Least or Great in Heaven's Kingdom Matthew 5:19

Matthew shared how Jesus was “baptized” and “tempted” by the “devil”, and he shared how “angels” ministered to Him afterward. Jesus heard that John the Baptist was thrown into prison, and He left His hometown to dwell in “Capernaum” where He began His ministry. Jesus began to preach saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be His followers. Matthew continued to share how Jesus' fame spread throughout Galilee, and many others were gathered unto Him. Matthew continued by sharing how Jesus taught concerning the “beatitudes” of the “Kingdom of Heaven”, and Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is therefore good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”, and in chapter five and verse nineteen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus shared how to be, “least” or “great in the kingdom of heaven” where we read:

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The verse reads, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:” Matthew began with the word, “whosoever” which means “whatever person whether male or female” “therefore” which means “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “shall break” or “will dissolve, overthrow and do away with” “one of these least commandments” which means “a certain one of the smallest amount and rank of the order, command, charge, precept and injunction”, “and shall teach” which refers to “and will impart instruction, doctrine and things taught or enjoined” “men so” which means “people whether male or female the same, thus and in this manner”, “he shall be called” or “that person will be named and saluted by” “the least” which means “the smallest amount and rank” “in the kingdom” or “within the royal power, kingship, dominion and rule” “of heaven” which refers to “pertaining to the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”. Jesus warned people who “break and teach” violating the smallest of God's commandments.

The verse continues, “but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew continued with the word, “but” which means “moreover and” “whosoever“ or “whatever person whether male or female” “shall do” which means “will produce, construct, form or fashion” “and teach them” or “and will impart instruction, doctrine and things taught or enjoined”, “the same” which refers to “the breaking of the least of the commandments” “shall be called” or “will be named and saluted as” “great” which means “splendid, predicated of rank, eminent for ability, virtue, authority and power” “in the kingdom” or “within the royal power, kingship, dominion and rule” “of heaven” which refers to “pertaining to the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”. Jesus said anyone who keeps and “teaches” the “commandments” will be known as the “eminent and splendid” ones in Heaven's kingdom.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus warns against not keeping the “smallest” of God's commandments, and whoever teaches people to violate them will be known as the “smallest” in Heaven's kingdom. However, if the least of God's commandments are kept and taught, those who keep and teach them will be known as “great” in Heaven's Kingdom. Everyone who reads these words should be inspired to obey and teach God's commandments, and since God desires to have a relationship with people through his Son Jesus, He will help people keep them.

Next time Jesus shares what happens, “except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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