For the above title, I reach back across Matthew's more detailed record of the same message where he recalls that Jesus specified the right hand, "If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off" (Matthew 5:30). That might be significant because research indicates the somewhere around 85% of humans are right-hand dominant, and it could mean that Jesus is not just saying that a sinning hand should be excised but that even if it is the dominant hand that sins it must go! Let us think about it, and especially what it means for us.

The Harshness Of Jesus Christ

The words before us bring into balance the syrupy notion of a weak and sweet "Gentle Jesus meek and mild...." Is Jesus Christ gentle? Yes, of course.

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries t…