Matthew 5:21-37—Jesus places a new interpretation on
the Law of Moses. Live by the spirit of the Law.
Jesus
begins this section with these words, “And
I say to you…” Who is this “I”? Who is presumptuous to go beyond what Moses
said? Who does the “I” think he is – one greater than Moses, the might prophet
of God? Here we confront Christological considerations. Jesus is speaking. Here
we find a greater than Moses. In the words, “I say”. Jesus is placing Himself
above all other religious teachers and prophets. How can he rightfully do this?
Jesus speaks as God’s Son, the Word made flesh. He has the mind, the Spirit,
and the essence of God the Father. As the Word of God, Jesus’ word is truth
excelling all other teachers. Thus, the Scriptures testify of Him and we
interpret them in the light of Christ.
Epiphany
is a season of revelation. A season of new understanding. A season where we
begin to see Jesus as He is. By His words and deeds, He reveals Himself. He is
your Savior who did not find it beneath Him to humble Himself and stoop to your
level. He speaks in words you can
understand. He displays His love for you in acts of mercy and care.
Of
course, we don’t always get it. Sometimes we can’t always perceive what the
Lord is doing in our life. But He is there. Always has. Always will. And for that,
we can be glad that He has promised to support, direct and order your
life.
A
house eaten by termites and beginning to sage may look better with a fresh coat
of paint, but it is still a rotting house. The problem lies on the inside and
must be dealt with there. In like manner, Christian morality is not simply
doing things that appear good to other people.
It’s more than “good thoughts,
good words and good deeds.” That’s the threefold motto and the fundamental
tenet in Zoroastrianism. It has to do with one’s connection to Christ. Sin is
an inside job. The significant part is a holy heart, and that is what this
reading is all about.
A Collect for the Epiphany Season:
Father, You make known the
salvation of humankind at the birth of Your Son. Make us strong in faith and
bring us to the glory You promise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever
and ever.[2]
[2] Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3] Collect for Friday prior to Epiphany 5, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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