Tuesday of Lent 5

DAY 30: March 23, 2021 Tuesday of Lent 5- Matthew 7:12

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12

The Golden Rule Many in our culture have narrowed their moral standard to this one passage of Scripture. 

 ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ This is the Golden Rule, however we tend to follow another Rule: the rule of tit for tat. But as Christians we must instead try to take our cue from Jesus. His goodwill toward us is not conditioned by the way people respond to him.

Prayer won’t win me the lottery. Nor will it save me from dying. God is not a Santa Claus who gives us just what we happen to want. Instead, the promise is that God will never give us evil things, only ‘good things’. God is infinitely good, and works for our long-range good always.

JESUS' "RULE" IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT...

1. Jesus requires you to do something favorably to others, while the others only prohibit you from doing something unfavorably to others!

          a. Jesus:  Do unto others what you want them to do to you

          b. Others:  Don't do to others what you don't want done to you

      2. Note the difference...

          a. With the others, all that is required is that you don't harm other people

          b. With Jesus, what is required is that you show kindness to others

      3. Jesus' rule is truly the "Golden" rule

          a. The others are "Silver" rules

          b. Of value, yes, but not as much as "gold"

Almighty God, through the incarnate Word You have caused us to be born anew of an imperishable and eternal seed: Look with compassion upon those who are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant that they may be built as living stones into a spiritual temple acceptable to You; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen  [1]

Lord Jesus Christ, the temple of Your body was destroyed on the cross and three days later raised from the dead and exalted to the right hand of the Father. Visit us now with this same body, that we may not deny that we know You, but in faith hear in our ears Your life-giving voice and receive on our lips Your very body and blood to strengthen us in times of temptation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2]

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[1]Collect for Tuesday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

[2] Collect for Tuesday of Lent 5, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis