March 9
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
-Matthew 5:17-20
(Please read the scripture passage through three times using the practice of lectio divina.)
Reflection
For any of us who rejoice in the Apostle Paul’s words that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law” (Galatians 3:13a), this passage is difficult. Why is Jesus so adamant about fulfilling the law?
The law was not meant to curse, but to form a holy people who are a light to the nations. This has always been God’s intent. The Old Testament begins with the Torah, the law. These first five books of the Bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy) are all about how to live together in a way that reveals the goodness of God. The law instructs Israel about how to make this real: don’t worship false gods; don’t treat others poorly (adultery, lying, stealing); care for the alien, the orphan, and the widow; live in harmony with the land.
As the stories of the Old Testament attest, however, the law is not enough. Ezekiel, a prophet, declares that the people are living with hearts of stone, but someday God will give them hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36).
As Jesus stands on the mountain (like Moses), giving instruction, he makes it clear that God has not scraped plan A (making a people) for plan B (individual heroism). God is still creating a people to bless the whole world. Jesus envisions a people animated by the Spirit who will live God’s instructions with tender hearts. In the upcoming days, we’ll read Jesus’ concrete illustrations of what this looks like. One of the most challenging examples is that of a city characterized by enemy love.
Action (Contemplate)
As you think about loving an enemy (personal or ideological), journal about the changes that would have to happen in your heart to make this real. Is there forgiveness that needs to take place? What might you learn about the heart of God in this process? Invite the Spirit to give you a heart of flesh.
