Matthew 5:13-20

 Matthew 5.13-20

The first part of this passage is about the disciple being by his very nature a witness in the world, by being the light, the salt, and the city on the hill. This is all about being different in a bland, dark, and dangerous world. The Old Testament idea of God as light and illumination has now passed on into the One who fulfills the promises: God made flesh, and through Him to the disciples.

This is possible because it is all about Jesus. Jesus identifies Himself as the fulfillment of the whole Old Testament system. This is a radical even an insane statement for a Jew unless that person were the reason for the Old Testament’s existence. Understanding “why” of the Old Testament gives the reason that not one part passes away. The purpose of the Old Testament was not to give legal righteousness or even a moral code. The purpose was to prepare for the one who was to come. The problem with discarding the Old Testament is not that it erodes morality. That maybe true. The problem of discounting the Old Testament is it dishonors the preparation for the Messiah. The person who does so is a small or low impact disciple (v. 19).

But even the small disciple is better than the legalist who sees the Old Testament in terms of his salvation by personal righteousness. The legalist is good so the people can see how good he is. The disciple is good so the people will see how good God is.

Consider it this way; there are three persons to consider. The first person has the higher righteousness of loving God and uses the Old Testament to assist them in their love of God. The second person seeks the Messiah but has failed to understand the Old Testament. The third person is attempting to use the Old Testament to achieve self-righteousness. We need to think about which of these three kinds of people we are.

"Lord rule over my thoughts, words, and actions today in such a way that people will honor You because in me they have come close to You. AMEN"