Though I might like to think some of my messages are good, they all pale in comparison to (the series of messages compiled by Matthew called) the Sermon on the Mount.
This is the greatest teaching on the OT Law ever recorded, so what did Jesus say about the Law?
He tells us that the Law is harder than you thought.
The pharisees were constructing “loopholes” and trying to “dumb down” the OT until they were actually able to keep it. They had books upon books to tell people “no, really, you can do it, it’s not as hard as you think…”
Jesus’ response? “no, really, it’s not as hard as you think… it’s 10X HARDER!!!!”
Do you think you haven’t committed murder? Yes, you have. Do you think you haven’t committed adultery? If you even move that direction… you betray your heart, and that’s the real issue. It’s not about the doing or not doing, it’s what is in you… and all our hearts are black as night.
He tells His disciples that they are blessed when they are at the end of their rope, when they suffer loss, and they are content with simply who they are. They should hunger and thirst for God’s kingdom come, they should care for others, and they shouldn’t fight among themselves.
The church is meant to be an influence in the world, flavoring everyone around us, shining the gospel to those we meet along the way.
Is the new? Is this different? Absolutely!
But it’s not as though the OT was overturned or legally nullified. Far from it, Jesus completed the Law and brought it to its intended conclusion (for those who accept Him).
I did a video a few years ago to explain the relationship of Jesus and the New Covenant to the OT and the Old Covenant and where that places us today. I hope it helps…
Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.
-Matt 5:17-18
