entanglements (John 6:15); all systems of government are under Satan’s rule (Luke 4:6; John 14:30↔Ephesians 2:2; 1John 5:19); and as he has no hold over me (John 14:30), do not fall prey to him or his minions (Romans 6:16; 2Corinthians 6:14-15). And if fame and human validation are your bag, you are in big trouble (Matthew 16:26; John 5:41, 12:42-43; Galatians 1:10; James 4:4). It does not take rocket science to realized that these are all cherished, entrenched, and millenary human behaviors.

Most importantly, Jesus declared himself sole spiritual Teacher: “But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers” (Matthew 23:8). In his estimation, the world was his classroom (Matthew 13:37-38) and men were his pupils; no temps or substitute candidates need apply. Since Levitical priests had bungled conveying Father’s will as instructed (Jeremiah 5:31, 14:14, 23:16; Malachi 2:7-8), Jesus cut off religious leaders as middle-men to Heaven (Luke 16:16↔1John 2:27), securing that position exclusively for himself (John 14:6↔1Timothy 2:5).

Consequently, amongst the boons Jesus promised was freedom from men’s wiles and deceptions (John 8:32):  He would conduct ‘master classes’ through his Aide, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7,13).  It had been prophesied that all of Father’s people would be taught directly by Him (Isaiah 54:13; John 6:45); though the case can be made, given that Yahweh Father had appointed His Son proxy God, that oftentimes the noun “God” in the Old Testament may refer to one or the other, whereas in the New there is no such ambiguity. Jesus “anoints” us with the Spirit that teaches us everything (1John 2:27); but the Spirit Himself only repeats what He has heard from Father (John 16:13).

Hence no longer the need for any true disciple of Jesus to read ‘spiritual literature’ or be ensnared by neo-Christian evangelists spouting pious bromides from their pulpits. As John explained in 1John 2:27:  “The anointing [symbolic of the “oil” poured over recipients of the Holy Spirit (↔1Samuel 16:13)] that you received from him [Jesus], it remains in you, and you have no need that anyone may teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all, and is true, and is not a lie, and even as was taught you, you will remain in him.”  Meaning that as long as one could “perceive and understand” what the faithless could not (1Corinthians 2:14), that person knew he/she remained under Jesus’ tutelage (Mark 4:11-12; 2Corinthians 4:3-4; 1John 3:24); though this was no guarantee of being cut off from the loop if cross-checking revealed wisdom against human opinions—James’ argument (James 1:5-8) and Paul’s personal MO (Galatians 1:15-19; Ephesians 4:11-15).

   In Hebrews 5:12-14 Paul talked about degrees of spiritual know-how in terms of “milk” and “solid food.” Neophytes were never weaned of the “milk” of rudimentary faith; but the spiritually mature fed off the “solid food” of Father’s “hidden wisdom.”  This wisdom had been predestined for that purpose before the word was (1Corinthians 2:7); and it has remained the staple ingredient in Father’s ‘diet’ ever since (Deuteronomy 29:29; Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 13:11; Luke 11:13; 1Corinthians 2:10-14; James 1:5-6). To their detriment men are social animals with a herd mentality, choosing to follow the crowd instead of Jesus’ costly lead (John 15:18, 1John 3:13↔Hebrews 13:12-13); so Christendom became the Babel of competing ‘tongues’ which to this day divide the body of Christ—fating it to fall (Mark 3:24-25).

As far as Christian orthodoxy is concerned, there has never been safety in numbers; since the chosen, always less in number (Matthew 22:14) than the opposition (Matthew 7:13), stand to be outnumbered by them (↔Psalms 22: 12-21).¹  In other words, the more ostensibly ‘pro‘ there are, the ‘un-merrier’ things get.  Jesus’ “sheep” hear, recognize, and follow his voice (John 10:27-29); but false shepherds lead their flocks astray, oftentimes turning them against Jesus’ true followers (Matthew 23:29-35; Mark 15:11; Acts 4:1-3,13-22 / 5:17-18,33,40 / 6:9-13 / 7:54,57-58 / 9:1-2 / 23:12-15 / 24:1-6 / 26:10-11; etc.).

   Just because silver-tongued preachers quote chapter and verse at the drop of a hat does not make them bona fide ministers of Jesus.  Enter one Apollos, a pious Jewish acolyte “well versed in the Scriptures.”  Apollos’ wisdom consisted of the “milk” of baptism and its significance (Acts 18:25); but it took Holy Spirit-instructed people like Priscilla and Aquila to share Father‘s “solid food” with Apollos (Acts 18:26).  Let us ask ourselves why Jesus by-passed this eloquent source of Old Testament knowledge and did not personally pick Apollos to be one of his evangelical crew.

