PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 16:16-18
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Everyone is forcing their way into (the good news of the kingdom).” (Luke 16:16)
I find this section (called ‘additional teachings in my bible) hard to fit in.
In the context Jesus is challenging the religious leaders (vv.14-15).
He seems to affirm the Law (it will not disappear), and yet he also puts it in its place.
“The good news of the kingdom” seems to take the place of the Law (v.16).
The Law served its solid, unchanging purpose in its time, but Jesus is fulfilling it.
He follows it, but he also takes people beyond it, deeper than just the surface.
The Pharisees used the Law to justify themselves (v.15).
Jesus affirms the Moses Law, but goes deeper and further to the heart (Matthew 5:17ff).
(Divorce is an example where the Law does not go deep enough, see Matthew 19:1-9).
Following the Law is not enough, it is not good news, it does not change our heart.
Jesus reveals and heals the heart, and people are desperately coming to him.
They forcefully grab the good news he brings, because it speaks to their deep need.
Somehow, what Jesus is and does is more solid and helpful, more good news than the Law.
Which is why I forcefully, desperately, eagerly cling to him – not just religion.
PRAYER
Lord, your words are hard but they speak to my heart. You give me hope and good news, where following the Law does not. I firmly and forcefully cling to you, for you are good news to me.
Clearly He came to fulfill the law, not abolish it! Lord help me remember that as I justify my habits and behaviour within the context of man, that only you know my heart. Give me wisdom so that you would be proud of my walk.
The gospel is open – it is for everyone – we don’t know who will respond – but when they do – the spirit will lead them to the truth. We all grow in the spirit and the Spirit will write the ‘laws’ on our hearts. How can we be open to others even in the face of sin? The law does not change – saying that adultery is now okay – yet we need to open to receiving the adulterer – in the hopes that the gospel will convict and lead to a change in them – and so it goes for any sin that has captivated our lives. The spirit will help us to grow to be more like Jesus! We can’t change people, but Jesus can. He changes me – help me to be open to others and not judgmental – seeking to live the way of Jesus.
The good news is that grace and truth shall mark the Way. The law had become rules for living but not loving. The summary of the law – Love God and Love man. Christ was the living example of living the law and showing me how to live for Jesus. I need that love living in me.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.