1 00:00:00,630 --> 00:00:02,670 Speaker 1: Do not think that I have come to abolish the 2 00:00:02,730 --> 00:00:06,189 Speaker 1: law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish them, 3 00:00:06,990 --> 00:00:13,940 Speaker 1: but to fulfill them. Matthew 5.17 Heavenly Father, as we 4 00:00:14,040 --> 00:00:18,020 Speaker 1: reflect on Your Word, our hearts are drawn into a 5 00:00:18,079 --> 00:00:24,200 Speaker 1: deeper understanding of Your divine plan. In this profound declaration 6 00:00:24,480 --> 00:00:27,920 Speaker 1: that You have fulfilled the law, we see the continuity 7 00:00:27,980 --> 00:00:32,260 Speaker 1: of Scripture. and the weaving of old and new into 8 00:00:32,310 --> 00:00:38,400 Speaker 1: a perfect tapestry of salvation. Lord, help us grasp the 9 00:00:38,460 --> 00:00:43,400 Speaker 1: significance of this fulfillment, not merely as a historical fact, 10 00:00:43,479 --> 00:00:48,620 Speaker 1: but as a transformative truth that impacts our daily lives. 11 00:00:50,420 --> 00:00:54,170 Speaker 1: Teach us to appreciate the law and the prophets, not 12 00:00:54,230 --> 00:00:57,920 Speaker 1: as a burden, but as a revelation of your holy 13 00:00:58,080 --> 00:01:03,840 Speaker 1: character and will, pointing us toward the grace and truth 14 00:01:04,560 --> 00:01:09,670 Speaker 1: revealed in Christ. Guide us in living out the fullness 15 00:01:09,700 --> 00:01:13,890 Speaker 1: of your law, not through our efforts, but through the 16 00:01:13,950 --> 00:01:21,150 Speaker 1: Spirit you have given us. May our lives reflect the integrity, love, 17 00:01:21,810 --> 00:01:27,010 Speaker 1: and justice that Jesus embodied. Help us to walk in 18 00:01:27,090 --> 00:01:32,940 Speaker 1: obedience and faithfulness, cherishing your commands while embracing the freedom 19 00:01:33,120 --> 00:01:38,399 Speaker 1: and grace offered through Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled them on 20 00:01:38,459 --> 00:01:44,800 Speaker 1: our behalf. As we ponder this mystery, draw us closer 21 00:01:45,000 --> 00:01:49,020 Speaker 1: to your heart, deepening our love for you and our 22 00:01:49,080 --> 00:01:54,270 Speaker 1: commitment to your ways. May our lives be a living 23 00:01:54,410 --> 00:02:00,170 Speaker 1: testimony to the law of love fulfilled in us. In 24 00:02:00,220 --> 00:02:02,700 Speaker 1: the precious name of Jesus, we pray. 25 00:02:04,500 --> 00:02:04,840 Speaker 2: Amen. 26 00:02:07,560 --> 00:02:11,120 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 27 00:02:11,139 --> 00:02:16,489 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories retold with a cinematic touch. 28 00:02:17,710 --> 00:02:21,210 Speaker 1: Remain here for another story inspired by the Sermon on 29 00:02:21,250 --> 00:02:25,549 Speaker 1: the Mount. If you've enjoyed this podcast, we would love 30 00:02:25,590 --> 00:02:31,150 Speaker 1: it if you left a review. Jesus continued to preach 31 00:02:31,210 --> 00:02:35,940 Speaker 1: from the mount. His words were scandalous and cut straight 32 00:02:35,970 --> 00:02:41,220 Speaker 1: to the heart. The religious leaders seethed in anger at Jesus' words. 33 00:02:42,520 --> 00:02:49,270 Speaker 1: His teaching was novel and revolutionary. Jesus threatened their old way, 34 00:02:49,889 --> 00:02:54,260 Speaker 1: the way of the law. Jesus looked at the Pharisees 35 00:02:54,419 --> 00:02:58,139 Speaker 1: glaring at him from the back. They were waiting for 36 00:02:58,440 --> 00:03:02,550 Speaker 1: any excuse to rebuke him. He knew what they thought 37 00:03:02,570 --> 00:03:06,489 Speaker 1: of him. They saw him as a blasphemer and a 38 00:03:06,630 --> 00:03:12,350 Speaker 1: danger to their way of life. However, Jesus knew that 39 00:03:12,389 --> 00:03:17,000 Speaker 1: a craving for power was underneath their piety and moral prowess. 