Posted on 04/05/2022 4:43:22 PM PDT by metmom
“‘Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 5:19).
People resent prohibitions and demands on their behavior. Even believers, out of ignorance, misunderstanding, or blatant disregard, sometimes want to water down God’s standards. But when anyone “annuls” (breaks, sets loose) any part of God’s Word, he or she is not following Christ’s example.
Jesus did acknowledge that not all of God’s commands are of equal importance. He told a pharisaical lawyer that one divine commandment is above all others and that another is second (Matt. 22:37–39). Thus all the other commandments fall somewhere below those two and vary in significance.
Our Lord’s point here in the sermon, however, is that we must not annul—by ignoring, modifying, or disobeying—even the smallest aspect of God’s law. Some commands might be greater than others, but none should be disregarded. Paul did not pick and choose what he would teach. He did emphasize some issues more than others, but he omitted nothing (Acts 20:27). And we certainly must not teach others to disregard or disobey any portion of the law. To do so shows that our disobedience is conscious and intentional.
Jesus does not restrict His warning to formal teachers. By example, every Christian teaches those around him to be more obedient or more disobedient. Our words of respect for God’s Word present a guide for others. To speak disparagingly of the Word or to ignore its requirements presents testimony to others of the law’s unimportance to us. This ought to be the furthest thing from our agenda.
Ask Yourself
On what subject matters do you find yourself most tempted to comment, “I know what the Bible says, but . . .”?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Jesus did acknowledge that not all of God’s commands are of equal importance. He told a pharisaical lawyer that one divine commandment is above all others and that another is second (Matt. 22:37–39). Thus all the other commandments fall somewhere below those two and vary in significance. …That is not what those verses say at all. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18 are essentially reiterations of the Ten Commandments, thus further embellishing the equal importance, if Matthew 5:19 (first alluded to here) did not make that clear at first.
What I find interesting about this passage is how it contrasts with others in the same message. Christ mentioned a few things that brought with them the danger of Hell fire. Yet here, the consequence is becoming the least in God’s kingdom. Least is better than absent. I’m glad that salvation does not depend on our perfectly keeping the Law. Christ is the only one who ever did.
Phil is going to be happy in his world over THIS one!
That’s why we can’t stand before God depending on our works, but rather need the righteous works of Christ credited to our account.
We are then accepted by God and Jesus’ works are imputed to us so God can relate to us as if we are as righteous as Christ Himself.
Colossians 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
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