Drawn to the Gospel

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us both the big picture and the close-up of how God wants us to live. Jesus points out that He doesn’t come to abolish the Law—the Law, given by God, is holy, righteous, and good (Rom 7:12). Jesus is not setting God’s Law aside and tells us, “You’re ok as long as you play nice with each other.” No, He comes to fulfil it, to bring it into the full light of how holy, righteous, and good God’s Law is (Mat 5:17-20).

Jesus doesn’t lower the standard of God’s Law. He raises it by showing the heart intention of the Law (Mat 5:21-42). It’s not enough to avoid killing; we must deal with our anger. It’s not enough to avoid adultery; we must deal with our lustful heart. It’s not just about keeping oaths; we must tell the truth always.

Following Jesus is more than improved behaviour (it’s certainly no less!), it’s about a transformed heart. God works to change us from the inside out, making us new. To riff off Augustine, “Following Jesus is believing the truth that you are made by God, dependent on God, and sustained by God.” That’s how holy, righteous, and good God is.

Only such transformed people can Jesus call to love their enemies and treat them the way God has treated us. Only such people can Jesus command, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mat 5:48).

Reflection

• How can I reflect the Father’s love, especially towards those I dislike, differ from, or keep at a distance?
• Am I content just to look good on the outside rather than being changed from the inside?

This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.