The Commandments of Jesus Christ

[AW Bowman]

Thanks Lahry! You are cutting down the amount of work that needs to be done on this study!

We can take your list and add it to (or possibly combine it with) the other two lists attached to an earlier post (8 Feb 2010).

[Lahry]

As the Lord leads, Brother AW. The important thing is that if we are truly Spirit led, motivated by love, we will follow all of these things down the line. It's how we know we are His. Alleluia! Amen?

[AW Bowman]

Okay! Sorry for the delay. I am almost ready to pick up on this study. Life has a way of intruding its self on one's plans.

Thanks everyone for continuing to be so understanding.

[AW Bowman]

While going through and getting the abbreviated Greek/Hebrew word study competed for the next phase of the study on the Commandments of Yeshua, I have received permission to bring over and post on these boards a couple of articles published by two preachers who post on two other forums.

You’ll find them on the Members Articles

Comments are encouraged. Enjoy.

[AW Bowman]

Yes, I am making some progress on this study. Been fighting a cold that has slowed me down somewhat, and the word study part is taking a little more time than anticipated. I might even have to forgo it for a while and come back to it as I can get it competed (we can always return to word studies - I think).

This process of translating and interpreting Greek for me is rather difficult. It requires going to the 'original' text, as we have it, comparing the Greek to the manner of usage made by the Hebrew translators for the Torah portion of the Septuagint, and then recreating the word picture in English that best represents the Hebrew thought process behind the Greek text. To give an example of the task involved:
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Of the 109 occurrences of the word “perfect” (as rendered in KJV English Bible), they reflect a dazzling array of original language words. There are fourteen different Hebrew words translated as “perfect” and ten different Greek words translated as “perfect”. Each of the original words has different meanings as well as carrying a wide range of possible individual tones, shadings and understandings. Even in one verse, such as Ps 101:2, we find the word perfect used twice in our KJV Bibles. However, the first perfect means “whole, sound, healthful”, while the second perfect means “integrity”, which renders Ps 101:2 from:

“I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” KJV

This translation would frequently be interpreted as: I will behave in a way that is without error or flaw, so when will you (God) come to me? My heart will be without defect or blemish: Fully complete, lacking nothing. Or, some such rendering.

My translation of this same text:

“I will give heed to and follow the path (the way) of complete wholesomeness; Oh when will You come unto me? Inside my own house I will walk (live) my life in the integrity of my heart.” AWB

The interpretation could be something like this: I will give heed to (take not of) and walk (live) in the precepts of your (God's) instructions for righteous living (Torah), requiring nothing else beyond your instructions. Therefore, tell me, when will you come unto me in true relationship? Even as I live out my life, within myself, I shall maintain my integrity (moral soundness, a life devoid of sin) before you.

See:
Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan: ‘Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a whole-hearted and an upright man, one that feareth God, and shunneth evil? and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou didst move Me against him, to destroy him without cause.’
Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him: ‘Dost thou still hold fast thine integrity? blaspheme God, and die.’
Job 27:5 Far be it from me that I should justify you; till I die I will not put away mine integrity from me.

In these passages, the English word, integrity is translated correctly from the Hebrew (H8538)תֻּמָּה : integrity

In Job 4:6 "Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?"

In this case the word 'uprightness' is used; from H8537, meaning
1) integrity, completeness
1a) completeness, fulness
1b) innocence, simplicity
1c) integrity

The more correct translation should have been #1.
"Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the integrity of thy ways?"

Note that the English term, uprightness, as used in the KJV translation also means, "Righteousness as a consequence of being honorable and honest". So, while the English translators of the KJV of the Bible did not use the 'correct' English word in this case, they found a suitable substitute, that if properly understood, conveys the correct sense of the passage.

Anyway, this is the kind of exercise required in order to perform an acceptable translation and interpretation of the original language passages into a coherent English rendering. When the task includes taking the Greek and working backwards through the Hebrew to identify the original world view being presented (represented) and the religious context of a particular passage, the job becomes a little more difficult.

While I love working these kinds of problems, I do have a difficult time with Hebrew grammar, which is not surprising for me, as I have yet to master my second language grammar, English. Yes, English is not my native language, infantile gibberish is, and I didn't need any grammar to speak it - still don't!

[AW Bowman]

Okay! I will be ready to start posting on this thread again in just a few more days. I do have a couple of additional posts (threads & responses) to put up and then it is back to this study.

Again, and as usual, thanks everyone for being so understanding.

[John Harris]

That is good news. Maybe it will bring me out of my winter hibernation. ZZZZZZZ.

