Jesus – Day 6

Jesus, the Light of the World, revealed a new way of thinking in His teachings that astounded His contemporaries and still astounds those who engage with His words today. He shone His light into the darkness of people’s lives and He turned the world upside down as He called into question every accepted way of righteousness, and the law, as He preached against sin. His idea of sin and righteousness was more profound than was commonly believed then, and now.

Jesus knew the Scripture of Leviticus 24:19-20. He turned it into something more noble, and totally profound, when He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you … You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you.” Matthew 5:38-43

Here, Jesus is advocating the spirit of love and tolerance in place of resistance and revenge. This enables the wronged person to grow spiritually by him acknowledging that he is facing a fallen person – just like himself. It makes him realise that God doesn’t deal with him as his sins deserve and he must do the same. God deals with justice, and he lives with freedom of spirit. Jesus gives the example of how God provides rain for everyone, the good and bad people alike, and ends by commanding the hearers to be perfect like their heavenly Father. We have so many opportunities in our lives to practise this.

Jesus was a revolutionary; a true revolutionary. He came to challenge the values and accepted norms of the time in a way that deeply disturbed those who heard His teachings, but transformed the understanding and lives of His followers. But He did not speak against God. He had come from God and upheld that which His Father had given, although He spoke against those in authority who misused it and denied justice. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.” (Matthew 5:17) Jesus was teaching a new perspective: that of fulfilling true righteousness.

Righteousness had to come from the heart. Strict outward adherence to rules and laws, without sincerely desiring to honour God, was not acceptable to Him. “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) In other words, the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law had to be fulfilled. Those who accepted His teaching and followed Him, now knew God’s true law. With obedience to this new interpretation comes persecution, but also blessing because knowing the truth sets us free.