Day 5: Read Matthew 5
Our Simply Christmas devotional ends where Jesus ministry begins. Matthew 5 opens with the Sermon on the Mount, and for the next two chapters we read a simple, yet revolutionary invitation to live as Jesus did.
So let’s once more make it simple, focusing on the words of Jesus that were written centuries before his birth, and are still relevant for us today.
Matthew 5:17 says, “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.”
It’s easy for me to read these words and think, “Yes, obviously.” Because I just read four chapters dedicated to prophecies. From the genealogy to Jesus’ testing in the wilderness, it’s clear that the circumstances around Jesus’ birth and life were foretold long before he was born. But in the story, he’s saying this 30 years after he was born to people who may not have known or remembered the angel, wise men, and eastern star.
The Law and Prophets were given by God to his people for their flourishing. Simple as that. The purpose of these instructions, declarations, and words of wisdom were to show people what a thriving relationship with God and each other could look like. Living that way would lead to a thriving life of freedom!
But it’s hard to live that way. Before the first Christmas and also now, it’s easy to ignore the instructions, deny the declarations, and make unwise decisions.
Perhaps this is why Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount contains this important truth about his identity and ministry: Jesus came to give full meaning to the Law and Prophets, extending God’s blessing to all people, in all the world, for all time.
As you celebrate Christmas and beyond, I invite you to simply abide in Jesus’ love. This man, who shares breath with the One who gave life, whose purpose traces back to Genesis 12, who led with love and justice, whose birth we celebrate each year in December… This man came honoring the faith of Moses, Esther, Abraham and Sarah, and invites you to the same faith.
Jesus still today lives to invite us to a life of flourishing.
As you celebrate Christmas and continue reading Jesus’ story in Matthew 6, simply abide in his love.* Receive the love and life that Jesus’ offers. Step into flourishing.
*For more information visit www.hannahrowenfry.com/guide-to-abide.
