Jesus’ Teaching on the Law

May 18, 2014 Background Scripture: Exodus 20; Isaiah 29:13, 14; Matthew 5:17 – 48; 15:1 – 20; Romans 3:31 Lesson Passage: Matthew 15:1 – 11, 15 – 20 The Law is an expression of God’s righteousness. It is through the Law that we come to understand the meaning of true holiness. God does not leave man to grope hopelessly in the dark trying to discover Him or to learn about His ways and expectations of us. God gave the Law to be a schoolmaster to bring Israel to the Anointed One (Christ). Then, Israel was supposed to be an example for all people of the world so that no one would be without excuse before God. The Law defines right and wrong, good and bad, and holy and unholy. One of the gravest errors man commits is not so much in keeping or not keeping of the Law. But there is a grave error when man takes it upon himself to amend the Law of God. Man will oftentimes make up his own rules to govern his religious affairs and dare to call it spiritual. When following the laws established by men become the preferred practice, this behavior is then described by Jesus as following the traditions of men. Sadly, it is easier for established religions, in general, and local churches, more specifically, to follow their own rules than to simply adhere to God’s prescribed way of living. Jesus made it clear in his teachings that God’s analysis of the innermost person is what determines God’s disposition towards that person. God does not examine actions but rather motive. God does not evaluate effort but rather intent. In the passage from Isaiah, God referred to those who adhered to their own laws but refused to change inwardly as “this people”. It is worth noting that God does not refer to them in this instance as “My people”. The difference between the two expressions centers on honor. To honor God verbally and then live as we choose is disrespectful to Him. True honor will allow our hearts to line up with our words. Afterwards, our actions should be governed by our words. Eventually, we do live out what’s in our hearts and not what we have said. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for placing more emphasis on outward behavior than on inward change that aligns with God’s word. Jesus’ disciples told him that his remarks had offended the Pharisees. Jesus’ response to this is worth considering. Jesus made it clear that all leaders of religious groups are not approved of God. Those who are not will eventually be uprooted by God. Jesus warned his disciples about people who judged them based on rules handed down through the generations but are not relevant to what God has provided in the Law. Too often we think we know and understand the Law that God gave through Moses. When we reach this point of arrogance, we are then likely to start amending the Law of God as though we know how to make it better than what God has given. When men believe strongly in their own rules versus God’s rules, then the rules of men will began to dominate our teaching and God’s Law will be treated as though it is not effective on its own. God’s Law is perfect and it is to be accepted as such and embraced by all who will by faith be drawn to God through faith in Jesus Christ. Robert C. Hudson May 9, 2014