DEVOTIONAL
This weeks scripture is from the Sermon on the Mount. In this section of scripture Matthew 5-7 Jesus “preaches” one of the most amazing sermons every offered. His words are comforting, controversial, helpful, and troubling by the reaction of the crowd who heard them; “28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Mt. 7:28-29).”
Let’s read this week’s portion of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:13-20 NIV
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus is addressing all disciples – those he had just called in the previous chapter and those who had come out to hear his teaching for the first time. Jesus is addressing all disciples – those committed and those considering. Salt is only salty if it is pure – not contaminated or tainted or diluted. Salt cannot restore its lost saltiness on its own. Restoration requires intervention and cleansing is change.
Light has a purpose – to shine so everyone can see. The light makes moving and operating in the world easier and better for all. No one hides a helpful light – that would be harmful and foolish. Disciples must have an effect as salt has an effect on food and aids in healing wounds. Disciples are only effective as they are pure and righteous. That purity and righteousness comes as grace from Jesus. Disciples are to let their light shine so others can see our good deeds and glorify God – not us. It is never about the disciple’s good deeds or glory. Disciples follow the call of Jesus, and all glory is for God. A disciple’s good deeds might be painful or hard or demanding personally, but they always glorify God.
Jesus’ teaching are the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. Jesus is not cancelling the Law and Prophets, rather he is calling us to exceed them. We need the LAW and the PROPHETS to live together, for identity, for order and responsibility just as we need civil law to live together.
Without civil law our society would be chaos. Laws are not perfect, but they do guide, instruct, and order our lives. Jesus does not cancel the Law and Prophets or grant exceptions to the Law and Prophets. Jesus calls us to exceed them. “20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 6:20). The GRACE, JUDGEMENT and LOVE of Jesus are the fulfillment of the LAW and PROPHETS, not in conflict or to cancel them. It is by FAITH in Jesus that his followers receive righteousness, not righteousness in rules. FAITH demands relationship, intimate attention, focused intention, and results in a changed heart. Jesus becomes the central relationship. Prayer in our language of attention. Mercy and service fill our intentions. Our hearts are changed as we realize a dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. This is how Jesus’ teaching fulfils the Law and Prophets and our righteousness will exceed the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.
Be amazed, be blessed at teachings of Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
