Jesus and the Law

The Ten Commandments at Christian Ministries Church, Hot Springs, Arkansas

A young lawyer came to Jesus and asked Him, “Teacher, which is the greatest command in the Law?”

Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:36-39).

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus asked His followers, “Do you think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, 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” (Matthew 5:17-18).

THINK ABOUT IT

It is impossible for us to keep the law on our own strength or ability. If we fail in one small point, we fail. Jesus was the only man to live perfectly within the law, and He knew we would fall short. He promised to help us through the Holy Spirit, the Counselor and Comforter. The key to receiving the Holy Spirit is to love God. Jesus said, “If you love me you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

PRAY ABOUT IT

Heavenly Father I love you with all my heart, and I want to live my life pleasing to you. Please empower your Holy Spirit to work in me to accomplish all you have planned for me to do. Teach me to be more like Jesus. In His great name, I pray, Amen.

Justice and Mercy

Photo by JJ Jordan on Pexels.com

Has anyone ever hurt you or done something wrong to you? Our first reaction might be to get even, but Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:38-39).

This seems upside down to today’s world, doesn’t it? Yet Jesus wants us to respond in love instead of reacting to situations. He does not want us to retaliate to the wrongs done to us. He said, “Pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44). Have you tried to stay angry with someone you pray for? It’s nearly impossible.

Jesus goes on to say, “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” This is as hard for me as not retaliating, but Jesus doesn’t want us to be tied to our personal belongings. He is ready and willing to provide for all our needs. So if someone asks us for something, when it is possible, we should be willing to help. And if someone wants us to walk with them a mile, we should be willing to walk even further.

THINK ABOUT IT

God freely gave to us. What does He expect in return? “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

PRAY ABOUT IT

Lord Jesus, these are hard lessons. When someone hurts us, we want to strike back. Forgive us and change our hearts that we would have a new attitude toward others. Help us to hold our things lightly so when someone needs what we have, we can offer it to them without reluctance. In your precious name we pray, Amen.

Salt and Light

Photo by Sebastian Voortman on Pexels.com

Jesus said, “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 by men” (Matthew 5:13).

Salt has more than one physical property. It makes food taste better, and it preserves food. It is used in meat, canned or frozen food to make it last longer. Salt also has healing properties. Do you crave salt when you are sick? I do. That’s because of its healing quality.

Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world . . . let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise you’re Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). We shine the light of God’s word, the good news of His forgiveness and salvation, when we reach out to those in need. Do you know someone who is hungry or thirsty or lonely? Be willing to give to those in need. Be a friend to the lonely.

THINK ABOUT IT

By not blending in with our surroundings, we can be salt and light in a dark and dying world. As seasoning brings out the best flavor in our food, we can have a positive affect on others by showing compassion as Jesus shows compassion.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Lord Jesus, teach us how to be salt and light in the world we live in. Empower us to do more than we imagine. In your name we pray, Amen.