Anyone who 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 practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Doesn't Jesus really go too far in saying that if we “break one of the least of these commandments, or teach others to do the same, we will be called least in the kingdom”, but if we practice them, we “will be called great”? I mean, aren't we really going back to the Old Testament legal system trying to be perfect to be acceptable? Isn't this what Jesus was supposed to have saved us from? It doesn't appear that way from this verse. For if the law does anything, it shows us we can't possibly keep it. In fact, Jesus often pointed out that many Pharisees were doing the right things, but for the wrong reasons.
Today the law helps me by still realizing my selfishness and my need for discipline and self-control. I am still convicted of sin and need to realize that Christ's power isn't working in me as it ought to be.
When I put the law in proper perspective it is supposed to do something important. First, we should honor and respect the law. Christ is confirmed not only the validity of the Scriptures, but also the authoritative inspiration of the Bible down to smallest details. Secondly, we must be careful to distinguish between what is the true law of God and what are man-made rules.
The Pharisees promoted laws. By fulfilling man-made rules, they were considered holy and righteous. We are not made holy by keeping the law. The law does not make anyone holy. We are not holy because we do or don't do certain things. Jesus tried to make that point. We are not holy because, even if we break one little law, we are lawbreakers. The law was meant to show humanity is sinful and inclined to evil.
I must admit there are legalists that misunderstand this statement. People often have tendencies to measure spiritual growth by some objective system: if I go to church more than my neighbor, I'm holier than he is; if I don't smoke and he does, then God must think better of me than him; if I serve on more committees or give more money, then I am more righteous. You see these are false standards, and Jesus wants us to look at God's standards.
How do you act when you are at some place where no one knows you and you are by yourself? At Christian conferences, the usage of X-rated movies increases with people staying by themselves in the privacy of their own room.
Application: Are you the same when you are by yourself, with your family, or when the preacher comes to visit?
The Pharisees were content with external and formal obedience, conformity to the law, but Christ was calling for an inward righteousness, for the Lord looks upon the heart.
We discover a new law - the law of love that desires not to perform for others but seeks to please the One we love most.
Prayer: Oh Lord, that I may walk in Your ways, always seeking to do Your Will. Let the Law of Love be my guide
