Matthew 5:19

Context of Matthew 5:19

This verse is part of Jesus' profound Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), delivered early in His public ministry. It immediately follows His declaration that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17-18). Here, Jesus clarifies the enduring validity and importance of God's commandments for those who would enter and live within the kingdom of heaven. It sets a high standard for righteousness, contrasting with the superficial observance often seen among the religious leaders of His day.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Enduring Authority of God's Law: Jesus emphasizes that even the "least" of God's commandments hold significance. This challenges any notion that parts of the Old Testament Law could be casually dismissed or deemed irrelevant.
• Integrity of Obedience and Teaching: The verse highlights the dual responsibility of believers: not only to do God's will but also to teach it faithfully. There is a severe warning against those who diminish the importance of any command and then teach others to do the same.
• Consequences in the Kingdom: Jesus uses the terms "least" and "great" to describe positions within the kingdom of heaven. This isn't about salvation, which is by grace through faith, but about honor, influence, or reward based on one's faithfulness to God's revealed will and integrity in teaching it. Those who disregard or undermine God's commands and lead others astray will have a lesser standing, while those who diligently obey and teach will be highly esteemed. This parallels concepts found in other parts of the New Testament regarding rewards for faithful service.

Linguistic Insights

• "least commandments": This phrase underscores Jesus' insistence that no part of the Mosaic Law, down to its seemingly minor details, should be trivialized. It refers to the entirety of God's revealed will.
• "kingdom of heaven": A characteristic phrase in Matthew's Gospel, often synonymous with the "kingdom of God." It signifies God's sovereign rule, both present among His people and future in its full consummation. The "least" and "great" are not excluded from the kingdom but ranked within it.

Related Scriptures

• Matthew 7:21: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." This reinforces the emphasis on doing God's will.
• James 2:10: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." This highlights the interconnectedness and integrity of God's commands.
• Luke 6:46: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" A similar admonition from Jesus about the importance of obedience over mere profession.
• Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission calls disciples to "teach all nations...to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you," underscoring the responsibility to teach God's commands faithfully.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:19 challenges believers today to take God's Word seriously in its entirety. It calls for:

1. Diligent Obedience: We are to strive to obey all of God's commands, recognizing that even seemingly minor acts of obedience or disobedience reflect our reverence for God's authority. Our lives should be characterized by a pursuit of righteousness.
2. Integrity in Teaching: Those who teach God's Word, whether formally or informally, bear a significant responsibility. We must handle Scripture with care and accuracy, never diminishing the importance of any of God's revealed truths for the sake of convenience or popularity.
3. Understanding Kingdom Values: This verse reminds us that our actions and teachings have eternal implications for our standing and reward in God's kingdom. While salvation is a gift, our faithfulness impacts our honor and usefulness in God's eternal plan.