Perhaps you've seen the video going around called GOP Jesus done by Friend Dog Studios. If you haven't, you probably already get the gist of it from the title: it's Jesus saying some Jesus things but twisting His words to make fun of those hypocritical evangelicals who vote Trump (with strawman arguments, of course). In so doing, the video also argues that Jesus was a democrat and all His teachings were socialism.
The video features twelve sayings altogether, twisted by GOP Jesus. I'm going to address six of them today, and the other six tomorrow. I'll present the quote from the video with the biblical reference it's taken from, I'll show you what Jesus actually said in context, I'll explain to you what the passage means, and then I'll counter-punch with what the liberal's "Jesus" says.
Disclaimer: I didn't vote for Trump. I'm a pastor who loves God's word and hates to see it twisted for their own nefarious purposes.
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GOP Jesus:
"Whoever welcomes one of these little ones in my name might be letting in a murderer or a drug. Let's get her to a detention center." (Parody of Mark 9:37.)
What Jesus Said:
Mark 9:33-37 says that Jesus and His disciples, "came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, 'What were you discussing on the way?' But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And He sat down and called the twelve. And He said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.' And He took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but Him who sent me.'"
What This is About:
The disciples, like most every Jew at that time, thought the Messiah was going to be a political liberator. They talked about who was going to have the most honor and power when Jesus liberated the Jews from Rome and would "Make Israel Great Again!" (that's my paraphrase). Jesus told them that instead of seeking great status, they should care for those who can't give anything in return, like the small child he put in the midst of them. The disciples may not get any recognition from anyone. But the Father sees what they have done, and He will reward them in His heavenly kingdom.
This principle applies to us all. Desire to help those in need, whether or not you would receive any earthly benefit or recognition from such charity. Romans 12:16 says, "Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly." Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
This passage in Mark 9 does not pertain to how we deal with those who break the law trying to get into the country illegally. Personally, I don't understand why children are being separated from their families, but I don't know the specifics of these situations to say whether the children have been taken from their families by ICE unjustly. Besides, I have a tough time being lectured on immigration politics by people who think it's okay to crush a living baby's head in forceps or suck her pulverized body into a vacuum cleaner.
Liberal Jesus:
"Whoever welcomes one of these little ones in my name must have had a botched abortion and their state hadn't legalized infanticide yet."
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GOP Jesus:
"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. And behold, now I'm all lazy and entitled. You shouldn't have done that." (Parody of Matthew 25:35-40.)
What Jesus Said:
In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus said, "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? And when did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you? The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even to the least of them, you did it to me." (NASB)
What This is About:
This was in the Olivet Discourse when Jesus told His disciples what would happen at the judgment seat of Christ. Those who did the will of the Father would enter into eternal life, and those who did not will be cast into eternal punishment. When Jesus said, "To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even to the least of them, you did it to me," He was talking about His brothers. Who are His brothers? Jesus said in Matthew 12:50, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
The "brothers" in Matthew 25:40 are followers of Jesus. The "least" of them are those who have given up everything for the mission of the gospel, and for this reason they have no permanent residence or possessions, they have no food or drink and get sick, and for preaching the gospel they're thrown in prison (see also Acts 9:4-5). This passage is not about helping the most marginalized in a society. There are other passages about helping the poor. Matthew 25:40 isn't one of them.
We as Christians have an obligation to care first for our fellow Christians. Just like when you get paid, you take care of the needs of your own household; then as you are able, you might give to others. So it must be the same for the church. Galatians 6:10 says, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Liberal Jesus:
"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. Because I'm a socialist and I took it from you. Thanks!"
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GOP Jesus:
"Do unto others as you suspect they might want to do unto you." (Parody of Luke 6:31.)
What Jesus Said:
In Luke 6:30-33, Jesus said, "Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them."
What This is About:
Luke 6:31 is commonly referred to as the golden rule. As I've already mentioned, Christians should care for others, and do so expecting nothing in return. While Christians should be charitable, that does not mean they should become gullible goofs able to be taken advantage of. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus said, "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."
The Bible says not to feed a lazy man. We read in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." This is a command from Christ: "Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living" (v.12). To feed a lazy man who has not earned it is a harm to him, it harms yourself, and it's a waste of resources to help those who actually need it.
Liberal Jesus:
"Do unto others and make everyone else pay for it."
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GOP Jesus:
"What has a man profited if he gain the whole world but lose his soul? A lot. He has profited a lot. One soul for the whole world? That is an amazing deal." (Parody of Luke 9:25.)