[AW Bowman]

Me too - I promise!

[AW Bowman]

While I am still working to get notes, ideas, etc. put together, I ran across a question that gave me pause to think - for it fit right in with this study. That is -

"Did the Apostles promote the doctrine of evangelism?"

Which brought up the question for me: What, exactly did the apostles teach? That is, what exactly is the Apostles Doctrine that so many claim to hold to?

Here is my edited response to that question:

The problem is the mind set that everything that the apostles taught are contained in the few letters to the churches and individuals included in what we like to call the New Testament. We have a good idea of some of the things Paul taught – by his limited responses to problems within the churches he established, but what did he teach when he was spending weeks or even years with them – and what did the rest of the apostles teach?

Well, if they were true apostles, each and every one of them taught in full compliance to the following instruction of Jesus:

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach [or make disciples of, to instruct] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost 20 Teaching [in the same broad application as dao "to learn"] them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:17-20, KJV

There are only two conclusions: (1) All of the disciples (including the apostles) of Jesus who received these words either obeyed, or (2) some disciples did not obey. However, as there is no recorded deviation, it might be ‘assumed’ that at least the apostles obeyed and taught what Jesus taught them.

The definitive summation of the Apostles Doctrine is the doctrines concerning the kingdom of God/heaven, as taught by Jesus Christ, and the requirement for all future disciples of Jesus to observe all the commandments given by Jesus to his disciples during His ministry on earth. Of course, there remain some teachings of Jesus that are not directly conveyed to the entire body of Christ, at least not in the written word. Some of these doctrines included an explanation of what Jesus revealed to the disciples concerning the O.T. scriptures that spoke of Him, and the visions of Paul, that he could not share.

Rule of thumb: The apostles taught all the teachings of Christ, plus they taught that all are to observe every commandment given by Jesus – as the minimum requirements for every true disciple of the Lord, as was the custom in Israel between all religious masters and their disciples.

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Added note:

If one does not know, understand and put into practice the teachings of Jesus, and obey His commandments, then one is not a 'true disciple' of Jesus (or His appointed apostles/disciples) and is, by definition, a teacher of false doctrines. Now, that can get a bit weighty on the self-justified.

[AW Bowman]

Okay - finally picking up - again ---

Matthew 5

As important as the ‘beatitudes’ are, I am going to hit only some of the highlights. As mentioned earlier, there are a number of wonderful publications teaching on the meaning and application of these opening words of the most famous sermon ever preached and I will not attempt to improve on the works of others.

In verses 1 and 2 we have Jesus preparing Himself for a protected teaching engagement. He is setting out to establish the public foundation of His earthly ministry as will as the requirements for anyone desiring to accept Him as their master (teacher, Rabbi) and all that that submission implies and requires, i.e., the very topic of this discussion.

In verses 3 through 11 we are introduced to the nine blessings that God considers to be the defining personal attributes for a ‘right standing’ in His presence. These are not individual attributes for a person to select one or two to practice, rather they are all, each and everyone, to be identified, accepted, integrated into one’s life and practiced (lived out). Therein lies the rub, and why this section of Matthew is seldom taught, or when taught, skimmed over, playing on words rather than focusing on the personal application of these requirements into a Christian’s life.

At this point we do need to reconsider the word ‘blessed’ as used in these verses.

blessed - G3107 μακάριος (makarioj) a prolonged form of the poetical makar (meaning the same); supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off:-- blessed, happy(X –ier

as used in the Hebrew: H835 אשׁר (‘esher)

1) happiness, blessedness
1a) often used as interjection
1b) blessed are

1 Kings 10:8, 2 Chronicles 9:7, Ps 32:1, 84:4, 106:3, 119:2, 128:1, Isa 30:18, 32:20

While one might agree with Jesus on a number of His examples, such as a person might be happy or consider themselves well off or even fortunate for being a peacemaker, or being comforted in a period of mourning, it remains difficult to see how one might consider it a blessing (to be happy?) at being reviled for the sake of being righteous, or being persecuted simply for the sharing the good news of God’s open arms invitation to reconciliation with God.

The burning question then is this: How could anyone in their right mind be happy at being persecuted, being spoken evil of, falsely accused, etc? Question: How was it that it was reliably recorded that many protestant martyrs went to their deaths, by slow fire, asking God to forgive their murders and with the singing of hymns? Even then, were they ‘happy’? Personally, I doubt they experienced happiness as most of us would define the term. However, not having gone through that trial by fire, I cannot say with any certainty what those martyrs may or may not have experienced in their final hours.

