Creating Failures
In Matthew 5, Jesus raises the standard of what constitutes adultery to include our internal reality. While the law simply stated, “you shall not commit adultery”, Jesus declared “whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” These words in themselves are a challenge. Jesus, however, went on to speak of plucking out our eyes and cutting off our hands if they cause us to sin. How do we respond to such words? Do we quickly read over them, dismiss them, or become concerned regarding what it means to fully follow Christ?
When someone comes to us with a lust problem, why don’t we recommend that they pluck out their eyes or we chop off their hands? Apart from the obvious legal implications of such “ministry” we understandably deduce that Jesus was not implying self-mutilation or the maiming of others. His use of hyperbole (an exaggerated statement) was to awaken us to the need to take sin seriously.
The Pharisees had reduced the law to a standard that man could keep. They prided themselves on their observance of the law. Jesus however revealed a standard that all would fail. Romans 11:32 reveals that God has committed us all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Mercy only comes to those who know they have failed and ask for forgiveness.
The Law reveals the standard of God. It is for those who think they have no sin. When the Pharisees came to Jesus with a woman caught in adultery, He said that if they were without sin, they could cast stones at her. Then he wrote in the dirt. What was he doing? He was exposing sin. That is why they walked away. It was to the woman that He showed mercy. Why? Because she already knew she was a sinner.
Likewise, the rich young ruler came seeking eternal life. Jesus used the very law that he trusted in to expose his failure. Only by seeing his failure, could he see his need for a Savior.
Jesus has raised the Law to its full extent. He has taken it beyond outward actions and included inward intent. He has spoken of drastic measures and eternal realities. Why? So that all can see their failure. Only in our failure will we look beyond ourselves and see the One who has become our substitute and Savior. He is the only perfect man and our only means of righteousness before a holy God.
So set yourself rules and regulations if you like, but they will lead to failure. Your rules may have an appearance of wisdom, but you will fail. When you do, look to the One who is full of mercy.
