Slices
Prepare
‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts’ (Jeremiah 31:33). Pray that God’s Word will be written on your heart.
Bible passage
The fulfilment of the law
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. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practises and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Murder
21 ‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, “Raca,” is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 ‘Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 ‘Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Explore
Change is challenging! Jewish followers of Jesus would have found his words difficult. But he wasn’t saying the old laws were wrong; rather he was explaining God’s Law more fully. Jesus’ whole life was fulfilment of the Law (v 17).
Then there was a surprise. The religious leaders – the Pharisees and teachers of the Law – were singled out for criticism (v 20). They were obsessed with their knowledge of the written laws of God. For them, their authority and status were founded on this head knowledge. But, Jesus explained, this kind of ‘being right’ didn’t give them free entrance into heaven (v 20). God wanted his Law to be in their hearts and lived out (v 19) – that’s greatness in God’s kingdom. With Jesus’ coming, there were new ways of living by God’s Law.
Jesus gave the example of murder. Of course, his listeners knew that murder was wrong, but Jesus took it further, applying it to their everyday lives. Who hasn’t been angry with or inwardly cursed someone else? God has high standards. Before we can truly worship him, such things need to be put right (vs 23–25). As Paul writes, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). Thank God for Jesus!
Respond
Ask God to forgive you and change you. Ask him to write his Word on your heart.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 28,29; Psalms 7,8
Pray for Scripture Union
Give thanks for those who have faithfully served God through Scripture Union in the past and who enjoy fellowship through the Scripture Union Retirees Network. Some have gone to be with the Lord in recent months – pray for those who grieve.
