How did Jesus treat unbelievers?

[nebula]

This question could be two-part:

How did Jesus treat those who did not believe in God (the God of Israel) period?

How did Jesus treat those who did not believe in Him?

[~candice~]

Great question Neb! I'm looking forward to reading the responses.

I think (and at the moment I would struggle to back this up biblically) that Jesus looked at the source of their disbelief in Him. Was it rebellion, was it pride, or had they just not heard yet?

I'm also very interested in studying how Jesus dealt with people who were wrong (in terms of their theology) but I think that merits it's own thread...

[wyguy]

This question could be two-part:

How did Jesus treat those who did not believe in God (the God of Israel) period?

How did Jesus treat those who did not believe in Him?

All unbelievers are under God's wrath and are storing up greater wrath day by day. The reason? God is perfect justice, and mankind are lawbreakers.

BUT - the Judge of the Universe if full of mercy and desires for none to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Jesus came to display his mercy toward mankind - and that includes unbelievers - but ONLY if they repent and place their faith in Him alone for salvation.

[nebula]

OK . . . so can nobody actually point to the Gospels and present how Jesus treated unbelievers?

Please give specifics and examples.

[Blien]

This question could be two-part:

How did Jesus treat those who did not believe in God (the God of Israel) period?

How did Jesus treat those who did not believe in Him?

Here's how...

Matthew 543-47

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"

[Ahva]

Without looking I ran it thru my mind.But at first couldn't think of anyone.Even the Samaritan woman believed in God.But the roman commander? I don't know that he didn't believe.But I could make an assumtion.Even tho romans adopted others cultures gods.And because (believing for the moment he didn't believe in YHVH) Because of his belief, just as he could command and others would do.He believed this same power was given to Jesus.(which rounds back to did he believe?) And Jesus was quick to say good about him. Now I'll go look up everything I can find Blessings and thnx for the think

I just thought of something as I hit send...Something I heard this week yet not quite sure where.When the story of the seeds,it is the sower that seed simple falls from his sack.I see God always in someway giveing grace.Wanting them.Even tho no seed can grow on rock...still it falls.He is Love.Wanting all.

Edited February 23, 2010 by Ahva

[nebula]

Thanks, Gator.

But I have some questions.

Here is Jesus showing compassion and understanding:

Matt 9:10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Luke 5:12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.

OK, how was Jesus showing compassion and understanding to the unbelievers here? I know he was showing compassion to the leper, but how was he showing compassion to the unbelievers?

Here He is being stern:

Luke 18:22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Luke 9:59 He said to another man, "Follow me."

But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."

60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."

62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

OK - but were these men unbelievers?

Here He is showing love and wisdom:

John8:9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

11"No one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Was she an unbeliever?

Oh, and here He is speaking to what may have been his closest friend:

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Peter an unbeliever????

[nebula]

Without looking I ran it thru my mind.But at first couldn't think of anyone.Even the Samaritan woman believed in God.But the roman commander? I don't know that he didn't believe.But I could make an assumtion.Even tho romans adopted others cultures gods.And because (believing for the moment he didn't believe in YHVH) Because of his belief, just as he could command and others would do.He believed this same power was given to Jesus.(which rounds back to did he believe?) And Jesus was quick to say good about him. Now I'll go look up everything I can find Blessings and thnx for the think

Ah, but here is the thing -

When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, she believed.

And the Roman commander showed evidence of believing in Him - whether He had the knowledge of who Jesus was or not as Messiah and Son of God. He certainly wasn't filled with unbelief!

[nebula]

OK, maybe I need to clarify what I mean by "unbeliever"?

An "unbeliever" is someone who rejects Jesus.

An "unbeliever" is someone who does not seek Jesus.

An "unbeliever" is someone who mocks Jesus.

An "unbeliever" is someone who would stone Jesus for what He said about Himself.

An "unbeliever' is someone who questions His authority.

An "unbeliever" is someone who tells Jesus to go away.

An "unbeliever" is someone who despises Jesus.

An "unbeliever" is someone who plots to kill Him.

An "unbeliever" is someone who claims Jesus is just a man.

An "unbeliever" is someone who does not have nor expresses faith in Him.

So, how did Jesus treat these people, those who did not believe in Him nor the power of God?

[e lansing]

This question could be two-part:

How did Jesus treat those who did not believe in God (the God of Israel) period?

How did Jesus treat those who did not believe in Him?

Matthew 8:28-34 Story anout the two demon possessed man who apparently did know Jesus. The demons did and beg Jesus to send them into the swine and He did.

What about how Jesus made these fishermen his disciples. They had no faith in Jesus until Jesus engage them and He made them His disciples. Woman at the well who was a Samaritan. Story of Nicodemus. Pauls conversion. Doubting Thomas. Judas. The soldier that got his ear cut off!

Im not 100% sure what you are getting at, however, it appears that Jesus was compasionate to the unbeliever and was harsh to those who claim to know God and did not live accordingly. Hypocrites.