Text: Matthew 5:17-20
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. During Jesus' sermon to the multitude, He wanted to clarify His position here on earth – why he came. There seem to have been some murmuring regarding His purpose. But we will later find out that His objective was very clear, and that was to die for our sins, therein fulfilling the law. For "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matt 5:18).
"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6:38).
The scribes and Pharisees prided themselves on following the Law. They were more concerned about what they did rather than how they lived. Such legalism sought to gain favor from God, shifting the focus from the internal (a heart for God) to the external (a deed for God). Therein lies the problem! God would rather a heart that yearns for Him, than a million deeds performed in His name. It is truly choosing to have a relationship with God rather than being religious. It is then that working for God becomes a delight.
Many in this world claim they are Christian. Claiming to be Christian is more than going to church and reading a devotional. As with any covenant relationship, intimacy is required. We must create space for God and obey His commandments. "Whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:19). We must also recognize that knowing the Bible is not a prerequisite to having a relationship with God. The Bible is God's encyclopedia for every situation in our life. He uses the Bible as a point of reference for us, so we are acquainted with His ways.
“Intimacy with God is not experienced through monolog prayers
but through reflective listening as well as earnest petitioning.”
―Gary Rohrmayer
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I lay down my religious ways and seek to have a relationship. Show me your ways as I create space in my life for you. Amen!