   Besides his mention in Acts, Paul named Apollos in 1Corinthians 1:12 and 16:12.  In the first instance Apollos seemed to have garnered a following while others rallied behind Peter and Paul; in essence very much like today’s evangelical scene and posing the same danger:  The divisiveness Jesus warned would bring Christianity down (Matthew 12:25).  Paul’s remark in 1Corinthians 1:17 might allude to Apollos’ narrow focus on baptism vis-à-vis Paul’s “hidden wisdom” revealed to him directly by Jesus-mediated Holy Spirit (Galatians 1:12), and confirmed by the miracles Paul was able to perform (1Corinthians 2:5). In Jesus’ own playbook, dispensing Father‘s power settled the issue of apostolic authenticity (John 5:36). 

   Apollos performed no such miracles; although he was of material use to Jesus (Mark 9:40; Acts 18:27-28), he apparently had his limitations.  Was he marching to the tune of a different drummer?  Was his unwillingness to submit to the rank and file (1Corinthians 16:12) indicative of vain self-regard?  Paul’s remark, “[Apollos] was not inclined to do so just now; however, he will visit you when the time is right,” suggests Apollo was not a team player—maybe the reason why he disappears from Scripture?  In Christianity when is the time right if not now (2Corinthians 6:2)?  The Corinthians were split in terms of personality cults; Paul wanted to quash those to foster the unity necessary for Jesus and the Holy Spirit to accomplish their work. Apollos had other ideas in mind.

   So what might be one reason we hear of Apollos?  For us to be reminded that just as all glittering things are not necessarily gold, so every accomplished preacher may not be the real McCoy.  Within the flock there are amoral wolves (2Peter 2:13-15); others labor under the delusion they are channeling true doctrine while leading people into the pit (Matthew 7:22-23; 1Timothy 1:17; Titus 1:16); some are pious hypocrites juggling human and spiritual concerns (Ephesians 4:14; Titus 1:16; James 1:8)—all very adept at quoting chapter and verse.  The Adversary, “prowling around like a roaring lion [seeking] someone to devour” (1Peter 5:8), has deployed his predatory, Scripture-savvy ‘pride’ to stalk us.

Takeaway:  Trust no one preacher, especially those trying to corral you into his/her congregation [↔ Jeremiah 23:1-2 and Ezekiel 34:2-6], and by this means abdicating your Christian independence (Romans 6:16; 2Peter 2:19).  Under Jesus’ New Covenant, preachers tell prospective converts about the synergy between Jesus and the Holy Spirit and then move aside (Acts 19:1-6; Galatians 4:6-7, 5:7-8,12).  Jesus championed the freedom of personal choice, not delegating those choices to others.  Umbilical cords to preachers must be severed lest they fossilize into chains.

   We see this approach in Acts 19:1-6.  Naturally the new ‘curriculum’ did not sit well with those profiting from their leadership roles (Acts 19:9), as Jesus himself had experienced with the priests and scribes of his time.  Were Jesus to walk the earth today in order to challenge the cushy lifestyles of their successors, they would probably pump him full of antipsychotics; and with crucifixion out of the question, entomb him for life in a mental ward and throw away the key.  How do we know this?  Because past unrighteousness is prelude to future unrighteousness [↔Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, 9:3; Matthew 23:30-31: Luke 16:31)]; plus there is the indisputable evidence of a current apostasy so pandemic, incurable, and transmissible that viral mutations pale by comparison.

   What does that apostasy signal to us?  That the end times is near and the Great Tribulation may be just around the corner (2Thessalonians 2:3).  What does it signify?  That our religious leaders have failed us; which is nothing new given predictions that Judaism and Christianity would eventually default on their respective covenants (Deuteronomy 31:29, Jeremiah 23:20, 30:24; Matthew 24:22).

   In typical human fashion, foreknowledge is not always acted upon to avoid potential disasters:  Men prefer to court disasters for self-serving purposes and wallow in soul-searching after calamities strike.  Similarly, we know that final realization comes to the unrighteous while they burn and not before:  “You will cry out in anguish when your end comes, when your flesh and body are consumed, and you will say, ‘How I hated instruction and my heart rejected correction!  I did not obey my teachers and did not listen to my instructors.  I have almost been in all evil, in the midst of the church and of the congregation’” (Proverbs 5:11-14).  By and large, the human race is re-active rather than pro-active.

THE COST OF LEADING BY EXAMPLE

   Have we ever really pondered what Jesus’ ministry must have been like?  Not for him the nepotism always in vogue amongst the powers that be:  Father did not extend Son any special privileges or considerations.  How could He, priding Himself in not being a respecter of persons (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6)?  Instead of Son coming into the world as a potentate exempted from the trials and tribulations of common people, Jesus had to bite the bullet like everyone else; with the added baggage of being the target of whatever or whomever Father allowed Satan to deploy against him (Isaiah 53:3-6, 10-12↔John 18:11, 19:11): Ridicule (Matthew 11:19), hostility (Matthew 12:14; John 7:1; Hebrews 12:3), betrayal (Luke 22:3), physical punishment (Mark 14:65, 15:19; John 19:1-2), and crucifixion.