So, what is there to be so ‘happy’ (blessed) about in these beatitudes? The answer is contained in the second half of the sentences, i.e., they get to obtain mercy, see God, inherit the earth, receive the kingdom of heaven, etc. in short, Jesus is outlining the judgment day experience for those who will follow after Him and His message of reconciliation. The message is simply this, take unto yourself these attributes of righteous living, and the eternal rewards offered to you today shall be yours.

As an aside: Please note that all of these attributes that Jesus listed, must have 'love' as their own foundation, as both the motivator and sustainer. Also note that there was no hint that these things could only be realized by, with, or through the help of the Holy Ghost.

[AW Bowman]

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. (Matt 5:11-12, NET)

Now here we have an insight into what must be going on within the hearts and minds of obedient believers. Jesus never said be ‘happy in your trial’! What He was clear about as the instruction be happy ‘because’ of your trial and even to ‘give thanks while in your trial’.

This is the point where most people fail to follow through on these kinds of hard teachings. Non believers take one look at these teachings and accuse a disciple of Christ of being crazy. “Hey, I am really happy that you are cutting off my fingers, one by one, until I renounce my faith in Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, I am so happy that you are doing this, here, I have four fingers left on my other hand, cut all of them off too! Don’t forget, I still have some toes you can cut off!” Now that is that how many non believers think of us (and quick to oblige us in that fantasy), and that same attitude even persists today within some parts of the body of Christ. Now, that is insane!

No! What Jesus is teaching is the same thing He taught through His ministry, i.e., count the costs of discipleship, because accepting Him as your personal Rabbi is going to result in a rough and tough life. The spiritually weak shall not survive the trials. That is why we see the advent of so many weak faith churches all around us – and growing – those who are of Jesus in name only, while they no longer follow after Him and His teaching. The promised trials of true disciples of Christ is held to be on the same level as the same rejection of the prophets of God that have preceded us (vs. 12).

Here in the West, since the 1700’s the majority of believers have not had to endure the level of percussion for their faith as those in the rest of the world. But, as the Western church has become weak and ineffective in its obligation to influence the society and its culture (being the light and salt of the world - see verses 13-16), as it has been foretold in scripture, the time of the great fall of the Church is at hand. The apostasy is upon us and the remaining church is quickly falling under the influence of domination of the evil one. While there yet remains a ‘true’ church in the world, the final episode will be when the remnant of the body is finally overcome by the beast (Revelation 13:7).

Meanwhile, as the final hours play themselves out, take stock of your faith and in whom you place your trust – and count the costs.

[AW Bowman]

Matthew 5 (Con't.)

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth,2 until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place 19 So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others1 to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law1 and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5:17-20, NET)

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (KJV)
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Here is an appropriate place to pause and to take a look at a couple of words in the Greek. The first one is G2647 (MESG&HD) *
καταλύω kataluov destroy
1. to loosen down (disintegrate)
2. (by implication) to demolish
3. (specially) to halt for the night

{literally or figuratively}
[from G2596 and G3089]
KJV: destroy, dissolve, be guest, lodge, come to nought, overthrow, throw down
Root(s): G2596, G3089
Compare: G2646

For those interested please continue and examine the comparison terms and the tree of root words
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Accepted usage and meaning of καταλύω in this passage, according to Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testemant is: down, of institutions, forms of government, laws, etc., to deprive of force, annul, abrogate, discard.
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The next word is ‘fulfil’.
G4137 (MESG&HD)*
πληρόω pleroov
1. to fully, completely fill
2. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow)
3. (figuratively) to fully supply, satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.
G4134
KJV: accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply
Root(s):G4134
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From Thayer’s:
fill, to be filled up; complete; lacking nothing, perfect

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An expanded (amplified) English version of this sentence then could be rendered as follows:

17 Think not that I am come to deprive of the force, to annul, to abrogate, or to discard the law, or the [words of the] prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill, that is to complete the requirements of the Father so that neither the words of the law or the prophets lack anything in order to be made complete and perfect.

No matter which word or words one might choose to render this sentence in English, the massage remains clear. The instructions for a Godly life given by God to mankind, both through the Torah and the Prophets, was to continue and to remain in affect.

The question then is, for how long?

