My Favorite Verses - Vol V (Feb 17 to Jun 17)
An illustrated collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and some of its least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
An illustrated collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and some of its least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
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“But what about Matthew 5:<strong>17</strong>-18?” those Christians might ask – the passage<br />
that has Jesus saying, “Do not think that I have come <strong>to</strong> abolish the Law or the<br />
Prophets. I have not come <strong>to</strong> abolish them, but <strong>to</strong> fulfill them.” Of course, what<br />
those Christian friends have obviously not yet been taught is that the Greek word<br />
commonly translated as “fulfill” in this passage (pleroo – Strong‟s #4137) is far<br />
more accurately defined as “honed” or “perfected” or “brought <strong>to</strong> completion or<br />
fullness” – which is exactly what Jesus did throughout his ministry when he<br />
“cleaned house” by amending or abolishing almost every single one of the Old<br />
Testament laws in effect in his day!<br />
As such, when we look <strong>to</strong> Matthew 9:12-13 again, we can clearly see that<br />
Jesus doesn‟t desire for sinners <strong>to</strong> be shown mercy from above (a false, Paulinist<br />
belief), but rather desires that sinners a<strong>to</strong>ne for their misdeeds (and thereby rebirthe<br />
their True Selves – see John 3:1-8) by “repenting” therefrom (the Greek metanoia –<br />
Strong‟s #3341); by giving mercy <strong>to</strong> their own enemies – by openly Caring for<br />
those who have sinned against them (Matthew 5:40-44 & Luke 10:29-37).<br />
Amen ... Let it be so.<br />
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