Looking at which scripture passage Jesus emphasis (remember, theHebrewBiblewashisonly Bible) shows he closely understands how to connect the “three steps forward” dots that confirm the God he has met, knows, loves and trust. At the same time, Jesus ignores or openly contradicts the many “two steps backwards” texts. He never quotes the book of Numbers, for example, which is rather ritualistic and legalistic. He never quotes Joshua or Judges which are full of sanctified violence. Basically, Jesus doesn’t quote from his own scriptures when they are punitive, imperialistic or exclusive. In fact, he teaches the opposite.
