Devotion:
Read Matthew 5:17-20.
From here to the end of this chapter is a series of teachings by Jesus that begin with “You have heard it said….but I say to you….” In far too many cases, people were interpreting the rules and living their lives in ways that were technically “by the letter of the law” but they had lost an understanding of the spirit of those rules. Both then and today, it is easy for us to be satisfied with what we have not done, to compare ourselves to the sins of others and say “At least I haven’t done that!” The Pharisees were a group of leaders who were devoted to the Law and tried to live their lives with meticulous adherence to it. But Jesus makes it clear that their approach comes up way short of them even being part of the kingdom of heaven.
Apparently, Jesus himself was being accused of not living by the law, such that he sees the need to make it clear that he has no intention of doing away with it, but wants to take their understanding of it to a whole new level. Don’t be satisfied with what you have not done. Focus on what you can do to make a difference in the lives of others, to change the injustice of the way people are treated, to build relationships with those who do not know Jesus in their life so that you can help them get there.
Sure, a lot of people can say “I haven’t broken any laws.” But what HAVE you done to make a difference?
Personal Worship Option:
Focus on one thing you can do each week to make a difference in the life of someone else, so that they begin or grow in their relationship to Christ.
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