We have recently seen that Jesus has given attention to these “weightier provisions of the law”. Jesus gave us the greatest commandments which are a summary of how we should act toward God and man.
” “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, ” ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ “This is the great and foremost commandment. “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40.
In the Old Testament, we also read from the prophet Micah. “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
Although Jesus makes it clear that we should not neglect the less weightier provisions of the law, Jesus recognized the dangers of an over-emphasis of those less weightier provisions of the law. Like the Pharisees, we can become self-righteous and full of pride at our obedience to these minor provisions of the law. We can also manipulate the minor provisions of the law to excuse our non-compliance with the more weightier provisions of the law. We can simply care more about ourselves and how we appear to others than we care about others.
But when we focus on what is most important (love God above all and love our neighbors as ourself), when we do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God, we can better see how the minor commandments and less weightier provisions of the law help us to do what is most important. We then appreciate all of the law more. We don’t see just numerous requirements and duties. We see the integrity and the beauty of the law.
“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 