THE LATE ETHEL MUTHALIKA UNITES MALAWI

AS MUDIMA COVERS THE LAND.

BY: PETER QEKO JERE.

The demise of Mama Ethel Muthalika on the 28th of May, is creating sense of national unity in Malawi. This is evidenced in the understanding that almost all opposition party’s leaders are now comforting President Bingu Wamthalika on the loss of his wife Madam Ethel Muthalika who was our beloved first lady of the land. As a nation, we were so much blessed to have such a loving mother whose love cross cut ethnic and religious lines. She was full of love as evidenced in the many people and organizations nation wide that she assisted.

We firstly share this notion (that there is a sense of unity prevailing in the country) because Malawian politicians’many times practice politics of confrontation where they pull each other down. What we see this time is that all political party leaders have come together in total unity as we are mourning the demise of our first lady. Infact at the new state house, MCP President John Tempo, Aford’s Loveless Gondwe , PPM’s Alike Banda, MPP’ Uladi Mussa and UDF’s George Nga Ntafu were all present. Missing were Gwanda Chakuamba, Muluzi. We are told of course that Muluzi is coming back from his holiday in London to be with the nation on this great loss. I think Muluzi is now coming to his senses as a Malawian! Let’s hope this continues. As for Gwanda, I don’t really know how he feels after all the negative remarks he made in the media about our First lady’s illness. Many are saying that it was bad that Gwanda said all that nonsense politicizing somebody’s illness because in Malawi, we don’t do that. What about him attending the funeral? What do you do if someone who spoke ill against your wife comes at her funeral? Tradition says that such a man need to be disciplined even before his face appears at the funeral so that the should learn to edit and control his tongue. Gentlemen, it is good sometimes kukhala chete than show that umatha kulankhula because zimavuta zinthu zikatere. I mean umasowa chonena zedi.

Secondly is that for the first time in our histoy, all Sons of the land (north, center, south) have been accorded an opportunity to pay their last respect. Those from the Central region are now done and the remains of our first lady will be in Mzuzu in the northern region of the country where equally northerners will pay their last respect. From Mzuzu the remains of our first will be in Blantyre where those from the south will also do likewise before she is laid to rest in Thyolo. This is a fantastic arrangement and God bless whoever came up with this superb thought because we all have managed to pay our last respect to our beloved mother, the late Mama Ethel Muthalika. In one way or the other, this arrangement has brought that long missed Malawianism, that unity. This is because body viewing has been opened to all Malawians.

Thirdly is that there has been a sense of maturity in the way the whole funeral is been handled. We are told that Dr. Kassim Chilumpha will lead mourners in Blantyre and Thyolo which is fantastic and a huge sign of love and unity. I think there is something in the demise of Mama Muthalika that we need to see. This death is so much geared to unity and mend all brokendness in the land. We just pray that this wind of national unity and patriotism will continue even after the burial.

There is need for politicians to come together when the nation is going through dark and troubled time. During such times politicians need to rise above their party lines and identify themselves with what every son of the land is going through. As they have done, Party politics need to be suspended all the time when we have a national even taking place. Politics in Malawi will come to maturity only when our politician realises that party politics comes second all the time when we have a nation crisis or even. What I mean is that national events are paramount all the time and it is good when politicians identify themselves with what the nation goes through during such trying times. For instance, the demise of our FIRST LADY OF THE LAND is a national event where we all as a nation are in this undescribable and uncomprehendable pain.

Therefore it is encouraging that people of various kind including those in opposition leaders are comforting the President. They all have sent their message of condolences to His Excellency the President Bingu Wamthalika on this trying time. They have realized that as Malawians we always come together when such things happen in our society. They have realized that Malawianism is about coming together in total unity during such trying times. Malawianism is about abandoning all hatred, and anger and getting focused in issues that are vital for national building. It’s about majoring in the major and not minors as regard national issues.

Some have suggested that this whole unity prevailing in our country now is temporal (God forbid!). They are saying that these politicians are behaving like this now because they too are married men and know that it’s not a game or zamasewera when mkazi dies pakhomo. They know that mawa it may be themselves going through the same painful experience hence a need for them to behave now. They probably have realized that maliro sees no tribe, colour, status, richness but just invade your home and leaves you heart broken.