   What about his bodily needs?  Bathing?  Combing his hair?  Washing his teeth? We know he spent his days preaching and praying in deserted places (Mark 1:45; Luke 5:16); prayers, in case one is not ‘hip’ to it, recorded in David’s Psalms.  If like all men Jesus was subject to hunger (Matthew 21:18-19), thirst (John 4:6-7) and carnal desires (Hebrews 4:15) in order to earn the moral right to assist others (Hebrews 2:17-18), why should we undervalue the crosses he bore for our sakes throughout his sinless life?

How unlike today’s religious leaders with their luxurious lodgings, designer clothing, flotillas of limos and private jets, millionaire bank accounts, and perks given by followers beholden to them in body and soul.  Jesus bemoaned the fact that animals had homes whereas he did not (Matthew 8:20).  He must have been a sight to behold going about in dirty robes; for Scripture does not depict him doing laundry or changing clothes—in fact he was not a fan of dressing to the nines (Mark 12:38; John 19:23).² No conveyances for Jesus:  He did all his preaching on foot over hundreds of miles, which must have taken a toll on feet and sandals.  Bank accounts?  The measly collections on behalf of the poor, which Judas both kept and raided from (John 12:6, 13:29).  Fame?  As far as he was concerned, one standard determining who was his true follower and who was not (Matthew 23:5-7; John 15:18-20; James 4:4).

   While non-followers trumpet their charitable endeavors, Jesus exalted secret alms giving (Matthew 6:2-4).  While they court political favors, Jesus was an early proponent of the separation of state and church (Luke 20:25).  While they claim to have saved millions of souls for Jesus in our day and age, Jesus called their bluff by warning of end days having to be shortened because of falsehoods underscoring the failure of ‘faith-based’ initiatives (Matthew 24:12,22-26).  And while sexual indiscretions, liaisons, and abuse reverberate through the neo-Christian rank and vile (sic), Jesus crossed the swamp of spiritual corruption with his eyes on the prize and his robe unstained.

How is it then that having been given an example to imitate, ‘people of faith’ grovel at the feet of religious leaders who negate Jesus’ instructions?  Are these not the shepherds who Ezekiel 34:1-8 railed against?  The rapacious wolves feeding off the flock (Acts 20:29), living in splendor while professing to be followers of the Jesus who lived in penury?  Yet while their financial status, land holdings, ‘faith-promoting,’ commercial paraphernalia, and scandalous behaviors are a matter of public record, exposure only serves to redouble followers’ loyalties to them.  Which brings us back to Jeremiah 5:31:  “The prophets prophesy falsely, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?”

Despite the fact that forewarning has been stock and parcel of prophecy and preaching from day one, Judeo-Christians blithely dismiss it; which for Jesus determined guilt:  “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have any sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin” (John 15:22). Ezekiel was told to warn others or else:  “So when I say to a wicked person, ‘You’re about to die,’ if you don’t warn or instruct that wicked person that his behavior is wicked so he can live, that wicked person will die in his sin, but I’ll hold you responsible for his death” (Ezekiel 3:18); a commission Paul understood only too well:  “For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason for boasting, because I am compelled to do this. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (1Corinthians 9:16)! 

   Therefore with foreknowledge comes the Father-imposed duty of warning others, which congregants delegate to their preachers while prioritizing personal matters. Father ostensibly chose preachers to lead; so if congregants are misled, whose fault is it?  A convenient excuse under Mosaic Law and its defaulting priests, but not under Jesus outlawing religious leadership of any kind.  The passivity of the Old was upgraded to the competitiveness of the New:  “The Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it (Luke 16:16)”; thus, “if anyone competes…he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules” (2Timothy 2:5); therefore “let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

   What crown?  “The victor’s crown of righteousness…waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing” (2Timothy 4:8).  But a crown not granted on presumptions of ‘special relationships with the Lord’ or religious affiliation, but by enduring what Jesus endured (Romans 8:17); doing as he did (1John 2:6); denying himself for the sake of others (Philippians 2:6-9; Hebrews 12:2); and forfeiting earthly existence so that others might have eternal life (John 10:14,17). Father‘s discipline was applied across the board to earn spiritual legitimacy (Hebrews 12:5-8). There are no free rides in Judeo-Christianity:  It is literally and figuratively a case of do or die.

   In terms of ‘special relationships,’ Jesus hand-picked Paul, who Jesus knew would not marry (1Corinthians 9:5); would not get bogged down with properties or careers (2Timothy 2:4); would consider all material possessions “garbage” (Philippians 3:8); and would even despise life for the greater joy of being with Jesus (Philippians 1:23)—in short, what Jesus himself did while in the flesh and left as examples to imitate.  Instead our Balaam/Aaron-like religious leaders teach us we should cherish life and family values, without question more appealing than ‘pie-in-the-sky’ promises vis-à-vis the joyless downer of a repentant lifestyle; which besides being the behavior Father expects from us (Isaiah 22:12-14) has been superseded by the self-same priorities that doomed the antediluvian world:  “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.  In those days before the Flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage right up to the day when Noah went into the Ark.  They [did not understand] what was happening until the flood came and swept all of them away” (Matthew 24:37-39).

