From that time Jesus began to preach, saying “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17 ESV

In our first verse for today, Jesus has begun His ministry. He starts in Galilee, where He grew up. Jesus teaches in the synagogues (like churches) and heals all the sick and disabled people. Soon Jesus has lots of people that follow Him and want to hear more of what He has to say.

Jesus and His disciples stop and sit part way up a mountain, and the people following Him gather around to listen to Jesus. This is called the Sermon on the Mount. Remember when we talked about Jesus Gives Blessings? That was the first part of the Sermon on the Mount.

Our second verse is the beginning of another part of the Sermon. Jesus is going to talk about the Law. Do you remember the ten commandments that God gave His people? These are a part of the Law, that the people were to obey. First, Jesus says that He is not going to get rid of, or abolish, the Law, He is going to fulfill the Law. Fulfill the Law means to complete the Law, and this is where Jesus asks each of us to do “more!”

Jesus quotes the commandment that says, You shall not murder. But Jesus asks us to do more than not murder, Jesus says do not even be angry with anyone. Make peace with them.

One of the laws said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But Jesus tells us that we are to love our enemies and pray for the people that treat us badly.

One of the laws in Roman times, when Jesus lived, said that a soldier could demand that a citizen carry their backpack for one mile (1,000 steps!). But Jesus asks us for more by saying, if they ask you to carry it for one mile, go and carry it for two miles.

One of the commandments says, You shall not steal. What more do you think Jesus would ask you to do? Maybe not be jealous or want what someone else has. Be happy with what you have.

Another commandment says, Do not bear false witness, lie. What more do you think Jesus would ask you to do? Maybe to always be honest and truthful.

Did you notice that part of the “more” that Jesus asks us to do is to love? Love your enemies,  don’t be angry but love your brother, love the soldier, love others and you won’t steal, love and don’t lie, love and help others.

This week, talk with your parents. How can all of us fulfill the law by loving more, doing more, giving more and being more like Jesus would want us to be?

Blessings and love as you do more for Jesus and fulfill the Law!