How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [...] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (NRSV 5:3-10)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [...] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (KJV 5:3-10)
A verbal contract promising the kingdom of heaven? Not bad. Does Jesus ever explain why the poor and the persecuted get the goods?
Quote #2
"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (NRSV 5:19)
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (KJV 5:19)
Sounds easy enough. Just do what Jesus says and get a VIP pass into heaven, right? But wait. What about those rich people who have to get a camel through the eye of a needle first?
Quote #3
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." (NRSV 7:21)
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (KJV 7:21)
You've got to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. This reminds us of a couple other things from Matthew: (1) The parable of the two sons. Check it out in 21:28-32. (2) All the talk of hypocrisy—you can't say one thing and do the other.