40 00:03:18,740 --> 00:03:22,040 Speaker 1: He looked at them, predicting their objections to him. 41 00:03:22,860 --> 00:03:25,260 Speaker 2: And said, Some of you here may think that I 42 00:03:25,300 --> 00:03:28,560 Speaker 2: have come to abolish the law and prophets. You cannot 43 00:03:28,600 --> 00:03:29,860 Speaker 2: be further from the truth. 44 00:03:30,800 --> 00:03:33,720 Speaker 1: Jesus saw the Pharisees stir and look at one another. 45 00:03:34,320 --> 00:03:35,160 Speaker 1: Hear me. 46 00:03:35,860 --> 00:03:38,780 Speaker 2: I have not come to abolish the law of Moses, 47 00:03:39,310 --> 00:03:43,130 Speaker 2: but to fulfill it. The word of God is unchangeable 48 00:03:43,270 --> 00:03:49,500 Speaker 2: as creation itself. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least 49 00:03:49,540 --> 00:03:53,000 Speaker 2: of these commandments and teaches others to do the same 50 00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:56,820 Speaker 2: will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But 51 00:03:56,840 --> 00:04:00,860 Speaker 2: whoever does them and teaches them will be called great 52 00:04:01,280 --> 00:04:04,910 Speaker 2: in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless 53 00:04:04,930 --> 00:04:08,810 Speaker 2: your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you 54 00:04:08,850 --> 00:04:12,570 Speaker 2: will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 55 00:04:13,270 --> 00:04:16,650 Speaker 1: As Jesus said these things, the religious leaders began to 56 00:04:16,810 --> 00:04:22,530 Speaker 1: boil with frustration. They could not see that the entirety 57 00:04:22,600 --> 00:04:27,120 Speaker 1: of God's story from Abraham until now was leading up 58 00:04:27,400 --> 00:04:33,340 Speaker 1: to this moment. Jesus was the crescendo of human history 59 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:36,580 Speaker 1: and the embodiment of God's will. 60 00:04:45,010 --> 00:04:47,270 Speaker 3: Some see the Bible as a set of two books, 61 00:04:47,810 --> 00:04:51,710 Speaker 3: one old and one new. One gives a bunch of rules, 62 00:04:52,130 --> 00:04:54,480 Speaker 3: the other gives us the freedom to do what we want. 63 00:04:55,580 --> 00:04:59,100 Speaker 3: This couldn't be further from the truth. The law given 64 00:04:59,120 --> 00:05:02,599 Speaker 3: by Moses in the Old Testament was embodied and fulfilled 65 00:05:02,700 --> 00:05:07,390 Speaker 3: by Jesus. When we live and love like Him, we 66 00:05:07,470 --> 00:05:10,849 Speaker 3: follow in the heart of the law. This is the 67 00:05:10,910 --> 00:05:14,910 Speaker 3: Jesus Podcast. Join us as we continue our mini-series through 68 00:05:14,930 --> 00:05:19,070 Speaker 3: the Sermon on the Mount. We've been connecting biblical stories 69 00:05:19,180 --> 00:05:22,380 Speaker 3: to the gospel message of Jesus spoken on the Sermon 70 00:05:22,420 --> 00:05:27,440 Speaker 3: on the Mount. Today, we explore Matthew chapter 5, verses 71 00:05:27,440 --> 00:05:32,000 Speaker 3: 17 through 20. This passage addresses Jesus' relationship to the 72 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:35,480 Speaker 3: law and the prophets and our call to live righteously. 