It Has Been Said... But I Tell You

Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them...whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Mt. 5:17,19)
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder" ...But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment...anyone who says "You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Mt. 5:21-22)
You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery."  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart. (Mt. 5:27-28)
It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress." (Mt. 5:31-32)
Again, you have heard it was said "Do not break your oath"...But I tell you do not swear at all." (5:33-34)
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. (5:38-39)
You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  (5:44-45)

Thoughts: Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.  Jesus did not stop the Old Testament Law  but built on it.  He went further about stopping hate, stopping adultery, protecting marriage, keeping our word.  Then he went further than justice. Jesus knows that the ultimate justice is from God.  If we humble ourselves the ultimate judge will lift us up.  Turning the other cheek leaves revenge in God's hands.  Loving your enemies and praying for our persecutors does not make us a doormat.  It actually calls God's powerful, just attention to our need.  Jesus does not nullify the Law, but builds on it- going further into the heart of God's purity and love.  Over and over Jesus says, "You have heard it said, but I say."  He is asking us to listen to Him as He enhances what God has already said- making it clearer, stronger, and more meaningful for all time.

Prayer: Lord, give me ears to hear your voice.  Give me the strength to live as you would have me to live.

Listening to Jesus' Voice

1Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them.

He said:

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Thoughts: The teachings of Jesus are stunning and still ring true in our world.  He turns the world upside down by turning what is ultimately valuable upside down.  So the ones blessed are not the rich and comfortable but the poor and those who mourn, the merciful and peacemakers.  Many follow Jesus not because of his miracles or his resurrection, but simply because they agree with his teachings.  However, His divinity and miracles give credence and attention to His teachings.  The power of Jesus is not just in His teaching, but it is certainly in His teaching.  Jesus changed perspectives here.  He encourages His followers to focus not on the temporary but on the eternal.  He talks about those who are persecuted here will be rewarded in heaven.  He also wants us to focus not on human blessing but on God's blessing- which is based on a different value system.  You also see here great emphasis on humility- the meek- the poor in spirit- the mourning.  This sets the pace of New Testament teaching- humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.       Jesus invites us to listen to Him instead of listening to what the world values. Jesus sat down to teach, which encouraged the people to sit down and listen.  We too need to stop, sit down and listen to God's values.  

Prayer: Lord, let me hear your values and put them into practice.