Did Jesus sound like he was ‘pro-family values’?  From the get go he admitted he had come to rend families asunder and to pit familial loyalty against loyalty to him (Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 12:51-53, 14:26,33).  These are nowadays euphemistically referred to as ‘the hard sayings of Jesus,’ ‘hard’ because they do not jibe with our inclinations and expectations; and just like the ancient Israelites, because we want to have our cake and eat it too.  Like them our religious leaders have concocted pseudo-gospels more amenable to our agendas; yet falling short of Father’s justice (Romans 10:3).  Whatever for?  To keep people happy, you give them what they want, from golden calves to confecting ‘salves’ that cannot heal spiritual leprosy.  Only acts of true repentance can accomplish that (Isaiah 1:3-6, 16-18).

   Neither fame, nor world acclaim, nor financial/social status, nor privileged lifestyles, nor earthly comforts, nothing the world had to offer mattered to Jesus.  His was a quest of giving, of sharing, of saving, of nurturing, or supporting, of making any sacrifice possible to become one with men and reconcile all with Father (Ephesians 4:5-6, 5:25-27; Revelation 5:9-10).  Today’s religious notables enjoy the comforts that congregants’ contributions can buy; but while the flow of money geysers up, the benefits to flocks trickle down (Ezekiel 34:1-4).  And while state-of-the-art mega-churches are always open for collections, doors have been shut, as has been the case, to keep hurricane victims from soiling the premises.  

   Takeaway:  Do not give what is holy to dogs or cast your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6): Blind loyalty to leaders manipulating, exploiting, and soiling Father’s spiritual gifts.  If it sounds like a duck, it might be a wood frog during mating season:  Those who make careers out of preaching Jesus are not necessarily true to him, believers in him, or representatives of him.  If they seek to hold sway over you, count your blessings:  You have been given the first indication they are to be avoided like the plague. Identify your enemies by testing their spirits (1John 4:1).

THE SOCIALIST JESUS

“In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want, that there may be an equality.”

2 Corinthians 8:14

   Before the word socialism was coined in the 1800s and became weaponized in politics, Jesus had been one of its early, enthusiastic practitioners.  Threads of free, universal health ran through his miraculous cures:  Every ailing person was pre-qualified for treatment (Matthew 12:13, 20:33-34; Mark 2:11-2; Luke 5:12-13, 13:11-12); at least on one occasion, he eliminated costly medical fees (Mark 5:26-5-34); and the only out-of-pocket expense in all cases was faith.  In the same vein, Jesus stood for rent-free, equal housing:  “In my Father’s house are many homes.  If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).  He was not a fan of the rich and privileged (Mark 10:25); was critical of their philanthropic habits (Matthew 6:2; Mark 12:41-44); and found their reliance on worldly riches misguided (Luke 12:15-21, 16:19-25).  Like Father, Jesus was no respecter of persons:  To him everyone rated equally (Matthew 23:8) without distinctions of any kind (John 13:16). It could be argued, contrary to the ways of our world, that the poorer and more downtrodden a person was, the more deserving of Jesus that person was.

   After Jesus’ death, the Apostles followed suit.  Free, universal health care continued under Peter (Acts 3:6-8, 5:14-16).  Social security had come of age, not in terms of taxation but through voluntary donations: “All who believed were together, and had all things in common [selling] their lands and other property, and [distributing] the proceeds among all, according to every one’s necessities” (Acts 3:44-45).  The only criterion for eligibility and inclusion was real need: “Whoever has earthly possessions and notices a brother in need and yet withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God be present in him” (1John 3:17)?  All of this in response to Jesus’ commandment to provide their neighbors with whatever donors considered essential for themselves (Mark 12:31).  In short, love expressed in faith validated by such acts (James 2:17).

   Takeaway:  “Suppose a brother or sister does not have any clothes or daily food and one of you tells them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled’; and yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it” (James 2:15-16)? “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him” (1John 3:17)?

   Bottom line:  “I tell all of you with certainty, since you did it for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:40).  “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them” (Luke 6:32).

THE APOLITICAL, NON-CONSERVATIVE JESUS

   Jesus abhorred politics.  When people tried to make him king, he ran for the hills (John 6:15).  He knew that Satan had been given all the kingdoms on earth past and present (Luke 4:6); and since Satan had nothing in him (John 14:30), political involvement was a non-issue.  Politics implied partisanship [i.e., divisiveness, a Christian no-no (Proverbs 11:29; Matthew 12:25; Titus 3:10-11)]; xenophobic nationalism [another no-no (Galatians 3:28)]; favoring the rich (Proverbs 22:16); compromising absolute standards of virtue and justice in matters of state priorities (Mark 15:15; Luke 23:6-12: John 11:49-52↔Jeremiah 38:2-4); morally bankrupt cabals (Judges 9:1-4; Proverbs 29:12); and godless opportunists slithering behind religion to ‘sleaze’ (sic) the masses (Micah 3:1-3, 9-11).

