Matthew 5:17-20
[17] “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. [19] Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [20] For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Head: What does Jesus say about how applicable the Word of God is to us for all time. (v.18)
Heart: Are you sometimes tempted to embrace only some parts of God's Word and not others?
Hands: How can you grow to know God's Word more and obey it more?
The term "Law and Prophets" was used to describe the Bible to ancient Christians. It is the Old Testament that we have today. Jesus wanted them to take all the commandments of God seriously, and to make sure that they were interpreting and applying God's Word correctly.
Being a Christian means that we take God's Word seriously and take all of God's ways seriously. What Jesus did was that He fulfilled all the requirements of God's commands and to all who believe in Him, He gives us the full credit as if we also have fulfilled them. So now, in Christ, we do not focus on obeying these laws to gain more of God's favor. Rather, because we have been shown His favor through Christ's fulfillment of the Law, we now make every effort to make it more evident in our hearts and lives.
Just like Jesus did to the disciples back then, He will help us to gain a clearer and deeper understanding of God's Word and His ways. So keep seeking God in the Word and in prayer, that He may transform your mind with the Word, shape your heart with the Word, and empower your life with the Word.
>> Go to YG Seniors Devotions Main Page
Devotional Guide:
1) Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2) Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3) Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4) Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.