What Jesus Said:
In Luke 9:23-26, Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
What This is About:
This is what it means to be a Christian. You must die to yourself and live for Christ. It is a daily submission to the Lord, not a once-a-week thing. It's giving your whole life, not merely paying lip-service. We know how to follow Jesus when we follow His word, the Bible. Whoever is ashamed of that word and doesn't do what it says will be judged by Christ on the last day. You could be so rich that you gain the whole world, but that will not save you on judgment day, for you will have lost your very soul forever. Only faith in Christ will save you.
Liberal Jesus:
"What has a man profited if he gain the whole world but lose his soul? About $1,500. Unless it's a late-term abortion, that'll be $3,000. Pay up at the front. Abortions aren't fully funded by tax-payers yet."
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GOP Jesus:
"Why do you look at the speck of dust in your brother's eye, but ignore the plank in your own? Because of her e-mails." (Parody of Luke 6:41.)
What Jesus Said:
In Luke 6:39-42, Jesus said, "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck that is in your brother's eye."
What This is About:
Jesus did not tell us not to judge at all. He said not to judge hypocritically. These are instructions about admonishing one another. Notice that He said, "Then you will see clearly take the speck that is in your brother's eye." Yes, we are supposed to judge, but doing so in a right manner to point one another to Christ. Jesus said, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24).
I find it hard to believe that whoever made this video had taken the log out of their own eye before they started judging the specks they perceived in all evangelicals' eyes.
Liberal Jesus:
"Why do you look at the speck of dust in your brother's eye, but ignore the plank in your own? Because getting everyone to believe Trump is a racist distracts from the growing pile of dead babies."
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GOP Jesus:
"If a man strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him and shoot him. That is the law." (Parody of Matthew 5:39.)
What Jesus Said:
In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
What This is About:
Exodus 21:22-25 says, "When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman's husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe."
Jesus did not nullify this law. Rather, He upheld it. Judgment in the Sanhedrin had become excessive. People were abusing the laws of retaliation, like the one in Exodus 21, and taking one another to court over lesser issues. Jesus was basically saying not to make a federal case out of everything. The Apostle Paul applied this same principle when he said to the church in Corinth, "Brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?" (1 Corinthians 6:6-7)
If someone were to strike you, of course you shouldn't pull a gun and shoot him. That's an absurd retaliation. This is one of many strawman arguments presented by the makers of this video. Applying Exodus 21:22-25 in a proper way, if a man murders someone, he should get the death penalty, and his sentence should be carried out soon. Permit me to apply Exodus 21:22-25 in an even more direct context: Abortion doctors should get the death penalty.
Liberal Jesus:
"If a man strikes you on the right cheek, it's because you're a white male and therefore deserved it."
The video features twelve sayings altogether, twisted by GOP Jesus. I'm going to address six of them today, and the other six tomorrow. I'll present the quote from the video with the biblical reference it's taken from, I'll show you what Jesus actually said in context, I'll explain to you what the passage means, and then I'll counter-punch with what the liberal's "Jesus" says.
Disclaimer: I didn't vote for Trump. I'm a pastor who loves God's word and hates to see it twisted for their own nefarious purposes.
GOP Jesus:
"Whoever welcomes one of these little ones in my name might be letting in a murderer or a drug. Let's get her to a detention center." (Parody of Mark 9:37.)
What Jesus Said:
Mark 9:33-37 says that Jesus and His disciples, "came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, 'What were you discussing on the way?' But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And He sat down and called the twelve. And He said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.' And He took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but Him who sent me.'"
What This is About:
The disciples, like most every Jew at that time, thought the Messiah was going to be a political liberator. They talked about who was going to have the most honor and power when Jesus liberated the Jews from Rome and would "Make Israel Great Again!" (that's my paraphrase). Jesus told them that instead of seeking great status, they should care for those who can't give anything in return, like the small child he put in the midst of them. The disciples may not get any recognition from anyone. But the Father sees what they have done, and He will reward them in His heavenly kingdom.
This principle applies to us all. Desire to help those in need, whether or not you would receive any earthly benefit or recognition from such charity. Romans 12:16 says, "Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly." Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
This passage in Mark 9 does not pertain to how we deal with those who break the law trying to get into the country illegally. Personally, I don't understand why children are being separated from their families, but I don't know the specifics of these situations to say whether the children have been taken from their families by ICE unjustly. Besides, I have a tough time being lectured on immigration politics by people who think it's okay to crush a living baby's head in forceps or suck her pulverized body into a vacuum cleaner.
Liberal Jesus:
"Whoever welcomes one of these little ones in my name must have had a botched abortion and their state hadn't legalized infanticide yet."
GOP Jesus:
"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. And behold, now I'm all lazy and entitled. You shouldn't have done that." (Parody of Matthew 25:35-40.)
