The Shalt Nots | Matthew 5:21-48

Nothin' But Fine: Bible Talk with Emily

This week, we wrap up the rest of Matthew chapter 5.
Jesus has just said our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees and scribes. Naturally he goes directly into the Law that they knew. They knew it not because they read it somewhere or studied it for themselves. They heard it. From whom? The Pharisees, scribes, Rabbis/Priests. They were reliant upon them for the law. The word heard is important. The Greek (akouó) literally means to learn from a teacher. The people learned the law by hearing it. But it was colored by the delivery, perhaps. What was the issue Jesus had with the Pharisees? They were very good on the outside, made great public gestures, but they did not live what they taught. Their hearts were not involved. God had had this same issue with Israel before. Isaiah 58 is a great example of this. The Israelites were complaining that they were praying, and God was not listening and doing. His response was they weren’t doing it right. Their hearts weren’t in the right place.

So, Jesus goes into the thou shalt nots the people had heard. He was not altering them. He was teaching them with the correct intent behind them. He was telling what they really meant without the “rabbinical understanding” attached. He gets rid of the Pharisee slant.

Guys, it’s all about the intent of your heart. All of it.
Keep learning with the full show notes on the website.

Check out Emily's recommended Bibles, references, and supplies!

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