Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 149

Ethics of the New Testament: Living in the Upside-Down Kingdom of God Dr. Don L. Davis

True Myth and Biblical Fairy Tale: The Principle of Reversal

The Principle Expressed

Scripture

The poor shall become rich, and the rich shall become poor

Luke 6:20-26

The law breaker and the undeserving are saved

Matthew 21:31-32

Those who humble themselves shall be exalted

1 Peter 5:5-6

Those who exalt themselves shall be brought low

Luke 18:14

The blind shall be given sight

John 9:39

Those claiming to see shall be made blind

John 9:40-41

We become free by being Christ’s slave

Romans 12:1-2

God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise

1 Corinthians 1:27

God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong

1 Corinthians 1:27

God has chosen the low and despised to bring to nothing things that are

1 Corinthians 1:28

We gain the next world by losing this one

1 Timothy 6:7

Love this life and you’ll lose it; hate this life, and you’ll keep the next

John 12:25

You become the greatest by being the servant of all

Matthew 10:42-45

Store up treasures here, you forfeit heaven’s reward

Matthew 6:19

Store up treasures above, you gain heaven’s wealth

Matthew 6:20

Accept your own death to yourself in order to live fully

John 12:24

Release all earthly reputation to gain heaven’s favor

Philippians 3:3-7

The first shall be last, and the last shall become first

Mark 9:35

The grace of Jesus is perfected in your weakness, not your strength

2 Corinthians 12:9

God’s highest sacrifice is contrition and brokenness

Psalm 51:17

It is better to give to others than to receive from them

Acts 20:35

Give away all you have in order to receive God’s best

Luke 6:38