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“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:12 NIV84) [see these verses in their context below]
Introduction to A True Way of Life
Jesus taught with authority. This was confirmed by those who heard Him, including a few of the religious elite (Mark 12:28-34; John 3:1-2; 7:50-51).
The teaching of Jesus was clear and simple. His teaching gave common-sense insight into the theology of the Law.
Over the years, various rabbis and Jewish leaders developed convoluted and detailed interpretations of the Law of Moses. But Jesus deconstructed many of these extended interpretations and redefined the Law back to its intended meaning when God gave it to Israel through Moses.
Insights to consider
In this first section of Matthew Chapter 7, Jesus completes His teaching that redefines the nature of God’s Kingdom and God’s Law and the teaching of the prophets.
Jesus summarizes all of His teachings on the Law and the Prophets in verse 12 (Matt 7:12) in what is known as the Golden Rule. We’ll consider this verse in more fullness in a later devotional study.
The Law and the Prophets were the foundation of Israel’s covenant relationship with God as His people. The doctrine and theology of the Law and the Prophets defined Israel’s identity as God’s people.
Israel was to be a light and testimony to all other nations of the existence of Jehovah or Yahweh (Exo 6:3)—the God of gods (Isa 49:6).
A True Way of Life
When you read through these first twelve verses of Matthew 7, consider how they reflect all of the previous teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
Also, take time to reflect on how they speak to the self-righteousness of the Jewish religious elite and the deadness of their religion and religious practices.
In these twelve verses, Jesus gives very practical guidance on how to live out the essence of the Law in daily life. This guidance is as relevant and needful for us today as it was when it was first taught.
How do you see the “Golden Rule” as a practical and valuable guide in your life?
Reflection—
Jesus taught with authority, clarity, and simplicity. He gave very practical guidance on how to live out the essence of the Law in daily life in a relevant and needful way for us today.
Prayer Focus—
If you struggle with putting what you believe to be true into daily practice, ask the Lord to help you see the practical aspect of what He teaches in the Sermon on the Mount. Ask the Lord for His guidance on how to apply it in your daily life.
Devo Scripture Text
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.”
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.”
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
(Matthew 7:1-12 NIV84)