The Ten Commandments are important, but are we aware of the commandments of Christ? Let’s look at some of Jesus’ commands in the Gospel of Matthew.
Repent
What was an important focus of Jesus’ preaching?
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)
Our English word repent translates words meaning a change of heart and mind, to feel sorrow, and to turn back. There must also be proof or fruit of repentance in action (Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20; Revelation 2:5; 2:21-22; 9:20-21; 16:9-11). Repentance includes a change of direction in two areas:
1. turning from evil (2 Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 18:21; James 5:20) and
2. turning to God (Deuteronomy 4:30; 30:10; 2 Chronicles 15:4; Luke 1:16; Acts 14:15; 15:19; 26:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).
The Law
Did Jesus abolish the law?
“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. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18 ESV)
Does the letter of the law apply to Christians or the spirit of the law (Romans 2:29; 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:4-6)?
Reconciliation
How should we keep the peace?
“... First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.” (Matthew 5:24-25 NIV)
Reconciliation is the goal, though it may not always be possible. In some circumstances, we just have to walk away and wipe the dust off our feet (Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; Acts 13:51).
Lust
Making a point by exaggeration, how did Jesus want us to avoid lust?
“If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to end up in hell. If your right hand causes you to sin, chop it off and throw it away! It is better to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:29-30 CEV)
Literal self-mutilation would be against God’s will (Leviticus 19:28; Deuteronomy 14:1; Mark 5:2–5; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Philippians 3:2). Jesus often uses hyperbolic or exaggerated teaching for emphasis. Here Jesus reminds us to take drastic action so as not to look or touch if it leads to adulterous thoughts.
Oaths
Should Christians make silly oaths?
“When you make a promise, say only ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Anything else comes from the devil.” (Matthew 5:37 CEV)
Saying some mumbo jumbo, raising your right hand, swearing on a Bible or on your mother’s grave is all just superstitious leverage. Though we may be required by man’s law to do these things, Christians know that in reality they do nothing to guarantee the truth. Jesus encourages us to simply say yes or no without resorting to silly oaths.
Enemies
How should Christians deal with enemies?
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 KJV).
What do we do if an enemy is coming over the hill to rape and murder our families? Is there a just war? That debate has gone on for a long time.
Perfection
What should a Christian seek?
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 WEB)
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NASB)
Perfection is the goal, and we all fall far short of it. We still need Jesus.
Judgmentalism
Should Christians be judgmental?
“Do not judge [censure], or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1 NIV)
Does not being judgmental mean that we should be naïve without discernment?
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6 NKJV)
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15 NLT)
We need to know who dogs, swine and false prophets are so that we can take appropriate action. Judgmentalism is never appropriate. Not sharing holy things with those who will reject them with disdain and being aware of pretenders are necessary.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Should we persist in prayer?
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NLT)
Golden Rule
What is the golden rule?
“Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.” (Matthew 7:12 CEV)
How does that relate to little ones?
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10 NIV)
Offenses
How do we handle serious offenses?
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” (Matthew 18:15 NKJV)
This is for serious infractions and does not encourage being nit-pickers, constantly nagging others. Instead we should patiently bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13). How often?
“Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.’ ” (Matthew 18:21-22 WEB)
Poor
How should Christians treat poor neighbors?
“Whenever you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor wealthy neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you to a meal in return, and that will be your repayment. But whenever you give a banquet, invite people who are poor, who have disabilities, who are limping, and people who are blind; and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12b-14 NASB)
Love
What are our priorities in love?
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38 NIV)
“And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Matthew 22:39 NKJV)
Some Christians love God but not their neighbor. They ignore the needy, the sick, hate foreigners (Matthew 25:31-46) and are goats bound for hell. Some Christians love their neighbor but not God, encouraging sins that God forbids. Like Ephesus they have left their first love (Revelation 2:4). Jesus commands both.
Watchfulness
Are we ready for Christ’s coming?
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Matthew 24:42-44 NLT)
Keep watch means we are spiritually ready at any moment for Christ to come.
Great Commission
What is our mission?
“ ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20 WEB)
These mandates are just some of Jesus’ commandments. There are more. Will you have a change of heart and mind, turning from sin to God, and believe the good news of God’s reign? You decide!
