REACHING HEAVEN
Opening Prayer
God, open my heart to understand Your life-giving message today.
Read 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 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 practices 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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
One key to the sermon is Jesus’ approach to the Law and the prophets. He doesn’t oppose the Law; he fulfills it.How is Old Testament Law related to Christian life today? It’s a challenging topic that goes well beyond our space here. Yet it’s clear enough that Jesus supported the Law and refused to be seen as a critic. His purpose, in fact, was to fulfill the Law, not to abolish it.
But that doesn’t remove the tension the Law raises. While Jesus could fulfill the Law, he warned us not to follow “teachers of the Law” (20) who don’t keep it themselves. In fact, if we hope to gain heaven we will need to surpass their failed approach.
The way Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven is intriguing: can you follow him? Some in the kingdom will be “least” and others “great” depending on how they regard the Law. But the approach to the Law offered by Jesus’ religious oppo-nents will not achieve heaven. Why not? Jesus himself was sinless—fulfilling the Law. Without him we would all be helpless and hopeless, and with him we find rest.
Apply
Are you trusting yourself, or Jesus? Are there still areas of your life you are trusting in your own goodness or actions to win God’s favor? Trust yourself to his grace again today.
Closing prayer
Jesus, You are my salvation; I trust in Your saving grace alone to make me right with the Father. Thank You for Your sacrifice.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.