[10] Matt. xi, 4-5.

[11] Mark xvi, 17-18.

[12] John xiv, 12.

[13] John viii, 51.

[14] John xi, 26.

[15] John xi, 6.

[16] Matt. x, 29-31.

[17] Matt. xviii, 19.

[18] Matt. xxi, 21-22.

[19] Mark xi, 24.

[20] Matt. xvii, 20.

OBSCURE TEACHINGS

Many of the sayings of Jesus lacked clarity. Various interpretations
have been put upon them by scholars of distinction. No one is sure what
was meant.

According to the gospels, Jesus was descended from David, but Jesus
mystified his hearers on this descent, saying: "If David then call him
Lord, how is he his son?"[1]

_Witnesses and Judge_

On the subject of witnesses there is great confusion. "If I bear witness
of myself, my witness is not true."[2] "Though I bear record of myself,
yet my record is true."[3] "It is also written in your law, that the
testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and
the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."[4] "I and my Father are
one."[5] "My Father is greater than I."[6]

This and the following instruction regarding judicial procedure are far
from clear. Jesus acknowledged the principle of law requiring more than
one witness but said that in his case the only other witness necessary
was his Father, although he and his Father were one.

Jesus is supposed to be the judge of the world, but his statement of the
case leaves the issue ambiguous. "For the Father judgeth no man, but
hath committed all judgment unto the Son."[7] "I judge no man. And yet
if I judge, my judgment is true."[8] "And if any man hear my words, and
believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to
save the world."[9] "For judgment I am come into this world, that they
which see not might see; and that they which see might be made
blind."[10]

The quality of reasoning employed in these instances has naturally led
to theological quibbling. If Jesus can argue in that fashion, so can his
followers, at the expense of intellectual honesty.

_Cannibalism_

The Jews could not understand what Jesus meant when he said: "Except ye
eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in
you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal
life."[11]

_Religion Only for Children_

Nor are these sayings clear: "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and
hast revealed them unto babes."[12]