Understanding the Red Letters Part 43
Today, we wrap up our series on understanding the red letters of Jesus. There is much more that could be said about the words of Jesus, but I hope you have gotten a taste of the beauty of Jesus’ words in the gospels. The first four books of the New Testament describe a transition from the age of the old covenant to the coming of the new covenant. And it can lead to confusion about which of Jesus’s words we should take to heart and which we should leave behind in the world of the old covenant.
I have tried to show in this series that not all of Jesus’ words were meant for us, new covenant believers. Jesus was sometimes speaking old covenant to His Jewish audience. Remember how many times Jesus used the phrase, “The Law and the Prophets”, to refer to the old covenant time or message (Luke 16:16 and elsewhere)? But there is a bounty of new covenant in Jesus’ teaching as well and we will miss it if we just lump everything Jesus said into old covenant because it was said before the cross.
Jesus’ promise of life; new life, forgiven life, resurrection life, abundant life, eternal life, are all new covenant promises. Jesus’ pronouncement that His kingdom has arrived introduces us to the coming of the new covenant. Jesus’ parables often describe what life will be like in His new covenant kingdom. And His sermon in the upper room expanded on all kinds of new topics about our new covenant experience.
One of the best ways to interpret Jesus’ words in light of the new covenant is to read them through the lens of His kingdom message; its arrival and what life in His kingdom will look like. The kingdom in us that He brought to us is all part of the promise of the new covenant.
Another helpful way to read Jesus’ words is through the lens of all the new covenant explanation given to us by the apostles in their letters. Jesus promised them that the Holy Spirit would bring His words to their minds as needed. We believe that their writings are a direct result of this leading of the Spirit.
Finally, read Jesus’ words through the lens of rest and connection. If you believe that your relationship with the Father is one of separation, felt as a fragile and shaky connection, then you will interpret Jesus’ words as a confusing mix of complicated commands. And you will be weighed down by guilt, shame, and condemnation; looking for some price that still needs to be paid for your sin. Jesus paid the price in full, once and forever. Your connection to Jesus and the Father and the Holy Spirit is unbreakable, unshakable, rock solid, and never-ending.
And that forever forgiven and connected to the Father starts and never ends the minute you believe the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Understanding the time and place and meaning and point of Jesus’ words in the gospels sets us free from guilt and shame. And it points us to rest, peace, comfort, and joy. The words of Jesus that apply to you as a new covenant believer are not in the gospels to raise your stress or angst or worry level. They bring you rest in His finished work on your behalf. Enter His rest, my friend, and find rest for your soul.