Matthew 5:17-18
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Matthew 5:17-18
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Devotional
Jesus very quickly in his Sermon on the Mount addresses a possible misconception. Has he come to upturn the traditions of Israel and start over? In no way, Jesus has come to fulfil the requirements of the law in every way. While the teachers of the law, the scribes and pharisees were known to make much of acting properly on the outside with their 613 laws for righteous behaviour, Jesus points out that all is not well with them on the inside.
God’s law refers to the first five books of the Old Testament and more specifically the ten commandments and the second telling of the commandments in Deuteronomy. The law is both beautiful and worthy to meditate on day and night and also, as Romans seven tells us, it is a tool of execution—in that it shows up human failing in light of God’s perfect standards.
Jesus hasn’t come to abolish the Old Testament teachings, he has come to fulfil them, and that’s what he did. He lived the perfect life and was then able to offer his life as a perfect sacrifice in our place.
Question to consider
How is the law of the Lord both beautiful and a tool of execution? What does the law teach us about our need for a saviour?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the beautiful gift of your Word. It shines like a light house on a headland, for all who would heed it’s warnings and welcome. Help me Lord God to fear the power of your word with reverential awe and by your grace come under it in joy filled obedience. Your law clearly shows me why I need a saviour, thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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