Matthew Chapter 5 was used this past Sunday for the message and as I was looking at the chapter I noticed some things.
The version I happened to be looking at was CSB, the Christian Standard Bible.
My first thought; Jesus came to "step up the game"
to raise the status quo.
He said that the law was important but that what was in people hearts, what drives them, is more important
📖 17 “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
The next thing I noticed was the headings;
Murder Begins in the Heart
Verses 21-26
Adultery Begins in the Heart
Verses 27-30
Go the Second Mile
Verses 38-42
Love Your Enemies
Verses 43-48
In each section Jesus begins by saying "You have heard..." , in other words "what you have been taught concerning the law in regards to..."
He follows with "But I tell you..."
He did not contradict the law, He pushed it to a new level, one that would make many uncomfortable.
As He stated;
📖 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same?
He expected followers to do better, to do more, than everyone else. He expected all things be done in love and some people could not get past differences in class, heritage, or position.
He expected/expects for us to...
📖 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
He said as our "Father is"...not "as I am"..because everything He did pointed to His Father, represented the Father. He modeled His father and we are to do the same.
🙏🏼Lord, we thank you for Your Word, that we have a model to follow. I pray You give us Your insight, Your grace and mercy as we represent our Father in all we do. I pray You challenge us to "up our game" as we serve You and love in Your name!♥️