Friday 6 April 2012

Day 6: Matthew 5:17-48

Jesus explains the Law and how to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees

Jesus teaches his disciples how the law is meant to be applied. He doesn't call them to be more legalistic than the Pharisees, but for them to apply the law rightly in thought and attitude as well as action. This will mean not only not murdering, but not being unduly angry with each other, note that this comes before offering gifts at the alter and the outward religion of the Pharisees. Not committing adultery is seen in its true light as a command to be sexually pure, not lusting yes, but also not causing others to lust e.g. not flirting which is a better way at looking at the 'lustful intent' phrase. Our radical attitude towards this sin is shown vividly in Jesus' call to gauge out our eyes and cut off our hands if they cause us to sin

The permission to divorce is shown for what it is: a last resort, not an endorsement (it may be stronger than it appears as divorce in Matthew's Gospel is used as the breaking off of an engagement in chapter 1, it could be that that is being referred to rather than actual divorce). Truthful is to be so habitual that oaths are not needed and our right to justice laid down for other people and our enemies are to be loved, as God loves his enemies. This again prefigures what Jesus will do by His death on the cross and He calls his followers to follow in His footsteps. 

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