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Looking at today’s Gospel, I was immediately struck by the first line. Jesus said that he did not come to abolish the law. Instead, he came to fulfill it. But what does that even mean? While pondering the thought, a friend suggested Jesus meant to simplify the six-hundred-thirteen old laws into one, singular law that everyone can understand and follow.
Love one another.
About two years ago, I went on a mission trip to Cincinnati. The verses that inspired us at the time were John 15:9-17. In short, Jesus said that we are his friends if we love each other so much that it hurts. In Cincinnati, we did our best to love and serve. I believe God did wondrous work through us. Once, I told a friend how much I hated the work we did that day. It seemed like all my efforts were in vain. I felt nothing I did had an impact that lasted more than mere hours. How was I supposed to find meaning in being less than a band-aid for a perpetual problem? What was the point?
Reading back through the Old Testament, I suppose God felt the same way. He tried so hard, over and over again, to help His people. But no matter how many laws God gave, His people didn’t listen. So what was the point of God giving all those laws, knowing everyone would turn away, back to brokenness? Did God’s efforts make a difference?
I argue that the effort made all the difference in the world. Whether it is God’s ceaseless love or my begrudging version of it, people’s lives change for the better. There are a dozen people whose quality of life was improved for a few hours because of my service. How then if you, dear reader, can live the new law of Christ’s love, will God be able to call you His friend?
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