“I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” — Matthew 5:18 (NIV84)

As we continue this series of devotions on the topic of truth, we now turn to some of the most significant passages in all of Scripture. We turn to the words of Jesus. The most repeated phrase of Jesus is the first five words of today’s verse — “I tell you the truth.” Just read the gospels, and you will be amazed at how many times Jesus speaks about truth or begins a phrase telling others that He is telling them the truth. Understand this one thing that sets Jesus apart from all of us. When we speak, we most often speak of our opinions and ideas. Jesus NEVER spoke from opinion. When He spoke, He spoke with absolute certainty because He was speaking absolute truth. No wonder the crowds constantly were amazed at the power of His teaching.

Today’s verse is the first time that Matthew recorded Jesus using the word “truth.” I find it interesting that Matthew recorded Jesus using it while talking about the Word of God (the Old Testament). Jesus said that nothing should be removed from God’s Word because it must be fulfilled. We have a tendency to add to and subtract from the Word of God so that it fits our ideology and worldview. Jesus says that this is contrary to truth. Jesus came as the “Word made flesh” so that He might declare truth and to truthfully fulfill the entire Word of God.

A recommendation and principle that I try to work with when studying and pondering the Word of God: Don’t try to impose truth upon the Word of God. Rather, let the Word of God impose its inherent truth upon you. It is truth, not us. And for the rest of your life remember that when you are listening to Jesus speak, you are listening to the truth, not someone’s opinion. For He says, “I tell you the truth.”

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church