Sunday, November 01, 2009
Matthew 5:1-48
The sermon on the mount: Jesus teaches His disciples and raises the bar of righteousness. I don't know if His call to righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and the scribes was to point out that theirs was a faux righteousness or that the standard is higher than mortal man can attain. Jesus ratchets up the ten commandments such that calling one's brother a fool is akin to murder and lusting after a woman is akin to adultery. I know under these standards I am guilty of all of the ten commandments.
Jesus closes this chapter with "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect". There is the standard. Anything less results in condemnation. Thank you Father, that you do not see my sin but you see the perfection of your Son and the covering of His atoning blood.
Jesus closes this chapter with "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect". There is the standard. Anything less results in condemnation. Thank you Father, that you do not see my sin but you see the perfection of your Son and the covering of His atoning blood.
Labels: disciples, Jesus, Pharisee, scribe, Sermon on the mount, sin
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Matthew 3:1-17
John the Baptist is introduced in chapter 3 as an itinerant preacher preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. He preaches repentance and water baptism to Jerusalem and all those around the Jordan and throughout Judea. He also rails against the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Even though he feels unworthy, John baptizes Jesus after Jesus tells him it is fitting and proper to keep in accordance with the scriptures. Throughout these first three chapters Matthew keeps referring to the scriptures and to fulfilled prophecy. The Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove and the Father says, "this is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
Even though he feels unworthy, John baptizes Jesus after Jesus tells him it is fitting and proper to keep in accordance with the scriptures. Throughout these first three chapters Matthew keeps referring to the scriptures and to fulfilled prophecy. The Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove and the Father says, "this is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
Labels: baptism, Jesus, John the Baptist, Pharisee, Sadducee, Spirit