73 00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:38,940 Speaker 3: We'll connect this to the giving of the law to 74 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:42,720 Speaker 3: Moses in Exodus chapters 19 and 20, and in Deuteronomy 75 00:05:42,760 --> 00:05:46,560 Speaker 3: chapter 5, gaining deeper insight into how we can live 76 00:05:46,640 --> 00:05:48,839 Speaker 3: out these truths in our daily lives. 77 00:05:51,580 --> 00:05:52,670 Speaker 2: Moses, what's happening? 78 00:05:53,290 --> 00:05:57,390 Speaker 1: Miriam asked with trembling breath. The air was thick with 79 00:05:57,450 --> 00:06:01,850 Speaker 1: a heavy mist rolling in from the west. The Israelites 80 00:06:01,930 --> 00:06:05,650 Speaker 1: gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai. The sky above 81 00:06:05,690 --> 00:06:10,010 Speaker 1: the mountain was like charcoal. Lightning struck at the peak 82 00:06:10,029 --> 00:06:14,000 Speaker 1: of Sinai, and the clouds beat with a crimson light. 83 00:06:14,800 --> 00:06:16,040 Speaker 2: Is there a monster up there? 84 00:06:16,700 --> 00:06:21,920 Speaker 1: Moses smirked. He wanted to say yes. He stood tall 85 00:06:21,980 --> 00:06:26,490 Speaker 1: at the bottom, eyes fixed on the summit. The Lord 86 00:06:27,270 --> 00:06:31,190 Speaker 1: was waiting for him. The Lord has arrived. Moses watched 87 00:06:31,230 --> 00:06:35,300 Speaker 1: the heavens stir above the mountain. Lightning struck the earth. 88 00:06:36,250 --> 00:06:41,630 Speaker 1: the sound of cracking stones echoed across the canyon. Flames 89 00:06:41,750 --> 00:06:45,740 Speaker 1: erupted from the mountain's peak, casting a fiery glow over 90 00:06:45,770 --> 00:06:52,260 Speaker 1: the assembly. A sound resounded from the skies, almost like trumpets. 91 00:06:53,339 --> 00:06:55,279 Speaker 1: The boom was deafening. 92 00:06:55,779 --> 00:06:58,419 Speaker 4: What's that sound? Are we going to die? 93 00:06:58,990 --> 00:07:00,630 Speaker 2: Moses, what does this all mean? 94 00:07:01,190 --> 00:07:04,610 Speaker 1: In the margin between heaven's booms and the clamoring of 95 00:07:04,630 --> 00:07:08,890 Speaker 1: the crowd, Moses heard a faint, familiar voice. 96 00:07:09,610 --> 00:07:10,690 Speaker 4: Moses. 97 00:07:11,470 --> 00:07:16,100 Speaker 1: Moses closed his eyes, feeling the earth quaking in his chest. 98 00:07:17,040 --> 00:07:21,200 Speaker 4: Here I am. Come up to me, Moses. 99 00:07:22,160 --> 00:07:26,640 Speaker 1: Moses opened his eyes. A storm of smoke and lightning 100 00:07:26,900 --> 00:07:27,820 Speaker 1: swirled at the peak. 101 00:07:29,960 --> 00:07:32,619 Speaker 5: Miriam, remain here with the people. 102 00:07:33,300 --> 00:07:34,500 Speaker 4: Are you mad? 103 00:07:35,070 --> 00:07:37,090 Speaker 2: Don't go up there. You'll die. 104 00:07:37,110 --> 00:07:39,990 Speaker 5: It's possible. 105 00:07:40,490 --> 00:07:42,050 Speaker 1: Moses, what do we tell people? 106 00:07:42,610 --> 00:07:43,650 Speaker 3: Why are you leaving? 107 00:07:44,230 --> 00:07:51,840 Speaker 1: Moses didn't answer. He ascended, disappearing into the inferno. The 108 00:07:51,880 --> 00:07:58,770 Speaker 1: people waited, their hearts racing with fear and wonder. Moses 109 00:07:58,970 --> 00:08:04,710 Speaker 1: entered the fray. The flame's light was intense, but it 110 00:08:04,750 --> 00:08:10,780 Speaker 1: didn't burn. Lightning lit the skies, yet it didn't strike Moses. 111 00:08:11,720 --> 00:08:15,780 Speaker 1: He was in the presence of unlimited and terrifying power, 112 00:08:16,580 --> 00:08:23,430 Speaker 1: yet completely safe. Moses looked around, wondering if God would 113 00:08:23,470 --> 00:08:29,330 Speaker 1: appear in light and fire. Moses stretched out his arms. 114 00:08:29,030 --> 00:08:32,110 Speaker 3: And screamed, Here I am! 115 00:08:32,710 --> 00:08:37,100 Speaker 1: A bolt of lightning struck the stone beside him. Moses 116 00:08:37,130 --> 00:08:41,020 Speaker 1: went flying backwards, smacking his head onto the jagged floor. 117 00:08:42,559 --> 00:08:45,700 Speaker 1: He opened his eyes to see lightning flashing from the 118 00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:52,550 Speaker 1: heavens all around. A voice spoke over the thunder, gripping Moses' chest. 119 00:08:53,630 --> 00:08:57,400 Speaker 4: I am the Lord your God. 120 00:08:58,160 --> 00:09:02,400 Speaker 1: Wind howled, and Moses propped himself up against a rock. 121 00:09:03,059 --> 00:09:06,920 Speaker 1: He marched forward, desperate to see the Lord, but was 122 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:12,579 Speaker 1: quickly thrown back again. The voice of God echoed from 123 00:09:12,640 --> 00:09:16,719 Speaker 1: the mountain through the valley. His words rushed like a 124 00:09:16,880 --> 00:09:21,050 Speaker 1: mighty wind, rolling downward to Aaron, Miriam, and the others. 125 00:09:23,510 --> 00:09:26,429 Speaker 3: Yes, Lord. I am listening. 126 00:09:27,809 --> 00:09:33,480 Speaker 4: You shall have no other gods before me. You shall 127 00:09:33,540 --> 00:09:38,420 Speaker 4: not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness 128 00:09:38,500 --> 00:09:42,950 Speaker 4: of anything in heaven above, in the earth beneath, Or 129 00:09:43,010 --> 00:09:46,540 Speaker 4: in the water under the earth. You shall not bow 130 00:09:46,640 --> 00:09:51,360 Speaker 4: down to serve them. For I, the Lord your God, 131 00:09:52,059 --> 00:09:57,450 Speaker 4: am a jealous God. But I am rich in steadfast 132 00:09:57,650 --> 00:09:52,270 Speaker 4: love to those who love me. The earth pulsed with power. 133 00:09:52,350 --> 00:09:56,580 Speaker 4: The skies continued to swirl in a mixture of flames 134 00:09:56,720 --> 00:10:00,140 Speaker 4: and heavenly light. Moses basked in the glory of God. 135 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:23,020 Speaker 4: He felt terrified and comforted. You shall not take the 136 00:10:23,100 --> 00:10:27,300 Speaker 4: name of the Lord your God in vain. For the 137 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:31,000 Speaker 4: Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name 138 00:10:31,140 --> 00:10:37,189 Speaker 4: in vain. Remember the Sabbath day. Keep it holy. You 139 00:10:37,210 --> 00:10:40,990 Speaker 4: shall labor and do all your work in six days. 140 00:10:41,770 --> 00:10:45,290 Speaker 4: But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord 141 00:10:45,460 --> 00:10:50,500 Speaker 4: your God. In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, 142 00:10:51,160 --> 00:10:56,070 Speaker 4: the sea, and everything in them. But he rested on 143 00:10:56,130 --> 00:11:00,690 Speaker 4: the seventh day. Honor your father and mother, that your 144 00:11:00,790 --> 00:11:04,910 Speaker 4: days may be long in the land the Lord your 145 00:11:05,030 --> 00:11:06,829 Speaker 4: God is giving you. 146 00:11:07,470 --> 00:11:11,770 Speaker 1: Moses trembled in place, unsure if he would collapse from 147 00:11:11,820 --> 00:11:16,820 Speaker 1: the sheer glory of God's voice speaking to him. He 148 00:11:16,860 --> 00:11:20,850 Speaker 1: looked down at the people who waited far off in terror. 149 00:11:22,210 --> 00:11:26,050 Speaker 1: They couldn't go near, or else they'd surely die. 150 00:11:26,650 --> 00:11:33,840 Speaker 4: You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You 151 00:11:33,960 --> 00:11:39,739 Speaker 4: shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against 152 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:45,100 Speaker 4: your neighbors. You shall not covet your neighbor's house, or 153 00:11:45,140 --> 00:11:49,280 Speaker 4: his wife, his property, or his possessions. 154 00:11:50,100 --> 00:11:53,600 Speaker 1: There was a pause, and Moses rose to his feet 155 00:11:54,179 --> 00:11:59,000 Speaker 1: and edged closer to some tablets. He could perceive some 156 00:11:59,080 --> 00:12:02,650 Speaker 1: markings on them, but couldn't quite read from the distance. 157 00:12:04,130 --> 00:12:05,650 Speaker 1: Then the Lord said. 158 00:12:05,970 --> 00:12:13,130 Speaker 4: Go, tell the people what I have told you. Then Return. 159 00:12:13,630 --> 00:12:17,010 Speaker 1: Moses leant down the jagged path, leaning on the large 160 00:12:17,070 --> 00:12:22,709 Speaker 1: stone and composing himself. The people saw flashes of lightning 161 00:12:23,250 --> 00:12:28,050 Speaker 1: and the mountains smoking with volcanic rage. They heard the 162 00:12:28,110 --> 00:12:31,150 Speaker 1: trumpeting of the heavens boom in tandem with the thunder. 163 00:12:32,410 --> 00:12:37,270 Speaker 1: It was all overwhelming. So when they saw Moses descend 164 00:12:37,330 --> 00:12:40,570 Speaker 1: from the mountain, they bowed and shouted. 165 00:12:41,220 --> 00:12:44,699 Speaker 2: You speak to us, and we will listen. Do not 166 00:12:44,780 --> 00:12:47,939 Speaker 2: let God speak to us, or else we will die. 167 00:12:48,590 --> 00:12:52,730 Speaker 1: Moses turned back to the summit. It was a terrifying 168 00:12:52,890 --> 00:12:56,210 Speaker 1: sight to behold. He comforted the people. 169 00:12:56,670 --> 00:13:01,709 Speaker 5: Saying, Don't be afraid. God has come to test you. 170 00:13:02,790 --> 00:13:09,240 Speaker 5: He's showing yourself so that you may fear him. That 171 00:13:09,880 --> 00:13:13,870 Speaker 5: Fear will lead to wisdom and keep you from sitting. 172 00:13:14,610 --> 00:13:19,130 Speaker 1: Moses spoke to the people about God's commandments. In the 173 00:13:19,190 --> 00:13:23,380 Speaker 1: shadow of a burning mountain, the people pledged their loyalty, 174 00:13:24,150 --> 00:13:29,680 Speaker 1: their voices rising in a chorus of devotion. As they spoke, 175 00:13:30,260 --> 00:13:34,420 Speaker 1: the fire and smoke swirled around them, a reminder of 176 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:37,880 Speaker 1: the power and majesty of the God who had spoken 177 00:13:37,950 --> 00:13:43,099 Speaker 1: to them. from the heart of the flames. A strange, 178 00:13:43,320 --> 00:13:48,100 Speaker 1: eerie darkness fell over all the people as the commandments 179 00:13:48,140 --> 00:13:53,150 Speaker 1: were spoken. It was as if the shadows themselves were 180 00:13:53,190 --> 00:13:57,630 Speaker 1: being judged, forced to flee before the radiant light of 181 00:13:57,730 --> 00:14:03,569 Speaker 1: God's presence. The Israelites trembled, feeling the weight of their 182 00:14:03,670 --> 00:14:09,570 Speaker 1: sin and the gravity of their covenant with God. The 183 00:14:09,630 --> 00:14:14,100 Speaker 1: smoke began to churn again, and Moses returned with Joshua 