Matthew 5:17-20 Devotional
Devotional: Fulfilling the Law
The pessimistic Scottish nobles tell Wallace that it is impossible to invade England. Wallace asks, “Why,” and he challenges the nobles to support him. You see, it seemed impossible to them because of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in front of them.
Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20 (CSB)
17 “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
In the Christian faith, we are encouraged to live by God's teachings. In the book of Matthew, Jesus describes what it means to be a true follower of God. Some people might look at what God wants from us and think, "That seems impossible! How can we ever become that kind of person?" The people who heard Jesus preach the Sermon on the Mount probably wondered how Jesus' lessons connect with what they've learned about Moses and the laws that guide them. They also wondered about the laws and traditions of the Pharisees and the Scribes. They probably wondered what Jesus meant when He said that He came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.
In scripture, we observe that Jesus does not reduce the demands of God’s laws; rather, we have been freed from the Law by grace because of Him. He clarifies that we are called to a more excellent, authentically righteous living standard enabled by the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ actions demonstrate how faithful God is to His commitments and how His plan for humanity’s salvation unfolds throughout history. The law has always directed us toward Jesus, emphasizing God’s flawless standards and revealing our need for a Savior.
So, Jesus encourages His followers to pursue goodness that transcends mere rule-following. It involves having a Christ-transformed heart that desires to fulfill God’s desires. Good works and human will cannot realize this type of goodness; it is deeper than the goodness exhibited by strict adherence to rules rather than grasping the true intent behind those rules.
Think about how you approach God's commandments:
1. Are you simply a rule follower, or are you seeking for a deeper, heart-felt obedience that displays God's love and holiness?
2. Consider how you may be inclined to compromise or downplay God's standards in your Christian walk.
3. The Holy Spirit lives within you, ask Him to change your heart and enable you to live authentically with a righteousness that glorifies God not only through actions but also in intentions and desires.
4. Make a commitment to disciple and inspire others in this journey toward genuine righteousness.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the teachings of Jesus and the fulfillment of Your law through Him. Help me to understand the true purpose of Your commandments and to seek, by the power of the Holy Spirit, a heart-level obedience that honors You. Transform my heart and empower me to live in genuine righteousness. Guide me to encourage and teach others in this pursuit as well. May my life be a reflection of Your love and holiness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.