There are about 400 years between the last Old Testament writings and the arrival of Jesus. At best, God’s people were faithful to do what they could to live out the instruction given to them centuries while waiting for the One God promised to send to deliver His people. At worst, God’s Word was misused for personal gain and to the detriment of others. If there was anyone who could bring clarity to who God was, what His kingdom was about, and how His words were intended to be lived out, it was God’s own Son. One way Jesus did so was through the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings given during His ministry to His disciples and the crowds who followed Him.
Jesus begins several of His teachings in Matthew 5 with, “You have heard that it was said…,” highlighting some well-known laws and sayings of the day. He pushes their previous understandings, saying, “But I tell you…” and upping the ante to address the deeper heart posture. The bottom line? God doesn’t just care about our outward actions; He cares about the state of our hearts.
For example, it’s not just about refraining from acting on our lust. It’s about not having lust in our hearts at all. It’s not just about refraining from killing others (easy enough). It’s about not having hateful feelings toward others at all.
To top it all off, Jesus opens these explanations by saying, “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished” (v.18). This is bad news for even the most pious religious leader. If we are to be judged not only by our actions but the state of our heart, what hope do we have?
The good news is that Jesus came, not to abolish, but to fulfill the law (v.17). God saw our helpless state to meet this standard of holiness, so He sent Jesus to live a sinless life both inside and out so that whoever believes and receives Jesus as Lord would themselves be considered blameless before God.
In Christ, there is no condemnation for having fallen short of the glory of God. In Christ, there is even freedom in the transformation through the Spirit so our hearts become more like His. Praise the Lord.
“The state of my heart” is what God looks at. Not my outward actions or intent. Because of Jesus being my Lord and Savior, even though I fall short daily and repent, I am made new and clean and my sins are forgiven.
Look to the Word, not man’s laws of today and old.
Not just our actions, but our intentions of the heart! ❤️ Jesus “ upped the ante” to help us become more like Him. He wanted us to be the most genuine believers. Truly be salt and light from the inside out!
Loved this chapter!
“You are the light of the world” always gives me shivers!! Such a beautiful sentiment. We are all capable of shining on others around us and granting them the mercy and love of our father even if they are not believers.
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“God cares about the state of our heart.”
God cares and loves us so much!! Praise Be To God!
Thank you Mercy for your lovely thoughts this morning. Actually, I’m reading the reading a few days late but I wanted to thank you for all the prayers that you’re sending for us and your beautiful heart.