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

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Jot - G2503 (MESG&HD)*

ἰῶταiotan
(figuratively) for a very small part of anything
---
Tittle - G2762 (MESG&HD)*
κεραία keraian

(figuratively) the least particle, i.e. accent or punctuation mark
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Which begs the next question: Until all of what is fulfilled? The earthly ministry of Christ, the ‘second coming’ of Jesus, all biblical prophecies, when Jesus uttered the statement, “It is finished.”, or what?

I suggest for your consideration that what is referred to here is everything written in the scriptures, to include every jot and tittle (the least part of scripture, including every letter and word accent mark) of the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts. To me, personally, this means that even every word of the Old Testament retains its original meaning, application, and authority (2 Timothy 3:16), even in the lives of the saints of God today – because not everything in scriptures has been ‘fulfilled’.

Before anyone goes off and attempts to gain their salvation by observing everything in the old covenant instructions (The Law), hold on, stop, and take a break. While this is what most Christians would believe Jesus and just said and I agreed with (advocated), they would be in a great error. We must continue on and place all of the above in its proper context.

So, next we will pick up with verse 19 and examine who will be called what, and why?


* MESG&HD = Mickelson's Enhanced Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionaries

[AW Bowman]

Let us first define our terms. Moral Law

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/moral

In the extended presentation of the word ‘moral’, there is one shared meaning element that continues throughout, i.e. ‘right or good conduct’, which caries with it a broad view concept of what is required for one’s good standing within society or within a particular group or association. In other words, to be ‘moral’ means more than simply refraining from engaging in sexual acts considered to be outside the social or cultural norms.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/law

In the listing of all the meanings, applications, etc. of the term, one included example of the term is in reference to the Law of Moses. “The Pentateuch, containing the Mosaic dispensations, or system of rules and ordinances, and forming the first of the three Jewish divisions of the Old Testament”

Our Western contemporary view of the “Law” no longer matches up with the biblical view of the “Law” that was given at Mt. Sinai. What was given at Mt. Sinai was a three part package concerning the Instructions in Righteousness (the covenant requirements established by God between Himself and the nation of Israel).

Part one was the Instructions of God, the Ten Commandments. However, it must be pointed out once again that the English rendering of the Hebrew language frequently does violence to that language, and therefore altering the perception of what was originally intended. For example: Ps. 68:19 –
Ps 68:19 [Hebrew WLC]

עָלִיתָ לַמָּרֹום ׀ שָׁבִיתָ שֶּׁבִי לָקַחְתָּ מַתָּנֹות בָּאָדָם וְאַף סֹורְרִים לִשְׁכֹּן ׀ יָהּ אֱלֹהִֽים׃

“Blessed [be] the Lord, [who] daily loadeth us [with benefits, even] the God of our salvation. Selah.” [KJV]

A better rendering the same verse is –

“Blessed be the Lord, day by day He bears [or helps us to bear] our burden, even the God who is our salvation. Selah.”

The mistranslation comes from confusion over the meaning of the term, H6006 (MESGHD) עָמַס עָמַשׂ `amac (aw-mas') (or mamas {aw-mas'}) v.
1. to load, i.e. impose a burden (or figuratively, infliction)
[a primitive root]
KJV: be borne, (heavy) burden (self), lade, load, put.

Also included in the term is the picture of God helping to bear the burdens of His people (Ps 68:19, 20); as well as carry those loads (burdens) Himself (Isa 46:3).

Also, the KJV phrase, “God of our salvation”, which implies that there is God and that there is salvation, which is better rendered as ‘the God who is our salvation.” where God contains within Himself our salvation as being integral to Himself and His nature, rather than our salvation being something separate from Him, and requiring His control or intervention.

This thought is extended into verse 20, (Ps 68:20 [JPS])
God is unto us a God of deliverances; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues of death.

The Hebrew term, H4194 מָוֶת maveth (maw'-veth) n-m. carries the picture of one escaping from a city through its gates. That is the ‘issues’ are those things pertaining to one’s escape from death (or the dangers of death) through the avenues provided by God.

The important thing to observe and to keep in mind is that the ten sayings or words of God contain only instructions! There are no judgments listed nor are there any directives (commands or even advice)) concerning how to follow (observe, obey) these God ordained/given instructions.

Part two contains the ordinances and statutes. These elements of God’s Instructions in Righteousness contain the judgments and penalties for ‘missing the mark, or the expected results for failing to observe “all that God commanded them to observe.” Please review the notes in the Law of God thread.

