Who Will Be Least and Great in Heaven?

N. T. #45 "Who Will Be Least and Great in Heaven?"

April 10, 2023 

Matthew 5-Part 15

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (verse 19)

LET IT GLOW

Just as it is important for us to keep the laws of our land, so it is more important for us to keep the laws of the Bible. Jesus came not to annul the Law, but to fulfill it. 

Jesus is teaching His followers the importance/seriousness of keeping even the smallest details of the Law of Moses. The Law was not meant to become an extra burden on the souls of men. the Law convinces us of the need of the Savior, Jesus Christ. It teaches us how to live-loving God and others.

There are two groups which Jesus contrasts. The first is those who break the least commandment and teaches others to do so- they will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.

Break means to loose; destroy; put off; dissolve.

Least refers to (in least size, amount, dignity, etc); very little (small); smallest.

These people are teaching disobedience to any of God's Word. Jesus will hold them in lowest esteem. There is no impunity for believers who disobey, discredit, or belittle God's law. Although they are offenders, they will still be in the kingdom of heaven. 

So it is important to do what we teach others about the Word of God. Not just consider it a story, a job, or something we like to do for the attention. Our life is a book for others to read. Do we teach one thing and do another?

LET IT GROW

The second group Jesus mentions is those who do what they teach. God will reward the faithfulness and effectiveness of our lives. There will be varying degrees of blessings and rewards in the kingdom. 

We are to live out what the Bible says for us to do as followers of Jesus. We are to be a peculiar people. 

Great is much; largely; mostly.

To sum it up, when we teach God's Word, we are also to be doing what we teach, living it out. Our life is an open book. Others will read it. We may be the only Jesus some will ever read. Are we speaking and acting like Him? What a responsibility!

LET IT GO 

Help us be forgiving and loving even to those who are not toward us.

Fill us with Your Spirit so we can be doers of the Word and not hearers only.