Responsibility

Matthew 5:19 ESV

“Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

It is important to understand that this teaching was to the Jews and at this point they were still under the law as well as those who would choose to stay under the law even after Jesus’s sacrifice, death and resurrection. The criteria used for assigning honor seems to be based on the handling of God’s Word. For those who choose to live under the law, they have to obey all the law. To those who accept grace, they too will obey the law but through the Spirit, that is the Spirit is prompting the redeemed to obey the moral laws. This teaching coincides with what Paul wrote to Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)”

Prayer:

Lord, we choose grace! Living to perfection is not what we are capable of. As you have taught us, help us to obey your words and Your teachings to the last period mark through the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord help us to keep Your words in our hearts and teach Your words to others that they too will learn and teach others. In Your name Lord Jesus we ask, Amen!