The third part is the Oral Law. The Oral Law was instantiated by God Himself. (See Numbers 15:32-36). Here we have an ‘ordinance” given by God that was undefined, and the penalty for noncompliance was not identified within the code of social or religious conduct. By Western standards of fairness, what transpired was anything but fair. Some folks caught a man picking up some stick to build a fire on the Sabbath. These people determined that what the man was doing constituted ‘work’, a forbidden activity on the Sabbath. They took him to Moses and Aaron. Neither Moses or Aaron had a clue as to whether or not what the man did, was classified as work, and if he was guilty of ‘work of the sabbath’, what ways to be done with him. The long and the short of it was that Moses asked God, what do we do with this guy? God said, kill him by stoning, and that is exactly what they did!

It is at this point that the Oral Law (Oral Instructions on how to observe and keep the written Instructions of God) came into their own development and reached their zenith with the Pharisees of the Second Temple era.. In many churches today we would refer to these religious based oral laws as ‘fence laws’, ‘standards of holiness’, etc. The object being, if we can set up some rules of conduct for the church that will keep people from approaching ‘too close’ to the point of breaking one of God’s commandments, they we have done a good thing. We have saved a person from committing an actual God defined sin.

We know now that picking up sticks on the Sabbath is a capital offence so we will add a few hundred additional

The problem being, that once man started ‘improving’ on the word of God, they could not stop themselves. See Matthew 23 for how Jesus viewed this approach to ‘improving’ on God Instructions in Righteousness (Law governing Holy or Godlily living).

There was a reason why God did not include all of the instructions on the ‘how to’ observe the commandments (the observance conditions of the Mt. Sinai covenant). He desired that man would seek to discover the nature of God and the relationship He desired to have with mankind. A relationship based not only through the observances of a code of conduct, but on the fundamental motivation for God creating man in the first place. A relationship based love actively expressed in the full trust and confidence one has in God and His integrity (the love of man to his God, expressed in and through one’s faith in action). See Habakkuk 2:1-4

The Mt. Sinai Covenant did not fail because of any fault or deficiency with the Covenant Instructions (Torah, Law), rather the responsibility for failure rested entirely on man’s rejection of his oath to obey those instructions – as God declared them.

The natural results of man’s fallen nature, i.e. unwilling and unable to keep his covenant word (being a liar by nature), required the advent of God’s foreordained plan to salvage His prized creation, man. To place before mankind a living example of what it truly means to be in a loving, covenant relationship with God (N.T. reference, the Father), and to open up and expose the heart of God and His foundational nature, i.e. love. The euphemism usually given is ‘God is love’. While that statement is true, it is also woefully incomplete. Even so, let’s continue on . . . .

In addition to presenting the world with a living example of what it means to be in a covenant relationship with God in the life of Yeshua Natzeret (Jesus of Nazareth), He also provided a detailed instruction of how to interpret, understand and apply all of the commands that God ever gave to any man, or even to all of mankind – since the days of creation!

So, now on to Matthew 5:19.

[John Harris]

There are some today that believe, when the Apostles all died so did miracles and healing, Also Tongues and other gifts died, with the passing of the Apostles. I believe that their messages meant for us to carry on their teachings. Which was not limited to the New Testament, but the whole Bible..

[AW Bowman]

There are some today that believe, when the Apostles all died so did miracles and healing, Also Tongues and other gifts died, with the passing of the Apostles. I believe that their messages meant for us to carry on their teachings. Which was not limited to the New Testament, but the whole Bible..

And, the members of these churches are sometimes heard to ask, "Why is their no real spiritual power in our church?"

[John Harris]

You are so right

[AW Bowman]

Okay!

I have transferred everything over to a 'new', used computer that is a little slower than my last borrowed computer, but I hope it will hold up for a while longer. Now, all I have to do is get my reference library files set up, along with my study material & research/study programs, and I'll be once again off at this extended study.

I am really looking forward to get back at it!

[AW Bowman]

Matt 5:19 So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [NET Bible]

At this point is important to take a quick review of what Jesus has been teaching.

First, He outlined the nine blessings that will accrue to those who choose to take up the ‘mind of Christ’, i.e. in this case, the mind of Adam prior to the fall. Actually, what Jesus was doing was instructing the crowd in the attributes of a true child of Abraham. These beatitudes are the characteristics of individuals who were to grow into, and become examples of, as the result of ‘living out’ the Mt. Sinai covenant (See the thread on the Law of God). Jesus was not instructing these people in doing something that they could not accomplish on their own. However, people get tired of ‘living right’ according to God’s covenant instructions, so they fall from the covenant. Many do so today, even with the indwelling of God’s Spirit (Also see Hebrews 6:4-8). That was the failure of the covenant – people, it was not the covenant nor its requirements. (See Hebrews 8:6-13) So, what was the new and better covenant? It was the greater promises of God’s empowering Spirit to assist the people in keeping the commandments of God, and finding relief when one ‘stumbles’ and resists living the godly life. That is, to be able to plead the already shed blood of the Lamb of God, instead of going throw another ritual of the slaying of a bullocks, goats, sheep, doves, etc.

