When Jesus says, “Be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect,” most of us probably think, “Well, that rules me out.” It sounds like being asked to clear a world-record high jump. Nice idea, but not likely. But Jesus is not calling us to anxious rule-keeping or religious point-scoring. He is inviting us to look deeper than outward behaviour.
The Pharisees were great at rules. They knew how to build plenty of road cones around sin, and sometimes how to work their way around them too. Jesus points past all that. God is not looking for people who simply tick the right boxes. He is shaping people whose hearts are becoming more like his.
So maybe perfection is not about never getting anything wrong. Maybe it is about becoming whole: learning to love God with all we are and learning to love our neighbour as ourselves. That is the bar Jesus sets before us, not a colder life of rules, but a wider life of love.
We would love for you to join us this Sunday @ 10am. This week we start a new series titled ‘ Things I wish Jesus had never said – Be perfect’ Matthew 5:48
A children’s programme is available during our service for 5 to12 year adults. Creche available for younger children.
Small Groups – A chance to meet other people, share your faith and deepen your connection with God. Contact the office if you would like to know more.
Mainly Music. Each Wednesday @ 10am. All welcome. Small cover charge. Mainly Music is a music and movement programme for children aged 6 months to 5 years encouraging parents/caregivers to spend time with their child. All welcome.
If you would like to contact us, then you can email office@pb.org.nz.