Matthew 5 7 Reflection Kingdom rightousness Matthew 5

Matthew 5 -7

Reflection Kingdom rightousness – Matthew 5: 17 -20 Opening Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, shepherd of the sheep, help us today to hear your voice and to follow you. Call us back when we go astray, and show us again the right path. Work in us through your Holy Spirit, to live out your Kingdom values and purposes and be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Amen

Matthew 5: 17 -20 The Fulfilment of the Law “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Reflection How did Jesus fulfil the law and prophets?

Jesus fulfills Salvation History (Jesus In the Old Testament) Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel Kings & Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes He is the Seed of the Woman. He is the Passover Lamb. He is the Priest, and the Lamb of Sacrifice. He is the Cloud by day, and the Pillar of fire by night. He is the Prophet like Moses. He is the Captain of our Salvation. He is our Judge and Law-Giver. He is our Kinsman Redeemer. He is our Trusted Prophet. He is our Reigning King. He is Rebuilder of the broken-down walls. He is our Restorer. He is our Advocate. He is our Ever-Living Redeemer. He is our Shepherd. He is our Wisdom. He is our Hope of Resurrection.

Jesus fulfills Salvation History (Jesus In the Old Testament) Song of Songs Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi He is our Loving Bridegroom. He is the Suffering Servant. He is the Righteous wronged. He is our Weeping Prophet. He is the One with the right to rule. He is the Fourth man in the fiery furnace. He is the Faithful Husband forever married to the saints. He is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. He is the Restorer of Justice. He is Mighty to Save. He is our Great Foreign Missionary. He is the Feet of One who brings Good News. He is our Stronghold in the day of trouble. He is God my Savior. He is the King of Israel. He is the Signet Ring. He is our Humble King riding on a colt. Jesus is the Son of Righteousness.

• Jesus fulfils God’s promise • Jesus fulfils God’s law Dietrich Bonhoeffer said about Jesus and the OT law. ‘He has in fact nothing to add except this, that he keeps them’

Jesus is Life, Love, Longevity and Law. He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness and Love. He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, Good. His Way is Right, His Words Eternal. He is my Redeemer, He is my Saviour, He is my God, He is my Priest, He is my king. He is my Joy, He is my Comfort, He is my Law, and he rules my life.

Song Jesus Lover of my soul (Paul Oakley)

Prayer Dear Lord, grant me a passion for loving, knowing and doing your will! Help me to be wise enough to tell the difference between truth and justice, lies and corruption. Teach me to stop judging others and begin to be more concerned about the distance between the life I live and the life you expect and desire of me. This day, Lord, make me hungry and thirsty for righteousness! Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen