Universalism
Jesus taught that anybody, Jew or Gentile (non-Jew), could be accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven. He also taught that poor people were as worthy as rich and powerful people, and women were equal to men. Jesus went out of his way to spend time with social outcasts such as tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers.
Chapter 7, 1-10 – Jesus heals a slave belonging to a Roman soldier of important rank, because the soldier, a Gentile, shows humility.
Chapter 10, 25-37 – Jesus tells a parable. A man is robbed, stripped and left for dead on the road. Two Jews, one a priest, pass him by without helping. A Samaritan, from a tribe that was enemies with the Jews, passed and did help the man. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that help may come from unlikely sources. The Good Samaritan was a true neighbour to the man who was robbed.
Chapter 15, 1-2, 11-32 – In this parable, a father forgives his wastrel son. His other son, who has been dutiful, protests. But the father says to the dutiful son ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ This is sometimes known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus is teaching that when a sinner repents, it is a cause for celebration.
Chapter 19, 1-10 – Jesus goes to stay with Zacchaeus, a rich tax collector. Some people think it wrong that Jesus should associate with this sinner. But the man gives away half his wealth and Jesus says, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’ Jesus will offer salvation to anyone willing to repent.
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The Transfiguration
Chapter 9, 28-36 – These verses describe the Transfiguration, when the dead prophets Moses and Elijah appear to the disciples Peter, James and John in the company of Jesus. They hear God’s voice, and he says of Jesus, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’
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