Domesticated Weeds

Jesus addressed murder and adultery in one portion of the Sermon on the Mount. Society recognizes these things as bad; society concurs with a higher ethic in these things, though it cannot grasp the logic. But society does not accept His teaching on rights.

Human society is based on rights, justice, and ownership. However poorly this is implemented, these things are a basis of civilization. But Jesus taught what society cannot accept.

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who want to borrow from you." Matthew 5:38-42

Human society cannot implement these ethics; it would not even want to. What Jesus teaches in this would produce chaos in the world. Society could not function without rights, justice, and ownership.

But Jesus is addressing a significant issue in the heart. Our selfishness is a tare; it is a more domesticated weed than murder or adultery, but it has still been sown by the evil one. This more than the others looks like wheat; it looks right. But every tare looks right in some way. A domesticated weed is still a weed in the kingdom of God.

Jesus gives us a path that denies a place for selfishness to grow, and hide the kingdom. But this path looks risky; and it is. The kingdom of God can only be purchased at the cost of all that we possess, and only at that cost.

What Jesus teaches is difficult only if the cost is too great. The kingdom is costly.