Syllabus of Jesus
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Third Week of Lent
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030613.cfm
Matthew 5:17
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”
This should not sound like bad news, but somehow sometimes, it does. Even more than the Pharisees, Jesus is asking the impossible.
Dallas Willard disagrees. In a 2002 interview with Andy Park, he says, “All of Jesus’ teaching is about the kingdom of god, entering the kingdom of God through faith in him. His teaching is about the process of being transformed so that the kinds of behavior he taught – and indeed, even the old law – are a natural expression of who we have become.”
This transformation is not a direct result of education or experience, although both are very valuable.  Willard says, “The only thing that transforms us spiritually is the action of following Christ. You seek to follow, you fail, and you learn.”
My mistakes, sincerely made, do not get me into trouble. They get me into exactly the spot where God wants me. “In my weakness I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
In the kingdom of God which Jesus brings, Willard says, “You are accepted by the grace of God in Jesus. And that lays the foundation for as much true doctrine as you can manage and as much manifestation of the Spirit as you can stand.”
When I gaze into your eyes, Jesus, you invite me and you show me how. The way to follow you is one step at a time, while I never look away from your eyes. When you are leading me, my focus is to be on you and not the path. You will make my path straight.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1158