184 00:14:14,420 --> 00:14:19,900 Speaker 1: into the mountain. The Lord had more to share. From 185 00:14:19,980 --> 00:14:24,480 Speaker 1: that day forward, the Israelites carried the weight of the 186 00:14:24,580 --> 00:14:29,490 Speaker 1: Ten Commandments, etched not only on tablets of stone, but 187 00:14:29,610 --> 00:14:35,530 Speaker 1: also on the tablets of their hearts. They knew they 188 00:14:35,590 --> 00:14:39,490 Speaker 1: were a chosen people. called to be a light to 189 00:14:39,510 --> 00:14:44,110 Speaker 1: the nations. And their covenant with God would be a 190 00:14:44,210 --> 00:14:50,120 Speaker 1: beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. As 191 00:14:50,180 --> 00:14:55,060 Speaker 1: they journeyed on, the memory of Sinai's fiery peak remained, 192 00:14:56,280 --> 00:14:59,460 Speaker 1: a reminder of the power and majesty of the God 193 00:14:59,500 --> 00:15:04,710 Speaker 1: who had spoken to them amid the flames. And whenever 194 00:15:04,800 --> 00:15:11,120 Speaker 1: they faltered, they returned to memories of the mountain, seeking 195 00:15:11,200 --> 00:15:15,200 Speaker 1: the guidance and forgiveness of the God who had written 196 00:15:15,340 --> 00:15:18,040 Speaker 1: His laws on their hearts. 197 00:15:21,080 --> 00:15:23,000 Speaker 3: Do not think that I have come to abolish the 198 00:15:23,060 --> 00:15:25,980 Speaker 3: law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish them, 199 00:15:26,040 --> 00:15:29,750 Speaker 3: but to fulfill them. For truly, I tell you, until 200 00:15:29,800 --> 00:15:33,350 Speaker 3: heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the 201 00:15:33,430 --> 00:15:36,770 Speaker 3: least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear 202 00:15:36,810 --> 00:15:41,170 Speaker 3: from the law until everything is accomplished. Therefore, anyone who 203 00:15:41,230 --> 00:15:43,830 Speaker 3: sets aside one of the least of these commands and 204 00:15:43,910 --> 00:15:47,090 Speaker 3: teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom 205 00:15:47,110 --> 00:15:52,120 Speaker 3: of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commands will 206 00:15:52,140 --> 00:15:55,220 Speaker 3: be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I 207 00:15:55,280 --> 00:15:58,160 Speaker 3: tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the 208 00:15:58,200 --> 00:16:01,030 Speaker 3: Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly 209 00:16:01,130 --> 00:16:04,580 Speaker 3: not enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus makes it clear 210 00:16:04,800 --> 00:16:07,520 Speaker 3: that He did not come to abolish the law or 211 00:16:07,580 --> 00:16:12,710 Speaker 3: the prophets, but to fulfill them. This fulfillment means bringing 212 00:16:12,760 --> 00:16:16,650 Speaker 3: them to their intended completion and revealing their full meaning. 213 00:16:17,310 --> 00:16:21,230 Speaker 3: Jesus emphasizes the enduring nature of the law and the 214 00:16:21,270 --> 00:16:25,350 Speaker 3: importance of practicing and teaching its commands. He calls us 215 00:16:25,410 --> 00:16:29,090 Speaker 3: to a higher standard of righteousness, one that surpasses that 216 00:16:29,130 --> 00:16:32,140 Speaker 3: of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, focusing 217 00:16:32,260 --> 00:16:35,350 Speaker 3: on the spirit of the law rather than just its letter. 