   Jesus was no liberal; and although sitting to Father‘s right, he was no right-wing conservative either.  Inasmuch as Jesus was a reformer during his lifetime and a socialist to boot, his agenda of gender inclusiveness (Luke 8:1-3), racial and ethnic equality (Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28), humanitarian concerns for the disenfranchised (Isaiah 1:17; Matthew 25:35-40), and speaking inconvenient truths to power, made him ‘left-leaning’ by today’s standards.

Takeaway:  “Don’t be deceived!  Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1Corinthians 15:33).

Bottom line:  “Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers.  For what partnership can righteousness have with iniquity? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? (2Corinthians 6:14-15)?

JESUS, THE QUINTESSENTIAL FRIEND

   The word friendship, like love, is deploringly bandied about and misunderstood.  We call dogs ‘man’s best friend’; but these wonderful animals, unconditionally bonded with their owners, have no idea what friendship is or entails emotionally and intellectually.  Married couples may regard their spouses as ‘best friends’; but however heartfelt their regard for each other may be, any relationship based on shared possessions, sexual intimacy, and family ties lacks the basic element elevating friendship to the highest form of love:  The fact that it is freely given—emotionally, intellectually, and morally—in exchange for nothing else but the bonding of souls.  No hormonal surges play a role; no social contracts are entered into; no obligations are expected or demanded; no ulterior motives or personal agendas enter the picture; no compromises need be worked out; social status is a non-issue; nothing and everything human beings fret about, aspire to, long for in life cannot match the sense of oneness and completeness found in a true friend.

   When David met Jonathan, “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved [David] as himself” (1Samuel 18:1).  If one reads different translations of this verse, it is possible to see how this ‘bonding’ makes some Biblical translators uncomfortable:  For them out of the norm male behaviors dredge up prurient imaginings, so their interpretations are toned down.  The love that Jonathan felt for David is exactly the kind of love Jesus wants us to have for our neighbors, be they men or women:  Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31).  And it is the kind of love Jesus practiced, encouraged, and expected in return.

  Jonathan generously gave David of everything material he had to offer (1Samuel 18:4).  Aware that David was Yahweh’s anointed, he secured David’s promise that Jonathan’s household would endure in David’s reign (1Samuel 20:14-17).  When Saul tried to kill David, Jonathan was incensed; and although berated by Saul, Jonathan, ever the dutiful son, never sided with his father against David, yet remained by Saul’s side until death (1Samuel 20:30-34, 23:17-18, 31:2).

   Just as nudity was no cause for shame in man’s innocent state (Genesis 2:25), so sameness of gender did not play a role in David’s and Jonathan’s relationship; however ‘homoerotic’ it may appear to rattled translators or twisted by same-sex practitioners to justify their proclivities.  We all know the end practicing homosexuals may expect (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; 1Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8); but with David being Jesus’ pre-eminent symbol in Father’s plan (Isaiah 11:1-5,10, 22:22-23: Jeremiah 23:5-8, 33:15-22; Revelation 3:17, 22:16), it is simply inconceivable that Father would have chosen an ‘abominable’ to symbolize His Son.³

   Thus, without any sexual hang ups, David and Jonathan felt unconstrained to kiss each other and give free rein to their emotions (1Samuel 20:41).  And when Jonathan died, David was not ashamed to proclaim publicly—and for posterity—what Jonathan’s friendship had meant to him:  “I grieve for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love for me was a wonder, more than the love of women” (1Samuel 1:26).  Simply put, a more wondrous, form of love which did not involve the shenanigans of sex.

  One cannot imagine what today’s pious homophobes, had they walked in at Jesus’ Last Supper, would have made of John leaning close to Jesus’ chest (John 13:25), a man known to shun female companionship unless in gender-mixed, public settings (John 4:27); and preaching love amongst men (John 13:34).  Of course to the corrupt even the pure appears corrupt (Titus 1:15), for projection of one’s biases and fears is an ‘offense’ mechanism to unenlightened minds.

   For all we know, if we take our cues from Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” struggles (2Corinthians 12:7-9), and James’ allusion to Elijah’s human passions (James 5:17), Jesus must have waged his own battles against carnal desires, the “weakness of the flesh” that conspired against the spirit and could be restrained only through constant prayer (Matthew 26:41; 1Thessalonians 5:17). He must have, if he indeed was tempted in every respect as men are (Hebrews 4:15).  Why keep stripping him of his victory over carnal lust simply because we need to reconfigure him to conform to our notions of holiness?

