THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, February 7, 2024

Lord, you turned the religious world on its head. The religious leaders tried to tell you that you have redemption thing all wrong. To be devout, and become one of the God’s saintly heroes, you must obey the laws to the nth degree. That’s how it’s done.

You said “Nonsense!”

For centuries, religious leaders attempted to “improve” the Ten Commandments. To make pious people more pious and gain your favor, and publicly demonstrate how holy they were, they added 613 new “commandments.” With the mindset of “We can improve these Ten,” people thought they were helping you. Man’s attempt to become holy by not breaking any rules led only to frustration and guilt. If good but misguided people couldn’t keep the original Ten Commandments, how could they possibly think they could obey the additional 613?

Jesus, in your “Sermon on the Mount,” if folks follow your relationship guideline—the Beatitudes—you defined the simple and beautiful outline of your message of grace and forgiveness (Matthew 5–7). You taught if they put their trust in you, Lord, by your Spirit living within them, they will live a meaningful and purposeful life. That offer is still valid today.

The religious leaders disputed your message. Anyone can obey rules, yet their heart be full of evil and hatred. When asked what is the greatest commandment in the Law, your answer voided their doctrine.

“’You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:37–39).

They were amazed. Wait! What about the other 621 rules?

You explained if we keep these two commandments, we will naturally fulfill they laws of love, grace, and forgiveness that you command.

By your grace, Jesus, we will. Amen.