God’s Law

God’s Law: Living According to Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus Christ, during His time on earth, provided profound teachings on how His followers are to live their lives. Unlike the rigid adherence to the letter of the law emphasized in the Old Testament, Jesus’ teachings focus on the spirit of the law—love, mercy, and grace. Here, we explore the core commandments and requirements as taught by Jesus, particularly through the Sermon on the Mount, which serves as a cornerstone of Christian ethics.

The Greatest Commandments

Jesus summarized all the Law and the Prophets with two paramount commandments:

1. Love God: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
2. Love Your Neighbor: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

These commandments encapsulate the essence of what it means to live a life pleasing to God, emphasizing that love is the fulfillment of the law.

The Beatitudes

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, blessings that describe the character and actions of those who are part of God’s Kingdom:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
• Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Ethical Teachings

Jesus’ sermon continues with teachings that delve deeper into the heart’s attitude, going beyond the external observance of the law:

• Anger and Reconciliation: Jesus teaches that anger with one’s brother is subject to judgment, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation (Matthew 5:21-26).
• Adultery and Lust: He explains that even looking at someone lustfully is akin to committing adultery in one’s heart (Matthew 5:27-30).
• Love for Enemies: Jesus commands His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, showcasing God’s perfect love (Matthew 5:43-48).
• Giving to the Needy: He instructs to give to the needy discreetly, not for public admiration (Matthew 6:1-4).
• Prayer and Fasting: Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer as a model and emphasizes fasting in secret, focusing on a genuine relationship with God (Matthew 6:5-18).
• Treasures in Heaven: Followers are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, focusing on eternal values (Matthew 6:19-21).
• Judging Others: Jesus warns against judging others, encouraging self-examination and humility (Matthew 7:1-5).
• The Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

The Call to Action

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a call to action, emphasizing that hearing His words is not enough; one must act on them:

• The Wise and Foolish Builders: Those who hear Jesus’ words and put them into practice are like wise builders who built their house on the rock, able to withstand storms (Matthew 7:24-27).