Living Through The Cross

"The Importance of the Law"

February 27, 2008

Please read: Matthew 5:17-19
“Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I say to you till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-19 (RSV)

These verses are a part of Christ’s magnificent Sermon on the Mount -- a sermon that sounds the keynote of a new age which Jesus came to introduce. He talks about the law (v 17ff). He wanted to assure his listeners that he was not speaking against the laws of the prophets of Jewish scripture but rather his purpose was to further a true understanding of the law or teachings of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets. Truly, Christ did not come to destroy the Law of Moses or the teachings of the prophets, but to bring about what they said. In our daily lives, it can be a real challenge to follow the laws of the prophets. It’s awfully tempting to “relax” a commandment or two. Aren’t we lucky; we have Christ as our teacher and forgiver! Anytime is a good time to read the Sermon on the Mount, but it’s especially meaningful during the Lenten season as we give thanks to God for the teachings, the passion, the reconciliation of Christ.

Prayer: Dear God, sometimes we find it so difficult to keep your laws. Thank you for forgiving us through the gift of Christ. May the power of your holy spirit strengthen and renew us during this time of prayer and remembrance. Amen

Conrad Duprez - First Christian, Chickasha

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