Living In The Kingdom With Jesus As Our Guide
Tuesday, January 28
Reading: Matthew 5:17-20
An Impossible Righteousness
Jesus wanted those who gathered on the hillside, and all the rest of us who would ever read or hear his words, to understand that his GOSPEL invitation is for all of us — everyone who wants to engage in living in the Kingdom of GOD. Interestingly, this new Kingdom that Jesus continues to talk about includes redemption from our past, the hope of eternity with HIM, and the very present reality of the availability of a new kind of life right now — the kind of life that he was already living, demonstrating, and sharing with all those who would follow him and live as he was living. Jesus wasn’t interested in making the religious system more difficult, complex, or unattainable, nor was he concerned about protecting those who controlled the religious system.
As he begins to drill down on specifics, Jesus encourages us to think beyond the old merit system that governed the religious orders of his day — the Scribes and the Pharisees. He is offering a new plan — which starts by trusting and obediently following him. He offers a kind and reasonable invitation.
One way to think of it is to imagine Jesus saying something like this to you: “Trust me, especially if you are tired, worn out, or burned out on religion. My way is doable, and it will lead you to a new way of LIFE!”
We are much more likely to enter into an “easy yoke,” a doable way of walking with GOD, when we walk with Jesus through the process of transformation with him as our Shepherd and guide. He is always kind, reasonable, and eager to help us get to this new life he offers. This process requires our engagement — trust, obedience, a listening and prayerful posture, humility, a willingness to change, and deep confidence that the way of Jesus is the best way to live, even when it is hard.
As he begins to drill down on specifics, Jesus encourages us to think beyond the old merit system that governed the religious orders of his day — the Scribes and the Pharisees. He is offering a new plan — which starts by trusting and obediently following him. He offers a kind and reasonable invitation.
One way to think of it is to imagine Jesus saying something like this to you: “Trust me, especially if you are tired, worn out, or burned out on religion. My way is doable, and it will lead you to a new way of LIFE!”
We are much more likely to enter into an “easy yoke,” a doable way of walking with GOD, when we walk with Jesus through the process of transformation with him as our Shepherd and guide. He is always kind, reasonable, and eager to help us get to this new life he offers. This process requires our engagement — trust, obedience, a listening and prayerful posture, humility, a willingness to change, and deep confidence that the way of Jesus is the best way to live, even when it is hard.
Consider/Pray/Journal/Ask:
Where is it most difficult for you to trust Jesus:
Grab your journal and write out a few thoughts or reflections on these questions. The questions are intended to help us consider what we REALLY believe about GOD, not just what we think we are supposed to believe. This is a helpful way to get to our most fundamental image of GOD as we consider how we relate to him.
- With your past, receiving forgiveness, or forgiving yourself? Forgiving others who may have hurt you, abandoned you, or disappointed you? Receiving the healing that comes with Jesus’ forgiveness?
- With your future, believing GOD has a wonderful plan for you, or with his promise to redeem you and bring you into his eternal heaven? Do you struggle to believe GOD is saving you for a future reality where you will abide with him and enjoy his fellowship for all eternity?
- With your present? Walking with him, steadily, daily in a doable, manageable way?
- Do you struggle with thinking you have to “perform” for GOD, managing your behaviors in such a way to win his approval?
Grab your journal and write out a few thoughts or reflections on these questions. The questions are intended to help us consider what we REALLY believe about GOD, not just what we think we are supposed to believe. This is a helpful way to get to our most fundamental image of GOD as we consider how we relate to him.