   Holiness is not about halos orbiting over one’s head but abstaining from, and resisting inclinations to engage in, behaviors contrary to Father’s will.  In both the desert Tabernacle and the Jerusalem Temple, holy objects were separated from the rest and used exclusively for religious purposes.  Now if the human body is a temple rendered holy by the indwelling Spirit, Father’s “holy saints” are those who suppress or struggle to suppress carnal desires; so the challenge is not to use body “members [as] instruments of unrighteousness to sin” (Romans 6:13; 1Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:13, 4:30).  And even if failing on occasion to do so, which according to Jesus strengthens spiritual resolve (2Corinthians 12:9), the act of continuously trying turns the tables in strugglers’ favor.

   Among other reasons, the antediluvian world was destroyed because of unrestrained sexual proclivities (Genesis 6:1), as was Sodom and Gomorrah later on (Genesis 19:4-8↔Judges 19:22-24).  If from puberty until his crucifixion Jesus never once succumbed to carnal cravings we all know are overpowering and not always possible to resist, more power to him!  For our sakes he endured unscathed a hellish existence that would have ‘burnt’ most of us.

   John’s recording for posterity that Jesus “loved” him (John 13:23, 19:26) follows David’s lead.  This has been twisted out of context to suggest that Jesus singled out John for heftier doses of TLC, an absurdity given the fact that like Father, Jesus did not—could not—play favorites.  John exulted in the knowledge that, unworthy as he was, someone like Jesus could love him, whereas Jesus could lavish love on a perfect stranger (Mark 10:21).  The Apostles were all equal in Jesus’ estimation:  You are all brothers; and whoever wishes to rule over you will be your servant (Matthew 23:8; Mark 10:23).  Even Lord as he was, Jesus treated the Apostles as his equals and as friends (Luke 6:40; John 15:15)—which did not make Jesus their ‘bro’ or ‘bosom buddy.’  While superior to us and deserving every deference, he glorified in the transcendence of his friendship over any form of love known to man—even a mother’s:  “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

   So like Jonathan, he supplied men with their needs (Matthew 6:25-26, 31-33; Luke 12:29-31), as well as implements with which to wage spiritual wars:  The sword of God’s word (Matthew 10:34; Ephesians 6:17) and the belt of justice and truth (Isaiah 11:5; Ephesians 6:14).  Like Jonathan, he entered into a covenant with men guaranteeing their inclusion in his earthly kingdom.  From Luke 22:48 we gather that, for Jesus, kissing embodied some transcendent meaning enriching his ministry, as was later in Paul’s (1Corinthians 16:20).  And he too shed tears for friends’ faltering faith (John 11:35); though in this respect, outdoing David, he shed copious tears for generations of friends yet unborn (1Samuel 20:41; Isaiah 53:3-12; Hebrews 5:7).

   These things show the extent to which religious leaders are so unlike Jesus.  While they prefer lavishing emotions on blood relations and acquaintances, Jesus prioritized spiritual ties with non-kin (Mark 3:31-35).  While appointments—and hefty money contributions—must be made to secure audiences with religious leaders, Jesus always remained accessible to rich and poor, even to children (Matthew 19:14).  While religious leaders delegate positions of power and prestige to cronies, Jesus stated such payola was not part of his system (Matthew 20:20-28).  And while Jesus gave, and instructed his recipients to give freely (Matthew 10:18), religious leaders draw salaries ‘explaining’ Jesus to others.

   Takeaway:   Though not in the Bible, but in the spirit of 1Thessalonians 5:21:  “Let your acquaintances be many, but your advisers one in a thousand.  A faithful friend is a sure shelter, whoever finds one has found a rare treasure” (Ecclesiasticus 6:14-17).  In religious circles, Jesus-like men are the rare exception (Ecclesiastes 7:26-28).  The righteous ought to choose their friends carefully: One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who loves at all times and is like a brother in times of adversity (Proverbs 12:26, 17:17, 18:24).  Cleave to the one that suffers for and with you; like faith, friendship lacking acts of validation is bankrupt and worthless.

   Bottom line:  “The person who isn’t with me is against me, and the person who doesn’t gather with me scatters” (Luke 11:23), “for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

   JESUS, THE QUINTESSENCE OF LOVE

   Loving Jesus and loving one’s enemies mean two different things.  One loves Jesus on an emotional and spiritual level.  His love is manifested in teachings and deeds that benefit us, so it is both fitting and deserving that we should love him in return—meager remuneration for the bounties he lavishes on us.  Enemies are “loved” by forgiving their trespasses against us, and tending to needs they would deny us; thus proving our spiritual superiority over them and establishing their greater culpability on Judgment Day (Matthew 6:14; Romans 12:17-21; 1Peter 3:9).  The emotional component reserved for deserving loved ones does not enter the picture.  Even Father and Jesus do not love unconditionally (1Samuel 2:30; Ezra 8:22; John 14:23).

   Jesus’ love for men did not begin with his earthly ministry.  As Yahweh Son proxy God, he shared with Father the anguish of human suffering inflicted by Satan —on their authority—for violations to the covenant of obedience (Isaiah 63:9).  Despite being driven to distraction by men’s infidelities, Yahweh Son vowed undying support for his wayward creatures (Isaiah 46:4), and an equally undying love surpassing maternal limitations (Isaiah 49:15).  What religious leader past/present has matched or matches that level of commitment?

