7.   Gold Nuggets

The gospel of Matthew is not an honest biography of Jesus, but it does contain some "gold nuggets" which can be assumed to reflect Jesus' warnings, views on the afterlife and the ethical code observed in the kingdom of heaven.

The following selection may not be exhaustive.

• Anyone who says to his brother, "Raca," is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, "You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell (Matthew 5:22).


• So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).


• Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13-14).


• Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but they are ferocious wolves inwardly. You will recognize them by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-16).


• Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Then I will tell them plainly, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:21-23).


• The Parable of The Sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23).


• The Parable of The Tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).


• Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him "unclean," but what comes out of his mouth is what makes him "unclean" (Matthew 15:10-11). Note: Jesus' derogation of kosher diet regulations accords with his equally liberal attitude toward the Sabbath rest.


• If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18:6).


• The Parable of The Wicked Servant (Matthew 18:23-35).


• The Parable of "The Last Will Be First, And The First Will Be Last" (Matthew 20:1-16).


• The Parable of The Sheep And The Goats (Matthew 25:31-46).


• The spirit is willing, but the body is weak (Matthew 26:41).