March 4, 2016
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:17-20; Psalm 51:16-17
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. 18For 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. 19Therefore 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. 20For 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.
16You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
Questions for Reflection:
In The Advantage, leadership expert Patrick Lencioni says that there are four disciplines that an organization needs to develop if it is going to be healthy: (1) Build a cohesive leadership team; (2) Create clarity; (3) Overcommunicate clarity; and (4) Reinforce clarity. Jesus models this principle over and over again throughout Scripture. In the passage above, he sets out to make clear that he did not come to do away with God’s revelation through the Old Testament. Rather than abolish the previous teaching, what does Jesus say that he came to do?
The idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets might seem awkward. How does Jesus fulfill the regulations around diet? New Testament scholar Michael Wilkins notes, “Everything that the Old Testament intended to communicate about God’s will and hopes and future for humanity finds its fullest meaning in Jesus.” The goal of the dietary restrictions were to create a people set apart for God. Jesus accomplished that goal through his death and resurrection. When we identify as the church, we make God’s intended purpose come to life here on earth.
In verse 20, Jesus offered a shocking statement to the audience of his day. Who did Jesus say that our righteousness must surpass? How could anyone surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees and scribes? They were the professionals, the ones that the community identified as the very best at being religious. What is Jesus trying to communicate?
Jesus is teaching us that our righteousness is not based upon performance but grace. The Pharisees and religious establishment of the day were really good at acting the part, but their heart and motives were not right. If we’re going to be true followers of Jesus, our righteousness must lead to transformation of the heart born out in our attitude and love for God and others. What did the Psalmist say that God wanted more than sacrifices and burnt offerings? How can you give him that gift today? Does your attitude and motives align with God’s heart? If so, spend time praising God for the new heart He has given you. If not, spend some time in confession and asking God to help you have a spirit that reflects the righteousness He has given you.