Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:17-19 (HCSB)
Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do so 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.
Today’s Question: Are we still bound to keep the commandments of the Old Testament (the Law)?
Today’s Commentary:
It is amazing what happens when rumors start to fly. People who like to gossip can be quite skillful in their craft. What one speculates as opinion can become absolute truth for the one who hears. Therefore, wisdom demands that followers of Jesus use discernment and do not rush to judgment when news comes in the form of accusations and failures of others.
The early church in Acts was not immune to false accusations. Stephen, one of the first deacons, was accused of denying the Old Testament teachings. Out of the fury of the Jewish leaders, a plan was devised to kill Stephen. “Then they persuaded some men to say, ‘We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God!’ They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; so they came, dragged him off, and took him to the Sanhedrin. They also presented false witnesses who said, ‘This man does not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. For we heard him say that Jesus, this Nazarene, will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.’” (Acts 6:11-14, HCSB)
A few years later, the Apostle Paul would endure a barrage of character attacks. In Acts 21:12-13, we read, “While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack against Paul and brought him to the judge’s bench. ‘This man,’ they said, ‘persuades people to worship God contrary to the law!’” (HCSB) The rumors against Paul were ruthless.
Knowing the hearts and the potential of sinful men, Jesus addressed a concern before they even asked. Jesus has talked about the Kingdom and the attitude of a disciple. But Jesus has not talked about the Law. Most would have expected Him to start there. He has talked about salvation without mention of keeping the Law. Before rumors start to fly, Jesus makes a proactive statement. He came to fulfill the Law, not destroy it.
Jesus knew that soon enough the religious leaders would see that He was in direct opposition to their false teachings. His focus was on the grace of God. Grace did what the Law could not do. The sacrifice of God, through the death of Jesus, provided undeserved mercy and freedom from sin and the penalty of the Law.
So, do we have to keep the Law today? The answer is “yes” and “no.” God gave us moral laws that are applicable for all people, even today. Most of these are also reiterated in the New Testament. These are the laws that Jesus referred to in John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” On the other hand, the Pharisees loved the ceremonial laws prescribed in the Old Testament. They discarded the moral teachings and practiced the rituals and routines of their self-righteous religion. In their minds, they did not need grace –they wanted a pat on the back from Jesus. They were sorely disappointed.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #14: The disciple of Jesus seeks to obey God out of love and gratitude for the wonderful gift of grace, not in an attempt to earn God’s favor.
Today’s Prayer Point: Pray for those who are steeped in a religion that is built on self-righteousness and legalism.
Shepherding Well 