Christ-Light Connetions: Jesus Teaches His Disciples about Love & Jesus Teaches His Disciples about Earthly Needs

The Lutheran catechism teaches about multiple uses of God’s law. It can be a mirror that shows us our sins and the need for a savior. It can be a curb that keeps us from harm and danger. It can be a guide that shows us how we can live as lights in this dark world pointing to our Heavenly Father.

The Christ-Light theme this week emphasizes using Jesus’ teachings as a guide. The theme is Jesus teaches how he wants us to live. However, the use of law as a mirror in this section will help us teach our children to see how much they need Jesus’ righteousness. Only after they understand they are rescued from punishment and safe in God’s love will their hearts be moved to want to joyfully follow the words of God.

1NT 13A

Jesus Teaches His Disciples about Love — Matthew 5:1-2, 21-22, 29-30, 38-48

Context

The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law loved the Law. So much so, they added even more laws. However, the ability to obey the commandments was so important to them that they had to reduce God’s demands to make them easier to obey.

In Matthew 22:34-40, the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Which is the greatest commandment.” Jesus taught them, “Love God, and love your neighbor.” As we learn about what it means to love, we find that God’s Law is not only difficult but impossible for us to obey.

Big Ideas

Love your Enemy (Matthew 5:21-22, 29-30, 38-48)

If you take the 10 Commandments at face value, they are a lot easier to keep. Some call this “cheap law.” Throughout this section, Jesus gradually shatters any false dreams of obedience. Now even hating someone is the same as murder! A few verses later, Jesus terrifies us, saying we should cut off body parts that cause us to sin. Honestly, which body part could we keep?

The Law tightens like a noose around our necks as Jesus describes loving our enemies. Now I must consider my enemy’s needs above my own. I must love my enemy so much that I will let them take from me and even abuse me. I cannot wrap my mind around what it actually means to turn the other cheek. Allowing myself to be harmed for the benefit of my adversary is impossible to fathom!

Be Perfect (Matthew 5:48)

Jesus kicks out the stool when he says, “Be perfect.” He did not say become perfect. He did not say, “Make progress.” He did not say, “It’s okay as long as you are trying hard.” The point is this.

YOU CANNOT FULFILL WHAT GOD DEMANDS!

Conversation Starter:

• Why did Jesus teach that the Law is impossible for us to obey?

Applying the Law to Children

Adults, you are Christ’s ambassadors to children. You have been commissioned by God to share his word with them. It is your job to help them see themselves in the mirror of the Law. This is done through hundreds of conversations throughout their lives. How can you help them understand they do not love as the Law demands?

Last week, my family substituted the words “those who are annoying” for “enemy” in the text. Children may not have enemies, but they do have classmates and siblings that are annoying. Help them see how impossible it is to love our neighbor – let alone our enemy – as the Law demands.

Conversation Starters:

• What annoys you? What do you usually do when you are annoyed? What thoughts go through your mind about the other person? Caution: do not turn this into how to deal with annoying people advice. The point is to show children their sin. Save that conversation for another time.

I Have Come to Fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)

These verses aren’t included in the curriculum, but of course, we just can’t leave our children dead in their sins! Just before Jesus teaches how impossible God’s Law is to obey, he tells us, “I’ve got this!” He fulfilled all that the Law demands for us! Comb back over the commands of this section and name how Jesus fulfilled each during his life.

Conversation Starters:

• When did Jesus not resist an evil person?
• When did Jesus turn the other cheek?
• When was Jesus told to go where he did not want to go?
• When did Jesus pray for his enemies?
• Was Jesus perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect?

Digging Deeper

Slugs and Bugs puts the words from Matthew 5:19-21 to song.

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1NT 13B

Jesus Teaches His Disciples about Earthly Needs –– Matthew 6:19-21,24-33

Context

Marvel at how thoroughly God loves us! Although sin has made us God’s enemy, he redeemed us. Not only did he restore us to himself and solve our greatest problem of sin, but he cares about our daily needs!

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

Big Ideas

Worry (Matthew 6:6, 19-21, 24-32)

The tone of this section changes. Jesus understands how truly weak we are. Our hearts are prone to worry about many things. The idols of security and comfort are elusive and impossible to obtain permanently.

Jesus’ command, “Do not worry,” is not another demand of the Law. Rather, he is letting us know that our anxiety is not necessary. He is reminding us that his love extends even further than salvation. Not only has he taken care of our biggest problem of sin, but he also cares about our daily lives! He gives us promises to cling to when our lives feel out of control and worry invades our hearts. Notice he did not put conditions on his promises of providence. What a comfort it is to know that his care for us is not contingent on our unwavering trust in him.

Conversation Starters:

• What do adults worry about? What do children worry about? How have you seen God fulfill your needs?
• Do we define “needs” differently than God? How has God blessed you with more than what you need?

His Kingdom and His Righteousness (Matthew 6:33)

Why do pagans run after these things? Each unbeliever is king in his own kingdom on earth. An unbeliever’s only hope for happiness is in this life. He must work hard to obtain all he or she wants and needs by his or her own effort. But we have been made citizens of God’s kingdom.

What do we truly find if we seek his kingdom and his righteousness? God’s kingdom is not the same as my earthly kingdom. In his kingdom, all my greatest needs have been met. I do not need to fear my own lack of righteousness. I have Jesus’! My sins have been cast away; my relationship with God is restored. I have eternal hope, joy, and love. With all this, for what more could my soul long?

Knowing that I have such a loving and powerful King, I can have a child-like faith, trusting my Father to provide for all my daily needs.

Digging Deeper

This song by Slugs and Bugs combines encouraging passages of scripture to remind us that we can be confident in God’s care for us.