Jesus Taught About True Worship Essay

Jesus tells his listeners not to worry about what they eat and drink, given that God is infinitely bounteous, despite the fact that the kosher laws are part of the commandments of Mosaic tradition. This shift in emphasis to the importance of poverty and charity required by Mosaic Law, away from specific rituals and concepts of ritual purity indicates that while Jesus respected the teachings of his predecessors, the Law meant something different to him. Jesus did not believe that his interpretation of the Law was new, rather that he thought he offered a more correct and fitting interpretation of Moses' original intention. Jesus preached that righteousness came through a private relationship with God, humility and goodness, not with correctness to dogma and doctrine.

Many of the controversies addressed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount have been settled. Judaism and Christianity are now separate religions, with distinct views of the place of Mosaic Law in the history of the Judeo-Christian tradition. But Jesus' principles must still be remembered. Simplicity when adhering to religious teachings is best. Rather than trying to rationalize complicated reasons for not following the 'Golden Rule,' Jesus' example emphasizes treating others with dignity and respect, and trying to resist social pressures to be materialistic and ostentatious.Both Jews and Christians share common values and a common tradition, although Christians honor Jesus' unique interpretation of the scripture.

Jesus' belief in the importance of inner rather than outer faith must be manifest in all of Christian's lives. His words remind us that it is not the amount of money one has, but how one makes use of that money in the service of the Christian spirit that is of value. Young people may come to service in jeans on Sunday, but the fact that they come is more important than what they are wearing. Deeds are more important than empty words. Tradition and correctness is less important than being motivated with a Christian spirit, and serving the principle of a higher truth that is known with the heart, rather than through rote memorization......