Jesus came to bring fulfillment to the 1500 year-old Law of Moses. He said He didn’t abolish one bit of the Law, but in essence, upgraded it. He amplified and gave substance to its greater meaning and capacity. He brought a new emphasis of grace. The focus on rituals and tradition would shift to a mode of worship in spirit and truth.
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).
RELEVANCE
The shift emphasized a new lifestyle. In de-emphasizing ritualistic practice, He advocated a new way of life; one of liberty centered in a relationship with God; following His Word and being led by His Spirit. The disciples later referred to this lifestyle as “the way.” What inspired this new way of life were several statements He made about living in spirit and truth.
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).
“I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:15-18).
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:12-15).
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth” (John 17:17-19).
The world is not looking for religion; but something real. The reality of Christ is revealed in truth; the spirit of His truth– where real freedom is found.
REFLECT AND RELATE
While religions of man have brought in new traditions, the way Jesus modeled and taught the disciples still stands. How do you think you can walk in such a way?
REFERENCES
Acts 2:40-47