   The fact that his crucifixion was a done deal even before human history started (1Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8) goes to show the limitlessness of that love, to the point that when even dreading the ordeal to come and asking Father for release, Jesus opted for martyrdom rather than defaulting on men’s only chance for salvation (Matthew 26:52-54; John 18:11).  And in his role as proxy God, he did not “consider equality with [Father] a thing to [hold onto], but stripped himself of his glory [appointed Godship], and took on him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men, [humbling] himself by becoming obedient to the point of [dying on a cross]” (Philippians 2:6-8).  And all for what?  “For the joy set before him” of saving every last one of those Father had given him (John 6:39; Hebrews 12:2), while extending a life-line to those who nevertheless would reject him.

   In the final analysis, it seems a little self-serving to love for Jesus for what he stands to give us:  Eternal life and an equal share in his inheritance (Romans 8:17; Revelation 21:7).  We sure as heck cannot give him anything in return…except our love.  In this sense, like Jonathan, we give to the true David what is within our human capabilities and he enters with us into a covenant chock full of unimaginable perks and wonders.  Father is OK with this:  “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).  Besides the peace that has always eluded men, an end to hatred, poverty, sickness, and suffering, there is the added bonus of things “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined…that God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).  Father wants to enjoy Himself by catering eternally to us (Jeremiah 29:11, 32:41).

   Paul, who understood everything so deeply well, put it best:  “But all those things that were gains to me I now reckon as loss for [something] much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).  “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

JESUS, THE ONLY REFUGE

   Exultation should be tempered with pragmatism, especially in a Gospel where before inheriting immortal flesh, this mortal coil of ours may be literally raked over burning coals (Zechariah 13:9; Matthew 3:11).  Most ‘Christians’ believe themselves to be booked and confirmed on a heavenly destination once the earthly party winds down and the heavenly one is in the offing.  But besides the bad news prior to the Great Tribulation (Psalms 2:1-3, 74:8, 125:3; Matthew 24:22; 2Timothy 3:1-5; Revelation 13:11-17), the selection of 144,000 people from the whole of humanity as “first fruits” on grounds of truthfulness and holiness should give us pause.  Though no human being will be ‘raptured’ as evangelicals preach; and some will rate special consideration for bemoaning human corruption by being “sealed” so as not to suffer unduly during the final plagues (Ezekiel 9:4-6), the millions upon millions who will be ultimately saved will endure some measure of suffering.

   Paul wrote of finding “help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16); and if the Great Tribulation creates the greatest need for that help, it will come from Jesus, not from human agencies.  A perfect example is Peter, to whom Jesus told that in his old age would ask for assistance to endure something [presumably, his execution (2Peter 1:14)] he could not manage on his own (John 21:18-19).  Once before Peter had failed at this when in fear for his life, he had denied Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75); fear of death being, as Paul told us, Satan’s trump card over men (Hebrews 2:14-15).  While it makes ‘evolutionary’ sense to try to survive at all costs, that is the wrong approach when immortality is at stake (Matthew 16:25).

  But asking for help when there is no one to turn to, though seemingly self-serving, is perfectly alright with Beings interested in saving souls, not in destroying them (Ezekiel 33:11; Luke 14:23).  On the strength of one truly faithful member, entire families stand to be saved (Genesis 6:8, 7:13; Joshua 6:23,25; Acts 16:31; 1Corinthians 7:16); so the spiritual merits of any single person compensate for the demerits of others.  When Paul argued that “all Israel will be saved” at Jesus’ coming (Romans 11:26-27), he was referring to Jews and Gentiles who throughout history had been strengthened during their respective ordeals by a heavenly assistor—be it the Old Testament’s Yahweh Son or his incarnate manifestation, Jesus of Nazareth (Genesis 48:16; 1Samuel 17:37; Psalms 34:6,19, 54:7, 118:7; Isaiah 46:4; Jeremiah 20:11; 2Timothy 4:17-18; 2Peter 2:19).  This is what Jesus hinted at when he said that without his help, no spiritual victory was possible (John 15:5).

   As stated twice in this article, the voice most heard in David’s Psalms is not David’s, but Jesus’.  While Matthew, Mark, Luke and John only relate the outward aspects of Jesus’ ministry, it is in Psalms that we are able to gauge Jesus’ internal struggles and very human fears.  While this may sound ’empirically’ illogical, it is just one of the ways Father subverts human expectations, which is a stated aim in Scripture (Psalms 33:10; Habakkuk 1:5).  It would not have done to portray Jesus’ behaviors without explaining what drove them, for it is in the private Jesus, not the observed one, that we begin to comprehend how luminous he has always been.