In verse 19 we have Jesus coming back again to the Instructions in righteous living, the Law of God. As stated in the lead in verses:

Mathew 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. [KJV]

As long as this same old earth remains, populated as it is by unregenerate men, all has not been fulfilled. Therefore, the words of the Law (Instructions, Torah) shall remain in affect. Now, comes the enigma, verse 19:

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [KJV]

What is critical to understanding this verse is not what Jesus said, but what He did not say!

Today we have a great many pastors, preachers, and teachers that instruct the children of God that they do not have to obey the commandments of God. That today we live under grace and no longer under the Law, as the Law (including the Ten Commandments) have been annulled and done away with by the advent of the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. What is so shameful is these same teachers are so willfully ignorant of the Word of God, and yet presume to teach - with great authority - that same ignorance to others.

Fortunately, Jesus gives these (supposedly) well meaning teachers a rope of hope, in that He has not judged them unfit for the kingdom of heaven, only that those who make it in shall be called the ‘least in the kingdom’, and not identified as the ‘great’, that most of these teachers still believe they shall be known.

Now, we must also note yet another common misconception here.

When one teaches something (anything) that stands in direct opposition to the expressed word and judgment of Jesus, would anyone claim that such a teaching should not to be called ‘false’ and rejected? That is, if anyone who does not follow the commandments of God and teaches others to do likewise should they be called ‘great’ in the kingdom of heaven? Wouldn’t these same teachers then be guilty of teaching a ‘false doctrine’ and yet be admitted into the kingdom? We need to consider the implications of such a premise in both our personal and corporate theologies and the impact on those doctrines. Question: Who shall be called ‘great’ in the kingdom heaven, according to the Master?

Yet, there is more in verse 20: For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. [KJV]

Now, this is another verse we do not hear preached on/about very much.

We will take up with this one in the next session. And, it is really Okay to ask questions concerning anything posted here.

[AW Bowman]

Matthew 5:20, For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes [implied: experts of the Law] and Pharisees [a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious], ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. [KJV, other translations generally agree.]

Here we have Jesus instructing His listeners that their ‘right standing’ before God has to exceed that of the members of these two major religious groups. That is on the same level of someone today declaring that the average member of a church congregation will not make into the kingdom of heaven unless his/her right standing (righteousness) before God exceeds that of their pastor. You will not find many pastors willing to preach that message. Now, one will have to ask themselves two questions: How does one gain a higher ‘right standing’ before God than the Pharisees and Scribes of old, and why their pastor has not taught on this verse?

Interjected note: Each of these verses in Matthew 5-7 are simply chocked full of meanings, applications, and they are based on and tie together such a great number of passages from throughout the Bible. To take each verse and do an exhaustive study on each one will take several volumes. So, by necessity, I will restrict my comments and reference those scriptures that I hope will provide the ‘starting points’ for further, personal study.

Will pick up with more on verse 20, next time.

[John Harris]

Matthew 5:20

Jesus Christ goes on to expound the changes of attitudes and approaches to God's law that we must acquire to do just that, to exceed the righteousness of those very law-abiding people.
When He finished His sermon, the people were astonished, as He had taught them, not as the "letter of the law" scribes and Pharisees did, but "as one having authority" (Matthew 7:28-29). Jesus could preach with conviction and boldness because He saw past the rigid letter of God's commandments to their very spiritual heart and purpose. He could confidently give the law its true meaning and relevance to life.
In essence, Matthew 5–7 contain instructions from Jesus for them, and for us today, to go further than the strictly physical application of the law—to God's true intent in it, or as we say, from the letter to the spirit of the law. In His teaching, Jesus states a physical law, often quoting directly from the Old Testament. This base standard is to be met by all those who have made a covenant with God.
Then, He proceeds to amplify the particular law's meaning, usually beginning His amplification with words similar to, "I say to you. . . ." Such words should be a flag to us that Jesus is expanding the scope of the law to include, not just physical actions, but the condition, attitudes, and inclinations of a person's heart. In essence, He is teaching the standards required of His people to attain the Kingdom of God.

Read more: http://bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseact ... z0mdgFdha7