What Jesus Said:
In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus said, "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? And when did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you? The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even to the least of them, you did it to me." (NASB)
What This is About:
This was in the Olivet Discourse when Jesus told His disciples what would happen at the judgment seat of Christ. Those who did the will of the Father would enter into eternal life, and those who did not will be cast into eternal punishment. When Jesus said, "To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even to the least of them, you did it to me," He was talking about His brothers. Who are His brothers? Jesus said in Matthew 12:50, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
The "brothers" in Matthew 25:40 are followers of Jesus. The "least" of them are those who have given up everything for the mission of the gospel, and for this reason they have no permanent residence or possessions, they have no food or drink and get sick, and for preaching the gospel they're thrown in prison (see also Acts 9:4-5). This passage is not about helping the most marginalized in a society. There are other passages about helping the poor. Matthew 25:40 isn't one of them.
We as Christians have an obligation to care first for our fellow Christians. Just like when you get paid, you take care of the needs of your own household; then as you are able, you might give to others. So it must be the same for the church. Galatians 6:10 says, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Liberal Jesus:
"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. Because I'm a socialist and I took it from you. Thanks!"
GOP Jesus:
"Do unto others as you suspect they might want to do unto you." (Parody of Luke 6:31.)
What Jesus Said:
In Luke 6:30-33, Jesus said, "Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them."
What This is About:
Luke 6:31 is commonly referred to as the golden rule. As I've already mentioned, Christians should care for others, and do so expecting nothing in return. While Christians should be charitable, that does not mean they should become gullible goofs able to be taken advantage of. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus said, "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."
The Bible says not to feed a lazy man. We read in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." This is a command from Christ: "Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living" (v.12). To feed a lazy man who has not earned it is a harm to him, it harms yourself, and it's a waste of resources to help those who actually need it.
Liberal Jesus:
"Do unto others and make everyone else pay for it."
GOP Jesus:
"What has a man profited if he gain the whole world but lose his soul? A lot. He has profited a lot. One soul for the whole world? That is an amazing deal." (Parody of Luke 9:25.)
What Jesus Said:
In Luke 9:23-26, Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
What This is About:
This is what it means to be a Christian. You must die to yourself and live for Christ. It is a daily submission to the Lord, not a once-a-week thing. It's giving your whole life, not merely paying lip-service. We know how to follow Jesus when we follow His word, the Bible. Whoever is ashamed of that word and doesn't do what it says will be judged by Christ on the last day. You could be so rich that you gain the whole world, but that will not save you on judgment day, for you will have lost your very soul forever. Only faith in Christ will save you.
Liberal Jesus:
"What has a man profited if he gain the whole world but lose his soul? About $1,500. Unless it's a late-term abortion, that'll be $3,000. Pay up at the front. Abortions aren't fully funded by tax-payers yet."
GOP Jesus:
"Why do you look at the speck of dust in your brother's eye, but ignore the plank in your own? Because of her e-mails." (Parody of Luke 6:41.)
What Jesus Said:
In Luke 6:39-42, Jesus said, "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck that is in your brother's eye."
What This is About:
Jesus did not tell us not to judge at all. He said not to judge hypocritically. These are instructions about admonishing one another. Notice that He said, "Then you will see clearly take the speck that is in your brother's eye." Yes, we are supposed to judge, but doing so in a right manner to point one another to Christ. Jesus said, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24).
I find it hard to believe that whoever made this video had taken the log out of their own eye before they started judging the specks they perceived in all evangelicals' eyes.
Liberal Jesus:
"Why do you look at the speck of dust in your brother's eye, but ignore the plank in your own? Because getting everyone to believe Trump is a racist distracts from the growing pile of dead babies."
GOP Jesus:
"If a man strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him and shoot him. That is the law." (Parody of Matthew 5:39.)
What Jesus Said:
In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
What This is About:
Exodus 21:22-25 says, "When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman's husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe."
Jesus did not nullify this law. Rather, He upheld it. Judgment in the Sanhedrin had become excessive. People were abusing the laws of retaliation, like the one in Exodus 21, and taking one another to court over lesser issues. Jesus was basically saying not to make a federal case out of everything. The Apostle Paul applied this same principle when he said to the church in Corinth, "Brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?" (1 Corinthians 6:6-7)
If someone were to strike you, of course you shouldn't pull a gun and shoot him. That's an absurd retaliation. This is one of many strawman arguments presented by the makers of this video. Applying Exodus 21:22-25 in a proper way, if a man murders someone, he should get the death penalty, and his sentence should be carried out soon. Permit me to apply Exodus 21:22-25 in an even more direct context: Abortion doctors should get the death penalty.
Liberal Jesus:
"If a man strikes you on the right cheek, it's because you're a white male and therefore deserved it."