  Thus let us close with Psalm 91, for it encapsulates most of what we have been discussing in terms of assistance in dire times; and while doing so paying close attention to revelations of paramount significance:

   “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High [Jesus’ body, the Church (Colossians 2:9; Ephesians 5:23; Hebrews 3:6; 1Peter 2:5)] will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I [Yahweh Son] will say to Yahweh [Father], ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God (↔Revelation 3:12)], in whom I trust.’  Surely He will save you [Jesus’ people—notice switch from first to second person pronoun] from the hunter’s [Satan] snare (Ecclesiastes 9:12) and from the deadly pestilence (Leviticus 26:25; Ezekiel 7:15, 14:21↔Revelation 6:8’s fourth horseman, again Satan; Luke 21:11).  He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge [Jesus appropriated this imagery in Luke 13:34], his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart [assurance implicit in His promise to Abraham (Hebrews 6:17-19)].  You will not fear the terror of night…nor the plague that destroys at midday [see Amos 8:9].  [At Armageddon] a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.  If you say, ‘Yahweh is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling no harm will overtake you nor disaster come near your tent (Romans 10:13).  For He will command his angels (Hebrews 1:14) concerning you to guard you in all your ways (Ezekiel 9:4-6; Revelation 7:1-3)⁴… you will trample the great lion and the dragon [be victorious over Satan (1Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:2)]. “Because he loves Me (1Samuel 2:30; Ezra 8:22; Proverbs 8:17),” says Yahweh, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.  He will call on me, and I will answer him (Romans 10:11-14); I will be with him in trouble (Psalms 34:19), I will deliver him and honor him (Hebrews 11:6).  With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation (Amos 9:11-15; Revelation 21:4).”

CLOSING WORDS

Though we know that Jesus’ enemies will eventually be trodden underfoot (Psalms 110:1), now is the hour of his enemies, whose agendas have nothing to do with what Jesus set out to accomplish.  Therefore it is no wonder that everything Jesus represents neither inspires not appeals to evildoers with self-serving agendas, which being not immediately nipped in the bud, reinforce the belief that there is no God to hold anyone accountable for anything (Psalms 36:1; Ecclesiastes 8:11; Ezekiel 8:12; Zephaniah 1:12).  To such imponderables (Job 21:7; Psalms 73:5-9; Jeremiah 12:1), two simple—though not easy to accept—answers:  “Be silent in Yahweh’s presence and wait patiently for Him. Don’t be angry because of the one whose way prospers or the one who implements evil schemes” (Psalms 37:7); and, “In your patience you shall win your souls” (Luke 21:19).  In short, grin and bear it like Jesus did.

   Once more Paul has the better advice:  “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles; and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).  Consider the man who mentors us in everything; who mapped the way to our salvation; who transmuted our selfishness into unfettered generosity; who taught us not to be duped by political opportunists and become vectors for Satan in the bargain; who ennobled us with his friendship; who enriched us with love everlasting; and who in our darkest hour will console us even as he was consoled facing his own ordeal (Luke 22:43).

   However uncountable his spiritual progeny (Isaiah 53:8; Revelation 79’14), he will establish a unique relationship with each of his redeemed (Revelation 2:17, 3:12).  Perhaps then, being like him and seeing him as he really is (Psalms 17:15; 1John 3:2), looking into his eyes, hearing his voice, and feeling his touch, we will experience first-hand the now incomprehensible wonders of his transcendent nature.

And to finally know, once and for all eternity, how dearly and preciously we have been loved in return (1Corinthians 13:12).

¹ Please note how these verses cross-reference Sixth Day ‘animal’ imagery discussed in our series “Genesis 1: The Myth That Never Was.”

² Paul’s wardrobe was equally scant (2Timothy 4:13).

³ Anymore that He would have encouraged the star-gazing He railed against (Deuteronomy 4:19, 18:9-11; Isaiah 47:13-14) by sending any celestial body to steer the Magi towards Bethlehem. The “star” of Bethlehem was neither comet nor supernova:  It was an angel, the traditional messenger for divine communications (Daniel 8:16, 9:21-22; Luke 1:26-38, 2:9-15; Revelation 19:9-10).  Luke 2:9 makes abundantly clear that an angel was the light-emitter on that night.

⁴ Satan tried to entrap Jesus by misinterpreting the verses here omitted (Matthew 4:6).  While Father offers such assurances, they are not rights unconditionally extended to sinners. Hence Jesus’ counter-response that Father was not to be tempted, which would be the case if men expected Him to honor their mistaken expectations.  While Jesus may have been in a position to receive anything he asked of Father (Matthew 26:53), he was leaving an example for us not to fall prey to Satan’s wiles.

   When Paul was bitten by a snake, he did not die (Acts 28:3-5), a sign Jesus taught would follow his true apostles (Mark 16:18); yet cultists acting on these precedents have handled poisonous snakes, been bitten by them, and died, proving themselves foolish, obviously lacking true faith, and tempting Father to reinforce vain theatrics.  Ditto pastors who have preached against medical treatments, causing deaths by equating bogus faith with assurances of divine intervention.