"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20
Do not think – Jesus knows what many of them are thinking – so, He’s cautioning them not to think that way. They had seen Him violate the Sabbath. They had seen Him hang out with sinners. They had seen Him stand up to and rebuke the Scribes and Pharisees. The Scribes were the writers of the Law. The Pharisees taught the people what it meant. They had not been taught to mourn over their sin or to display meekness. They had not been taught that mere man could be light. The religious leaders did their deeds to be seen of men, for the praise of men – certainly not for God’s glory. Was Jesus abolishing the law and the prophets – the teachings and predictions about Him by Moses and the prophets?
Because Jesus had so disregarded the man-made rules of the day, that they had attached to the law of Moses, the people thought that He was against the law. You see, Jesus didn’t sound like the Pharisees, and He didn’t sound like the scribes. It had been over 400 years since a prophet had spoken. So they really didn’t know what a prophet “sounded” like. He didn’t echo the prevailing theology of the day. He kept putting emphasis on inward morality. They had not been taught that. It would be natural to wonder whether He was really of God or not; whether His teachings were of God or not.
Sadly, too many are making that same determination today – comparing the teachings of Jesus with current thinking – and then rejecting it because it doesn’t comply. Too many are saying, “Times have changed, the Bible doesn’t fit anymore.” When the truth is – the way that things are today don’t fit the Bible anymore. It’s today that is wrong, not the Bible. Jesus is telling them much the same – it’s the teachings of today that are wrong, not the true law of God.
Jesus was in total agreement with their father, David, who wrote in Psalm 119:97 I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. After all - Jesus wrote it!
Psalm 19:7-11 "The law of the LORD is prefect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward."
ReplyDeleteHis Word says it all...
Amy
I love His Word. I thank God for His truth, it doesn't change. It is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I am thankful that He has given it to us along with His Spirit to discern it. His word is reliable, perfect and all we need. I love how Dale says not to let him (or anyone else) get away with saying something that is not in line with the Bible. Everything we hear, read, come across should be held up to His word to see if it holds true or not. I love those times when I hear or read something and the Holy Spirit gives me a little warning, like something just isn't right here, and when I go to His Word, He shows me and I rejoice that I have been given the truth. May we not be deceived but always go to Him, He is faithful to reveal it to us. Sally
ReplyDelete"But Whoever does and teaches them, (she) shall be called great in the kingdom of God"
ReplyDeleteWe can't just hear His Word and expect change; His Word needs to be applied in our lives; Jesus fits us into Him -and not the other way around. He came so we could have and abundant life -right now and not when 'circumstances' get better. May we like Peter also cry out "Lord, to whom shall we go?; You have the words of eternal life."
It is the consistency, the purity, the faithfulness of God's Word that we cling to when things seem topsy-turvy. It is HIS faithfulness to His Word that continues to give us hope, and a future. While this world and it's morals are ever changing and flighty, where right is becoming more and more wrong and wrong is simply called "freedom," God's word stands as a rock and a fortress.
ReplyDeleteWe are kept from the buffeting of the world when we hide ourselves in the Law of liberty.