What Jesus Did! 'A Stronger Grace' — Luke 16:16-17

Monday, September 25, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. But that doesn't mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God's law to be overturned."
— Luke 16:16-17 NLT

Key Thought

The intent of God's law was to form a holy people who reflected the character of the holy God they worshiped. Jesus' goal was not to abolish the character and call of the law, [1] but to make it more realistic, permanent, and transforming in the lives of the people of God. What flawed humans couldn't do through the law, God did through his Son and the Good News of the Kingdom that proclaimed his work. More than fulfilling the purposes of the law, the Good News of the Kingdom made it stronger and more durable. Grace does not just liberate us from law; it liberates us to mature into the character the law sought to define and command in us.

[1] Matthew 5:17.

Today's Prayer

Father, I ask that what I say, how I live, and what I desire in my heart will always display your holy character and your perfect will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Good News of the Kingdom
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom....."
Managing Your Assets with Spiritual Wisdom
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Over the ages, people have freely talked with each other about almost everything, except how they spend their money. Once the talk..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 16:16-17 NLT — "Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, September 25, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Mark 1:30
"Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Furthering the Faith' (Ti. 1:1-9)
"Dear Father, the God who never lies, Grant that my life will further the faith of your chosen people and increase their knowledge of the truth that....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 9:2
"I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'A New Spirit in You' (Ek. 11:19-20)
"[God said,] "I'll give you [my people in Babylonian captivity] a new heart. I'll put a new Spirit in you. I'll cut out your stone heart and replace it with a..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!