According to the tales, Jesus gave up a weekend.

[Zzyzx]

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According to the tales, Jesus gave up a weekend. Whats the big deal?

What is the sacrifice in a supposedly eternal being giving up a weekend being dead?

An 'omnipotent god' (or part thereof, or whatever is claimed) would presumably know that the 'death' was extremely temporary -- just a few hours (less than 48 according to the tale).

[1213]

...And often it's for money, fame or power. Many different reasons. Why should we believe that Luke was any more righteous than any other person trying to promote a religion?

Because there seems to be no earthly benefit for him.

Power. Fame. And who knows how much money he was given by people. Pastors and evangelists these days make a fortune, so it may have been the same back then.

He probably would have been like a celebrity back then, much like Jesus. Travelling around being treated like royalty..

That is almost funny. According to the story Jesus was tortured and killed. And also, many disciples of Jesus were tortured and killed. I believe that, but I understand if you want to believe something else. That is why: the reason why I think the theory of earthly benefits is not correct, is that the teachings are not useful for earthly benefits. There is for example:

"Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matt. 6:19-21

[Tcg]

That is almost funny. According to the story Jesus was tortured and killed. And also, many disciples of Jesus were tortured and killed.

The discussion at hand is addressing Luke, not Jesus, not many disciples.

The Bible does not include any story of Luke being tortured or killed.

If you disagree, please provide the reference from the Bible I have overlooked. If you can't do so , please return to the subject which concerns Luke.


Tcg

[OnceConvinced]

...And often it's for money, fame or power. Many different reasons. Why should we believe that Luke was any more righteous than any other person trying to promote a religion?

Because there seems to be no earthly benefit for him.

Power. Fame. And who knows how much money he was given by people. Pastors and evangelists these days make a fortune, so it may have been the same back then.

He probably would have been like a celebrity back then, much like Jesus. Travelling around being treated like royalty..

That is almost funny. According to the story Jesus was tortured and killed. And also, many disciples of Jesus were tortured and killed.

Which happened at the end of his missionary journey. For years before that he was being welcomed by adoring crowds with palm leaves being dropped at his feet, having jars of alabastar oil poured all over him, living it up with tax collectors. Crowds of adoring fans were around wherever he went.

The very first story of Jesus was about him recieving very expensive gifts from three gullible men. So right from the beginning he was being treated like royalty having gifts showered upon him.

And what were his words when that woman wasted all that alabastar oil by pouring it over him?

This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.

Err no. Jesus didn't say that. The disciples said that. What did Jesus say?

"The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me."

So he actually EXPECTED this lavish treatment!

You don't think he was being treated like a celebrity wherever he went? Before he was targeted for termination by the pharasees?

"Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matt. 6:19-21

Yes. It's the scriptures church leaders and evangelists quote when they're trying to get people to tithe or to give generiously with cash offerings. When they need a new BMW or fancy suit.

I wonder how much money Jesus was given when he told people to give up their wealth? Where did it end up?

I wonder what happened to that gold that Jesus was given as a baby.

But being treated like royalty does not have to mean people giving you money. Who knows just what lavish feasts and opulant accomodations Jesus was given as he travelled around? We know that he was invited to the odd wedding feast and he did get to hang out with wealthy tax collectors, living it up.

The more famous he became the more gifts he would have showered upon him, the more hero worship he would have recieved and the more living it up he would have got to do. It the way it always has been with people like that.

I'm sure Luke... who we were originally talking about (not Jesus), understood full well what he could gain if he followed Jesus's example. Just be careful not to make enemies of the pharasees!

[1213]

"Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matt. 6:19-21

Yes. It's the scriptures church leaders and evangelists quote when they're trying to get people to tithe or to give generiously with cash offerings. When they need a new BMW or fancy suit

What makes you to think it is not also said for the leaders? Also, the whole idea of Christian leaders is problematic, because:

For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi' by men. But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Mat. 23:4-12

I think these kind of teachings work against your claims.

[Zzyzx]

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I think these kind of teachings work against your claims.

Teaching something and doing the opposite is known as hypocrisy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is the contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence, in a general sense, hypocrisy may involve dissimulation, pretense, or a sham.

[Tcg]

What makes you to think it is not also said for the leaders? Also, the whole idea of Christian leaders is problematic, because:

What is even more problematic is that the passage you provided is not about Christian leaders. For some reason you failed to take note of the verses that clarify who Jesus' warning referenced:

• Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
  
  <bolding mine>

This fact defeats your objection.

This passage discusses Christian leaders:

• Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

As this passage clearly teaches, Christ instituted Christian leadership.


Tcg

[1213]

Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

Sorry, that doesnt say disciples of Jesus should reject what Jesus said in Matthew and "...not do what they do...". It is interesting how people try to make the words of Jesus irrelevant.

[marco]

It is interesting how people try to make the words of Jesus irrelevant.

And it is fascinating to see how people make the words of Jesus relevant to whatever belief system they have adopted. The RC Church derives its authority directly from the words of Jesus: "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church." You can't make them more relevant than Rome.

[Tcg]

Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

Sorry, that doesnt say disciples of Jesus should reject what Jesus said in Matthew and "...not do what they do...". It is interesting how people try to make the words of Jesus irrelevant.

This is an odd accusation given that I pointed out the relevance of Jesus' words. I displayed the fact that Jesus was not referring to Christian leaders as you implied.

No need to complicate it. Your implication was shown to be invalid. Attempting to create a straw man doesn't change that fact.


Tcg

[OnceConvinced]

What makes you to think it is not also said for the leaders? Also, the whole idea of Christian leaders is problematic, because:

For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi' by men. But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Mat. 23:4-12

I think these kind of teachings work against your claims.

Talk is cheap. Jesus's actions far outweigh his words. He preached a lot of great stuff but did he practise what he preached?

The evidence is there for you to read in black and white.

Are you saying that Jesus was not lavished with expensive gifts? That he was not invited to feasts and parties by wealthy people? That he was not adored by people and treated like a celebrity?

Just look at the story of the woman who poured very expensive perfume on Jesus. He quite clearly put hmself above the poor. He clearly saw himself as more worthy of lavish attention and gifts.

"The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me."

Are you just going to ignore that?

It's appalling attitude to have, surely?

Should we all take a page out of Jesus's book when gifted with something valuable? "Oh, I'm keeping all the benefits of this for myself, after all, I won't be here for ever, but the poor will be!"

Oh yes, Jesus sure preached a lot of great stuff. Told people to give to the poor. Told people to be humble. But yet still saw himself as more important than anyone else. Still elevated himself up above everyone.

Was Jesus really so humble? This amusing video makes valid points and the last line is hilarious. (if you can handle the bad language)


Double standards are typical amongst religious leaders. Jesus set the standard for double standards.