Matthew 5 continues with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It reminds me of a recent conference. While waiting for a session to begin, I began talking to another vendor. Next to her was a much older man talking on his cellphone, she introduced him as her husband. Later, when he took the podium, I realized I had spent 15 minutes lecturing the Chief Economist for the Bank of America on the America economy. Sometimes we think too highly of ourselves to listen. In today’s chapter Jesus raises the bar on the self-righteous. He begins, “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“. All of scripture points to the Redeemer of mankind that will make atonement for sin and defeat the enemy. Many there spent a lifetime studying the Law of Moses and even transcribing it. I’m sure they felt like they had paid their dues, until Jesus added, “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“. He was hinting at the idea that God’s standard is perfection. Knowledge of the law was not enough, and keeping the law perfectly was impossible. The apostle Paul later wrote of his own experience as a follower of the law, “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). The law was given to show we needed a Savior. Are you learning that lesson?
To those that pointed to their own goodness, Jesus reminded them that God alone can see the motivation behind our action. “You have heard… ‘You shall not murder’… But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment“. God understands that actions begin as hateful words, and hateful thoughts. Division begins in the heart and corrupts other relationships, even our fellowship with God. Therefore “First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift“. Are you holding onto something?
His remarkable sermon continues with the most intimate relationship of all. Marriage was given as a symbol of the exclusive relationship God wants with us. Any time we mess with His design, we mess up His picture. He begins, “You have heard… ‘You shall not commit adultery’… But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart“. No, it doesn’t “just happen”, first the heart wanders, and then the lines are blurred. Spiritually some of us have been hopping from bed to bed, but God demands a one and only relationship. Next Jesus touches on a pain point for many; this “certificate of divorce” was like our no-fault, quickie divorce. Jesus placed tight restrictions because marriage is not just a legal process; it is a uniting of two souls and separating them involves tearing. Here He includes “sexual immorality” as an acceptable reason. 1 Corinthians 7:15 adds abandonment and I would add abuse to the list. Jesus segues into keeping our oaths with this simple exhortation to let your character be enough to bind you, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’“. Next Jesus tells us to turning the other cheek rather than escalating an insult, but we are never called to be targets of helplessness. The chapter ends with the most important Christian distinctive; “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you“. We love through our attitude, our actions and our expectations. In God’s economy, He does the work by His Holy Spirit. Please understand, there is no unpardonable sin; He will restore everyone that asks in faith. Are you listening?