March 3, 2016
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Matthew 4:17
In this second part about Jesus Christ, we will see Him as a teacher. He did not instruct us in the times tables or division facts even He though us something about the latter with the feeding of the five thousand. One of the significant words involved with Him was for us to “repent.” Prior devotions have discussed confession and forgiveness. Here, we see the word with the same meaning today as well as in the times He talked to His disciples and crowds. For us to firmly believe in Jesus Christ, this word is significant. It simply means to turn away from our self-centeredness and self control and instead place our life in a direction pleasing to Christ who will show us the ideal instructions for the One Way.
The fifth chapter of Matthew states words which are known as The Beatitudes. One writer illustrates these words of Christ in four ways: “1. They were a code of ethics for the disciples and a standard of conduct for all believers, 2. They contrast kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary), 3. They contrast the superficial ‘faith’ of the Pharisees with the real faith Christ wants, 4. They show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in the new kingdom. These Beatitudes are not multiple choice-pick what you like and leave the rest. They must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like as Christ’s followers.”
When Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” It became, without question, one of the most important sayings of His ministry. We looked at light yesterday, however, all three of these are vital in our walk with Christ. Since He is both God and man, we know this is the only direction in life. When we unite our life with His, we are joined together with God. There is no better way to live.
Prayer: As we read of Christ’s teachings, help us to take some fact or thought from Him showing an instruction for our lives. Amen.
Jeff Spang