“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19.
The fact that Jesus is focusing on the Ten Commandment Law now comes into sharp focus. If one breaks even one of the least of the commandments, he will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
James said it this way: “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10. That James was speaking specifically of the Ten Commandment Law is clear from his very next words: “For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” Verse 11.
Jesus also warns not only against breaking one of the commandments, but against teaching others to do the same. How many Christian teachers and leaders today are telling people straightforwardly that the Ten Commandments are no longer binding upon Christians?
Those who break one of God’s commandments and teach others to do the same will “be called least” by those who are privileged to enter into the kingdom of heaven, but they themselves will not enter. In verse 20 Jesus says, “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
The scribes and Pharisees were breakers of God’s Commandments. “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men….And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:7-9.
According to the Bible, those who willingly obey God’s Commandments will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14.
Maybe you have noticed how a small child eagerly obeys when asked to do something he enjoys. Perhaps you have asked him to go and bring something from another room, or to carry his favorite plate to the table. But when you ask him to pick up his toys, or come get ready for bed, there is delay or unwillingness. He doesn’t enjoy those things, and he doesn’t feel like obeying. We often act similarly toward God. When He asks us to do something that we naturally want to do, such as refrain from killing or stealing, we are happy to comply. But when He asks us to make a change that would make us appear strange in the eyes of society, to do something that will set us apart from our friends and family, are we as willing to obey?
Posted by Elisabeth on February 1, 2011 at 10:58 am
How true! As the Lord continue to work on our heart, He shows us aspects of our life where we are not in obedience to His perfect law. As you truly said : Are we willing to obey even when it goes against our natural desire, or when it will set us apart? Right now the Lord is working in my own heart. And I can only say: Lord make me willing to be made willing, so that I can be truly yours.
Thank you for your posts that are so uplifting. Love, Elisabeth