Disciples Respect God’s Commands

Matthew 5:17

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.
~Jesus

When it comes to games, some people learn the rules, not simply to play properly, but to use them to their advantage. Others ignore rules, viewing them as suggestions or killjoys. Their cry is “rules are meant to be broken.” From Scrabble to sports to life itself you’ll find both approaches to rules.

Jesus was neither a law-breaker nor simply a law-keeper, but rather a law-fulfiller. He didn't merely fulfill the law. He operated with the spirit of the law in mind also – something His enemies often lacked in their own “lawful” behavior. His Sermon on the Mount helps us capture the spirit of the law also. But Jesus didn't just talk the talk. He walked the walk – and encourages us to be such people as well.

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus, I pray that You would help me value and respect the teachings, the laws and commands of Your Word the way that You did. I pray that I would seek not to evade them, nor merely use them to some advantage in relationship to others, but to fulfill the spirit behind them. I want to do so to the glory of God the Father just like You did. Amen.

This Sermon video describes how Jesus Fulfills the Law. Explore what righteousness means in the Bible and how it applies to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and understand what it means to do right by God and others.

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/jesus-fulfills-the-law/

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 119:129-136

Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your precepts.
Make your face shine on your servant
and teach me your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.

Read the versus of the Psalm.

Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.