“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.

[The entire reading was Matthew 5: 17-20]

Matthew’s nativity story revealed an important aspect of Jesus’ identity: like Moses, his mission is one of liberation. We need liberation from oppressive and selfish ways of life that undermine God’s call to a meaningful life of kindness, justice and humility (Micah 6:8). In keeping with this identity and mission, Matthew’s next unique addition to the story reinforces Jesus’ commitment, as a new Moses, to fulfill God’s law. The law, God’s instructions for life, were never intended to be the means of a right relationship with the Creator; fulfillment of the law is in grateful response to the God who is overflowing with steadfast love and abounding in mercy.  God’s instructions always move us away from oppression and selfishness (the way of Caesar) toward kindness, justice and humility (the way of Moses and Jesus).

Questions for Reflection:

Marc believes the critique of “scribes and Pharisees” is a critique of some religious leaders who collaborated with the agenda of the political leader of the time (Caesar), an agenda that oppressed the many for the benefit of the few in charge. Jesus’ kingdom of heaven (making God our ruler here on earth as well as in heaven) is supported by a full commitment to the instructions and commands of God. Exclusion from the kingdom of heaven happens when we deny the rule of God and bow to the rule of Caesar, a rule of oppression and selfishness.

Does the way you live show allegiance to God?

How does a fulfillment of God’s instructions as a grateful response to God’s grace change your attitude toward God?

Is freedom doing whatever we want whenever we want, or is it a grateful obedience to a way of life that is a blessing to self, others and creation?