Christ Fulfills The Law

We are going to continue the Gailieen ministry and in doing so, it’s a little tricky to figure out which stories happened first or in what order. I also realized, a little too late, that the beatitudes are also in Luke 6:20-23.

Why the beatitudes? Well, when Jesus started His ministry the beatitudes were one of the first teachings He did. In fact, a few scriptures talk about how the crowds were astonished at what He taught. I find it fitting that we continue the sermon on the mountain to understand just why people were astonished.

Today’s Readings: Matthew 4:23-25 & 5:17-20, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 6:17-26

Jesus Heals A Great Multitude & Preaches In Town

Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 6:17-19

Beginning His Galilean ministry, which was discussed last time, Jesus goes through Gailiee preaching in synagogues about the gospel of the kingdom (Matt.4:23) He also goes and heals all kinds of sickness, all kinds of diseases, those who were afflicted with torments, demon-possession, epileptics, and paralytics. Great multitudes began to follow Him from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

In the book of Mark, we are told in the early morning Jesus went out and prayed. Simon and others went looking for Him as people were looking for Him. Instead, Jesus says for them to go into the next towns so He could preach as this was the purpose for which He came. He became preaching in synagogues throughout all Galilee, casting out demons as well. (Mark 1:35-39)

Jesus’ Preaching – He Fulfills The Law

Matthew 5:17-20, Luke 6:20-26

In the book of Matthew and Luke, these teachings follow the beatitudes, which I have talked about before if you would like to go over them. Luke also covers the beatitudes and woes. Both Matthew and Luke cover Love Your Enemies, Do Not Judge, Known By Your Fruit, and Build On The Rock. (We will mostly be in Matthew though for His preaching.) 

I thought this would be a good time to go over the teachings to understand why people were amazed at His words. We will continue this next time as well. 

Jesus shares that He did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them (Matt. 5:17) He encourages that the Law continues to be taught as the words are not lost.

Please do not misunderstand, however, Jesus is not encouraging legalism. I suggest reading Romans and other teachings in the New Testament that discuss how we can keep the Law through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus shares if our righteousness does not exceed that of a scribe or a Pharisee (who practice legalism), we can’t enter the kingdom of Heaven. Meaning, the scribe, and Pharisee, who practice legalism, ALSO cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus calls for higher righteousness.

See Romans Ch. 3, 5-8, 1 Corinthians 6:11-20, 2 Corinthians 3:07-18 & Galatians Ch. 3 for further understanding about works, legalism, and how Christ fulfills us. 

What To Take Away: Jesus not only gave His time to the Lord, but He gave His time for people. He never spent time for Himself, something I know all Christians today struggle with. This doesn’t mean He didn’t enjoy Himself, but His eyes were always focused on something higher. It doesn’t mean it’s a sin if we spend time for ourselves, but how can we make that time productive and draw us closer to Jesus?

Jesus was well learned in scripture, and we know this was NOT only because of the Holy Spirit but a man who sought the Word and God daily! That’s powerful! Jesus showed Himself to do this even when He was a child.

Reading scripture daily and meditating on truth helps us see with clear eyes. Always seek the Lord to minister to you in prayer and in scripture. Many people struggle with legalism and a lot of the time it is because they have misunderstood scripture. Jesus WILL let the scales fall if we seek Him with all we have! 

Comment Below:

Did you ever have a misconception about scripture? How did Jesus teach you through it?

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