Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Make me great in Jesus’ Kingdom.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.
Context:
“Law and Prophets” means the whole Old Testament. Jesus wants his Church to retain these books and teach them to his disciples. At the same time, these books are not God’s final word or his greatest gift because Jesus “fulfills” these laws and prophetic words.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Amen I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter, not even the smallest part of the letter will pass away, until all is fulfilled.
Whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever shall keep them and teach others to do so, shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.
I tell you that unless your goodness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the Kingdom of heaven.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- After making us God’s children, Jesus describes how we must live.
- First, disciples must keep God’s word. Secondly, they must teach others to live by God’s Word.
- Then, they will be great in the Kingdom. They will be both doers and teachers.
- Disciples must go beyond the limited goodness of the scribes and Pharisees.
- These tasks are heavy but the reward is great. Disciples will live forever in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, you have made me a child of the Father.
- Train me in your word, O Lord.
- O Jesus, plant your truth in my heart.
- Give me a zeal to instruct others in your Word.
- May your power make me holy.
- You call me to be great in the Kingdom. I cherish your invitation.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will examine where I do not keep God’s law.
+ I will read the Old Testament to see God’s words to Israel.