218 00:16:36,270 --> 00:16:38,670 Speaker 3: The giving of the law to Moses at Mount Sinai 219 00:16:38,990 --> 00:16:43,470 Speaker 3: is a foundational event in Israel's history. In Exodus chapters 220 00:16:43,470 --> 00:16:47,450 Speaker 3: 19 and 20 and Deuteronomy chapter 5, God gives the 221 00:16:47,490 --> 00:16:50,710 Speaker 3: Ten Commandments and other laws to guide His people in 222 00:16:50,770 --> 00:16:56,050 Speaker 3: living righteously and maintaining a covenant relationship with Him. In 223 00:16:56,110 --> 00:16:59,580 Speaker 3: Exodus 19, we see the preparation for the giving of 224 00:16:59,600 --> 00:17:02,820 Speaker 3: the law. God calls Moses up to the mountain and 225 00:17:02,860 --> 00:17:07,280 Speaker 3: instructs him to consecrate the people, emphasizing the seriousness and 226 00:17:07,380 --> 00:17:12,010 Speaker 3: holiness of this event. The Ten Commandments, given in Exodus 227 00:17:12,050 --> 00:17:16,149 Speaker 3: chapter 20 and reiterated in Deuteronomy chapter 5, provide a 228 00:17:16,210 --> 00:17:21,290 Speaker 3: moral foundation that highlights God's standards for His people. These 229 00:17:21,330 --> 00:17:27,070 Speaker 3: commandments include no other gods before Him, no idols, not 230 00:17:27,170 --> 00:17:30,050 Speaker 3: taking the Lord's name in vain, keeping the Sabbath holy, 231 00:17:30,590 --> 00:17:35,550 Speaker 3: honoring your parents, not murdering, not committing adultery, not stealing, 232 00:17:35,930 --> 00:17:40,020 Speaker 3: not bearing false witness, and not coveting. These laws were 233 00:17:40,060 --> 00:17:43,740 Speaker 3: meant to set Israel apart as God's chosen people, living 234 00:17:43,780 --> 00:17:47,040 Speaker 3: in a way that reflects His character and His righteousness. 235 00:17:48,180 --> 00:17:51,260 Speaker 3: Here are some key insights for us to glean from Jesus' 236 00:17:51,320 --> 00:17:57,220 Speaker 3: words and the story we experienced today. First, Jesus fulfills 237 00:17:57,270 --> 00:18:00,050 Speaker 3: the law. There were three types of laws in the 238 00:18:00,150 --> 00:18:04,750 Speaker 3: Old Testament. First, there was the moral law, laws dictating 239 00:18:04,850 --> 00:18:09,909 Speaker 3: moral behavior and living righteous lives. Second, there was the 240 00:18:09,970 --> 00:18:13,360 Speaker 3: civil law, laws meant to create a nation set apart 241 00:18:13,420 --> 00:18:19,060 Speaker 3: and resilient. Third were the ceremonial laws, sacrificial and cleanliness laws, 242 00:18:19,300 --> 00:18:24,540 Speaker 3: meant to create unity between man and God. Jesus fulfilled 243 00:18:24,560 --> 00:18:27,810 Speaker 3: the moral law through His life. established a nation through 244 00:18:27,850 --> 00:18:31,210 Speaker 3: His preaching, and was the ultimate sacrifice that brought people 245 00:18:31,290 --> 00:18:36,909 Speaker 3: close to God. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. Second, 246 00:18:37,280 --> 00:18:42,220 Speaker 3: we must internalize the law. Jesus calls us to internalize 247 00:18:42,280 --> 00:18:45,399 Speaker 3: the law, focusing on the heart and the spirit behind it. 248 00:18:46,100 --> 00:18:49,460 Speaker 3: It's not just about external compliance, but about having a 249 00:18:49,570 --> 00:18:54,310 Speaker 3: heart transformed by God's love and grace. This was something 250 00:18:54,369 --> 00:18:58,419 Speaker 3: the Pharisees struggled with. Sure, they followed the rules to 251 00:18:58,480 --> 00:19:01,859 Speaker 3: a T, but they couldn't quite have their hearts match 252 00:19:01,900 --> 00:19:08,990 Speaker 3: their heads. Third, teaching and practicing the commands. Jesus emphasizes 253 00:19:09,030 --> 00:19:14,090 Speaker 3: the importance of both practicing and teaching God's commands. We 254 00:19:14,130 --> 00:19:17,600 Speaker 3: should strive to live according to God's standards and also 255 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:22,580 Speaker 3: help others understand and follow His ways. There are many 256 00:19:22,640 --> 00:19:25,820 Speaker 3: laws we don't follow today, and thank God for that, 257 00:19:26,040 --> 00:19:30,500 Speaker 3: because I love bacon. But the heart behind the law 258 00:19:30,560 --> 00:19:36,040 Speaker 3: remains and is embodied in the person and teachings of Jesus. Therefore, 259 00:19:36,400 --> 00:19:41,060 Speaker 3: we teach and practice the rhythms established by Christ. Jesus 260 00:19:41,100 --> 00:19:44,100 Speaker 3: summarized the law concisely in Matthew 22, verses 37 and 40. 261 00:19:44,090 --> 00:19:50,500 Speaker 3: Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, 262 00:19:50,740 --> 00:19:53,480 Speaker 3: with all your soul, and with all your mind. This 263 00:19:53,760 --> 00:19:56,619 Speaker 3: is the first and greatest commandment, and the second is 264 00:19:56,680 --> 00:20:00,460 Speaker 3: like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law 265 00:20:00,560 --> 00:20:04,700 Speaker 3: and the prophets hang on these two commandments, loving God 266 00:20:05,200 --> 00:20:08,240 Speaker 3: and loving neighbor. That's what it boils down to, folks. 267 00:20:09,109 --> 00:20:14,590 Speaker 3: It's simple in speech, but profoundly complicated in practice. Next 268 00:20:14,790 --> 00:20:19,990 Speaker 3: is surpassing righteousness. Our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisee, 269 00:20:20,330 --> 00:20:25,000 Speaker 3: which means moving beyond legalism to a genuine, heartfelt obedience 270 00:20:25,040 --> 00:20:28,900 Speaker 3: to God. This involves loving God with all of our heart, 271 00:20:29,260 --> 00:20:32,419 Speaker 3: all of our soul, all of our mind, and loving 272 00:20:32,520 --> 00:20:37,290 Speaker 3: our neighbor as ourselves, as we just spoke about. Finally, 273 00:20:37,670 --> 00:20:44,060 Speaker 3: reflecting God's character. The law reveals God's character, His holiness, justice, 274 00:20:44,280 --> 00:20:48,570 Speaker 3: His love. By living according to His commands, we reflect 275 00:20:48,609 --> 00:20:51,810 Speaker 3: His character to the world and become a testimony of 276 00:20:51,869 --> 00:20:57,629 Speaker 3: His grace and truth. As we reflect on Jesus' words 277 00:20:57,690 --> 00:21:01,649 Speaker 3: in Matthew 5, verses 17-20 and the giving of the 278 00:21:01,690 --> 00:21:05,230 Speaker 3: law to Moses, let us strive to live out the 279 00:21:05,359 --> 00:21:09,320 Speaker 3: fullness of God's commands with a heart transformed by His grace. 280 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:13,600 Speaker 3: May we internalize the spirit of the law, practice and 281 00:21:13,859 --> 00:21:19,119 Speaker 3: teach His commands, surpass mere legalistic righteousness, and reflect God's 282 00:21:19,220 --> 00:21:22,280 Speaker 3: character in all that we do. Let us pray for 283 00:21:22,320 --> 00:21:25,500 Speaker 3: the strength and wisdom to be true citizens of heaven, 284 00:21:26,359 --> 00:21:30,330 Speaker 3: living out the righteousness that Jesus calls us to. Thanks 285 00:21:30,369 --> 00:21:33,230 Speaker 3: again for joining us. You know what to do. Follow 286 00:21:33,250 --> 00:21:36,030 Speaker 3: the podcast, share with a friend, and subscribe.