Jesus Promises You Will Be Great

Matthew 5:19 “Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
 
MEDITATE on this verse for  a minute. Perhaps you have two questions: Are there lesser and greater commands in the kingdom of heaven? Will the disobedient be in the kingdom?
    We can answer the questions when we understand that Jesus is teaching people who have learned many man-made commands mixed with God’s commands. In the Pharisees’ religious structure, there were least and greater commands. The Lord of the Law emphasizes God’s Word is precious in even the smallest matters. “This means the smallest details of the Law will be fulfilled. We must heed all. But we must make sure that they are His commands and not human rules.” (from Exegetical Commentary on Matthew, by Spiros Zodhiates) We know his commands when we know the Bible.
   The Teacher also underscores the need for faithful teaching. Jesus is pointing ahead to the church as the visible kingdom of heaven. Teachers in the church must treasure all of God’s Word. They are to educate their congregations, classes and Bible studies to cherish and adhere to all God’s commands. The apostle Paul warned, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4) Teachers who do not honor all commands will have a lower position in God’s kingdom than those who speak plainly from the Bible.
   To be great in the kingdom of heaven, then, is to be loyal to God’s commands. God calls the faithful great because they are of high value in the Kingdom. Your value is not defined by the culture’s standards. Your value is determined in your devotion to live into God’s commands.
   When you consider your own life, how do you look at the law? Are you resisting some of the “smaller” laws that seem to make little difference in your life? Or do you hold all God’s Word in high esteem? Do you desire with all your heart to follow God’s commands into the full life Jesus’ promises? What happens when you break a command? Can you be great then?
   God says you can. A wonderful assurance in Scripture is expressed in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Obedience, confession and passion are the pathway to kingdom greatness. Strive to know God’s law. Live God’s law. Teach God’s law. Be kingdom great.