“Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:19
Matthew 5:19 Meaning
Matthew 5:19 is a part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches His followers about the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and the importance of the Law. This verse serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to obey God’s commandments and to teach others to do the same. Jesus emphasizes that even the smallest of commands are important and should not be disregarded. When we break or teach others to break these commandments, we risk our standing in God’s kingdom.
In essence, this verse indicates that our actions have consequences. Breaking commandments is not a trivial matter, and it reflects our relationship with God. We may think that some rules are minor or outdated, but if God deemed them important enough to include in His Word, we should take heed. Conversely, by adhering to these commandments and encouraging others to follow them, we align ourselves closer with God’s will and exemplify His character.
Matthew 5:19 Commentary and Explanation
This verse underscores a key aspect of the Christian faith: the integrity of God’s commandments. Jesus does not water down the law. He acknowledges that it is vital to follow and teach it faithfully. When Jesus says that whoever breaks “one of the least of these commandments” and teaches others to do the same shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven, it highlights the severe implications of our actions and teachings. We must be aware that our words can impact others significantly.
Jesus challenges us with this teaching. He calls us to not overlook the “least” commandments because they matter to God. It’s easy to think that some commandments are not relevant or too difficult to follow. We might feel that we can ignore the ones we don’t think are important. However, this verse tells us that every commandment carries weight, and our approach to them can affect our status in God’s kingdom.
The phrase “he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” conveys a comforting truth. For those who strive to follow God’s commandments and teach them to others, there is a promised reward. Their efforts will not go unnoticed in God’s eyes, and they will hold a higher place in God’s kingdom. This gives us motivation to not only follow God’s laws ourselves but to encourage our friends and family to do so as well. We each have an opportunity to influence our communities positively.
When we teach God’s Word, it allows us to become vessels of grace, love, and truth. We cannot separate our actions from our faith; they are intertwined. Through our obedience to God’s commandments, we also reflect His love and righteousness to others, illustrating what it means to follow Christ’s example.
Context of Matthew 5:19
To better grasp the significance of Matthew 5:19, we should consider the broader context in which it is found—the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This sermon is one of Jesus’ most famous teachings, where He covers various topics, including the Beatitudes, the importance of discipleship, and the real-life implications of following God’s commandments. Within this context, Jesus outlines what it truly means to be a follower of Him and how believers should conduct themselves in society.
This passage comes after Jesus declares that He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). The commandments given to the Israelites were a guide for righteous living, and Jesus emphasizes that they continue to hold relevance in our lives today. By upholding the law and teaching it, we fulfill God’s purpose and stay aligned with His will. The Law serves as a foundation that helps us navigate life and helps us grow closer to God.
Additionally, the sermon is a significant teaching platform where Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of the commandments. His teachings move beyond simply following rules but instead delve into the heart of what those rules mean. For example, He equates anger with murder (Matthew 5:21-22) and lust with adultery (Matthew 5:27-28), indicating that sin originates in our hearts rather than merely in our actions. This broader understanding of the law compels us to consider the motives behind our behaviors.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 5:19
When we analyze Matthew 5:19, we can break it down into several key components: “breaks one of the least of these commandments,” “teaches men so,” “called least in the kingdom of heaven,” and “whoever does and teaches them.” Each of these components carries immense weight.
The phrase “breaks one of the least of these commandments” signifies that even the smallest laws should not be neglected. God’s commandments should be treated with respect, regardless of their perceived importance. This highlights the seriousness of how we approach every command given by God.
“Teaches men so” points to the responsibility we have as believers to guide others in their understanding of God’s commands. We ought to use our influence to create an environment that fosters adherence to the commandments, rather than encouraging disobedience. Our teaching shapes how others view God’s Word.
The term “called least in the kingdom of heaven” reveals the consequences of our actions. It serves as a warning that our disregard for God’s commandments could lead to reduced standing within His kingdom. In contrast, the promise that “whoever does and teaches them” will be called great serves to encourage us to live righteously and to impart wisdom and knowledge to those around us.
Lessons From Matthew 5:19
Matthew 5:19 teaches us several valuable lessons about our behavior and our role as followers of Christ. One key lesson is the importance of obedience. Jesus makes it clear that living in line with God’s commandments is essential. When we choose to obey, we align ourselves with His will and reflect His character in our lives.
Another lesson centers on teaching and influence. We see that our words and actions have the capacity to impact others. As followers of Jesus, we must be aware of how we conduct ourselves and the messages we communicate. By exemplifying a life of obedience, we inspire those around us to follow suit. This calling to teach goes hand-in-hand with accountability; we should hold ourselves and each other to a higher standard.
In addition to the emphasis on obedience and teaching, we learn that every commandment matters. It’s easy to minimize certain rules or feel overwhelmed by their number, but this passage encourages us to take every command seriously. The heart of this verse captures the sanctity of God’s Word and the love He has behind each rule established for our benefit.
Ultimately, Matthew 5:19 calls us to reflect on our lives—for our hearts, actions, and influence. By living in accordance with God’s commandments, we further our relationship with Him and encourage others to do the same. We share in God’s great purpose as we live obediently and teach faithfully, striving for greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 5:19, we recognize the importance of our commitment to God’s commandments and the impact we can have on others. We are called not just to obey but to actively teach and encourage others in their faith. This verse challenges us to examine our actions, words, and the influence we carry. Understanding that every commandment holds significance, we should endeavor to live out our faith with integrity.
May we embrace this calling, nurturing a community where God’s love and commandments flourish. Our obedience sets an example for those around us and can lead others to discover the beauty of a life aligned with God’s will. As we uphold His commandments, we can trust that our efforts will be recognized and rewarded in His kingdom.
If you are inspired to explore related topics, you might find value in Bible verses about encouragement, or perhaps look into Matthew 4:19 to further understand the ways we can follow Christ. Whether it’s through teaching others or deepening our knowledge, there are many avenues for us to grow in our faith!