You have heard that it was said, but Jesus has something more to say

Our church (The Meeting House) just completed a sermon series on the theme "Pointing at Jesus" - learning ways to introduce Jesus to our friends. Broadly speaking, we can tell people about Jesus (Proclamation Evangelism), or we can ask people to "Come and See" how the gospel is lived out in the church (Invitation Evangelism). This week's sermon is about "Teaching-based Apologetic" - using Jesus' teaching to stimulate discussion. One of the most interesting thing I took away from the sermon was a new insight into the "Golden Rule". It is also very funny so I put that section of the sermon on Youtube (it's 10 minutes long).

During our subsequent home church discussion we focused on the scripture passage Matthews 5:17-48, which is the part of the bible known as the "Sermon on the Mount". What struck me was the reference to the 6 antithesis all beginning with the phrase "You have heard that it was said... but I tell you...". The 6 antithesis are listed here:

1. On the subject of Murder and Anger -  You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment...
2. On the subject of Adultery - You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart...
3. On the subject of Marriage and Divorce - It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
4. On the subject of Making Promises -  Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all...
5. On the subject of Revenge and Justice - You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
6. On the subject of Loving our Enemies - You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

These are probably hot topics of the day during the time of Jesus. Jesus was clearly not advocating the abolishment of the old rules but affirming the importance of understanding and therefore obeying the true spiritual meaning behind these rules. He made this point very clear:
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, 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. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (I added my own emphasis).

What I learned is that I have to listen to the concerns of our times, our culture, our "world view". I will then seek wisdom from Jesus' teaching to open up dialog to engage those around me what Jesus would say to these concerns. There are a lot of misinformation out there concerning our faith, such as "the Golden Rule". It should be my job to help others come to know the truth! That's what Jesus has called me to do.