Hey, look who's in line ahead of us!

Jesus between policemen and a prostitute. Photo from David LaChapelle > via All Things in Christ >

Interesting picture. Quite a different impact when cast in a modern setting. But is our response any different today than it was 2,000 years ago? I doubt it. Jesus is as controversial now as he was then.

Great literature will teach you something new every time you read it.  I learn from Truman Capote in this way, on nearly every page, but repeated readings and hearings have dulled my appreciation of the bible. This verse raised some questions for me, perhaps because of the translation:

"Which of the two sons did what the father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: Tax collectors and prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.(Matthew 21:31. GOD'S WORD® Translation)

The parable is about saying you'll do one thing and doing another. Hyperbole? Perhaps. "You're so rotten, I'd let tax collectors and prostitutes in before I'd let you in" (ie, "you're not getting in"); or maybe it's more like this: "You'd better straighten out, even the biggest sinners are in line ahead of you."

Is the line into heaven real in some sense? Is there an order based on grace, works, repentance, accountability, intentions?

We (I'm a former Baptist) were taught as children that we receive real crowns with real jewels in Heaven based on our earthly behavior. The distinction between this and a gospel of works is that Baptists believe everyone in heaven is "saved" and the crown represents what kind of  Christian you were in life, while other traditions will say those works are tallied before you get to heaven and can impact if you get in or not.

More later.

[2014-09-30]

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