Return to Index.

Weightier Matters of the Law
March 5, 2011

In Matthew 23 Jesus warned his disciples of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. In this chapter, Jesus showed that they had a form of religion that was designed to make them look good while it created burdens for those who who were trying to live a life in accordance to their traditions, they themselves would not live, unless there was a public benefit. The entire chapter is worth reading, but for today's study, we will look at verse 23.

Mathew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

The Pharisees in an attempt to publicly establish their righteousness, would stage elaborate tithing events, showing how they would exactly tithe the spices of mint, anise and cumin. While tithing is to be done, they were chastised for focusing on tithing to the exclusion of the weightier matters of the law- judgment, mercy, and faith. We will be introduced to each of these concepts during today's study.

Judgment
The Bible shows that we will be judged in part according to how we judge others. Even though we know judgment is part of our life as a Christian, we are still to live a bold life as Jesus will judge us.

John 5:22
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

1 John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Matthew 7:2
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Mercy
Mercy is to be given if it is to be expected. The unmerciful will obtain no mercy. The merciful will be given mercy. As we live our life giving mercy to others, this gives us confidence, knowing we will be receiving mercy.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

James 2:13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Faith
Faith is belief when there is no scientific proof to validate our belief. Faith is the essence of religion and without it we cannot be saved. Faith is believing when we have not seen. Faith allows us to proceed even when we do not have all the facts. When we live our life by faith, we live a bold life, because we are able to step forward when others have to hold back and wait.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight:

Ephesians 3:12
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

And what do the weightier matters of the provide? They provide a mindset that recognizes human limitations and yet allows the person to boldly be a Christian, to live a life according to the word of God, and not the traditions of men.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
Copyright and Legal Information
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information