Summary:
The Fulfillment of the Law
Verses 17-20
Christ came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, not abolish them. The Law stands until everything is accomplished and heaven and earth disappear. Anyone who breaks even the least of the commandments and leads others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. Those that follow the Law and teach it will be called great. Your righteousness must surpass those of the Pharisees and teachers of the law to enter heaven.
1. Murder
Verses 21-26
Old Saying: Do not murder or you will be subject to judgment. Anyone that says, 'Raca' (a term of contempt), to their brother is subject to the Sanhedrin (the supreme court).
Christ's Saying: Anyone angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Anyone that says, 'You fool!', will be in danger of the fire of hell.
If you're about to make an offering and remember that your brother has something against you, leave the gift, be reconciled with your brother, then make your offering. Settle all matters quickly with others, before they take you to court. Otherwise, you will be handed over to the judge, then to an officer, and then thrown into prison. You will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
2. Adultery
Verses 27-30
Old Saying: Do not commit adultery.
Christ's Saying: Anyone that looks lustfully at a woman has committed adultery in their heart. If any part of your body causes you to sin, cut it off, so your whole body won't be thrown into hell.
3. Divorce
Verses 31-32
Old Saying: Give your wife a certificate of divorce.
Christ's Saying: Divorce for anything other than marital unfaithfulness makes the divorcee an adulteress. Anyone that marries her then commits adultery.
4. Oaths
Verses 33-37
Old Saying: Keep the oaths you've made to the Lord.
Christ's Saying: Don't swear at all - not by heaven, because it is God's throne; not by earth, because it is God's footstool; not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King; and not by your own head, because you can't even affect your hair color. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Anything else comes from the evil one.
5. An Eye for an Eye
Verses 38-42
Old Saying: An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
Christ's Saying: Do not resist an evil person. Turn the other cheek if he hits you. Give your cloak as well if he takes your tunic. Go another mile if he forces you to go one mile. Give to those who ask; don't turn away those that wish to borrow.
6. Love for Enemies
Verses 43-48
Old Saying: Love your neighbor; hate your enemy.
Christ's Saying: Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you, so you may be sons of your heavenly Father. He gives sunshine and rain to the good and the evil.
If you only love those that love you, what reward will you receive? Even tax collectors do this. If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Even pagans do this.
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Verse 48)
Lori's Thoughts:
Jesus said that our righteousness must be greater than that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. These people followed the Israelite rituals to a tee. But, there was no connection to God. They put their trust in humans, believing that they were saved by what they did.
Jesus came to revolutionize our way of thinking. No human can be saved of their own accord. God is the only One who saves, through Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. When we accept that, then the Holy Spirit comes to guide us through our works. We are more righteous than the Pharisees and the lawmakers, because God is in our equation, and we stand right with Him.
Here is what the law looked like once Jesus added a relationship with Him to it:
1. Do not murder -> Also, do not hate or reject people. Murder through negligence is still murder. Christ taught us to love everyone. We may not like everyone, but if we are His and they are hurting, we will be moved to do something about it!
2. Do not commit adultery -> Lusting in your heart is still adultery. Marriage is meant to be sacred. Adam and Eve together were the image of God. If God is perfect, then the union of a husband and wife should resemble perfection. Look at any form of media and you'll see how the devil works diligently to destroy this symbol of God. With the Holy Spirit, we can be faithful in our hearts and minds.
3. If you get divorced, make it official with a certificate -> The only legitimate reason for a divorce is if your spouse commits adultery. Any other reason sets up the divorcee to commit adultery in their next relationship. Did I mention that marriage is meant to be sacred?
4. If you make a vow in God's name, keep it -> Don't make vows at all. Tell the truth always. People will know you as honest, so you won't have to swear at all. Once again, let the Holy Spirit guide you.
5. Get even -> Put out fires by being generous. Give more than what is demanded. Don't you think that the person with the grudge against you will be humbled and avoid further arguments if you are gracious to them? Think about it! God wants us to use our hearts and heads!
6. Love your friends and hate your enemies -> Love everyone! Can you imagine how many suicides, homicides, Columbines, Virginia Techs, etc. could be prevented if everyone practices this?! The world would be a bit less broken than it is now. It starts with you.
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
This isn't that different than what humans do naturally. We want that promotion, that graduate program, that MVP or captain spot. We want to be the Olympic gold medalist or president of the United States. We strive for excellence and perfection. But, we will lose unless God is first!
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