Having said this, I just want to caution our honourable politicians that they should not wait for such situations to bring them together. We in Malawi are sick and tired seeing politicians uniting only when we have Maliro and other crisis. They did come together when Hourable Rodwell Mnyenyembe(RIP) and Chakufwa Chihana (RIP) died. It is our prayer that our politicians will put the nation first and party politics second.

BLESSINGS ARE MINE IN JESUS NAME

THE DEVIL IS A LIAR

BY: PETER QEKO JERE

Let me share this one with you today from the book of Daniel where we have the account of a young man Daniel in the den of lion. People of God, the one thing that hits me is what happened that day in the lion's den.

The bible says that lions in there God came down and shut the mouth of those lions and they didnt kill him. Did you hear this? God came down and got involved in the life of Daniel inside that den to the point of shutting the mouth of these dangerous animals . God got involved and things happened. In other words, the hand of the Lord intervened and sizinali zocheza because zinthu zinachitika.

Now why did God involve himself in the life of Daniel inside the lion's den? When you read through you will see that it was because of His faith in the Lord. Daniel didnt want to defile himself in anyway but always wanted to do the right things before the Lord. People of God, tisazinamize here because there is God in heaven who when involved, zinthu zimayamba kuchitika and no devil in hell can stop it. No one in the world can stop God from doing it in your life when His time has come. I MEAN NO ONE AND NO POWER OF WHATEVER KIND CAN STAND ON YOUR WAY WHEN THAT DIVINE APPOINTMENT WITH THE LORD HAS COME. May be you are not getting this: I am saying that kumwamba ambuye akavomeleza its becomes final, sealed on earth and in heaven.People, if you move in faith zinthu kuchitika in your life. Dont allow anyone to disturb you in anyway when it comes to dealing with God

Like Daniel in the lion den, know that the devil has got his many lions that are put in place to kill, steal and destroy everything that you have. In fact the devil is so much angry with you and he hates you more than anything in the world. Though the devil has these plans against you, thank be to God because in Jesus name, He will shut the mouths of these lions and they will be powerless and shall do you no harm. All plans, schemes and strategies set against you will fail in Jesus name. All your enemies will not see you because God is blinding them right how in Jesus name. I mean this God is stricking them with the plague of blindness that they will not see you until you finish the Lord's assignment.

Therefore we come against all principalities and power from the kingdom of darkeness in Jesus name. We declare today that the devil is not making it but shall completely fail in Jesus name. We declare victory and blessings in all you do and touch in Jesus name. As for this day, we declare that this is the day that the Lord God has made for you and no devil in hell will stop you from receiving your blessings for this day today. Receive it in fullness in Jesus name

MAMA ETHEL MUTHALIKA IS GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD

MDIMA UKULU WABENEKELERA WENA MALAWI

BY: Peter Qeko Jere

A huge dark cloud has fallen over the land and the people of Malawi because it was announced yesterday (28/5/07) by the State House that our beloved first lady of the land, Mama Ethel Muthalika has gone to be with the Lord. I overheard a young lady saying, “ she cant just die now and this cant just be true?”. When I was sharing this news to some friends they said, “She was too good with a wonderful loving motherly heart and the nation can not just afford to miss her serveces!.

By and large majority of Malawians are shocked and sad that Mama Ethel Muthalika is gone. This news is heart breaking, sobering and sad because Malawi as a nation will live without a mother. The land of malawi will live without the very pillar and dziko lakhala umasiye. We don’t know how this nation will function without a mother. A mother is the very backbone and life of every home because opanda mai zinthu pakhomo sizingayende. A house is beautiful when a Mother is there and without her, it stops to exisit hence, this death our first lady is uncomprehendable to many.

We are so much sad that she is gone because Madam Ethel Mthalika was the very engine in the live of our President. She was behind every success that we see in the life of our President and our country respectively. If we talk of debt cancellation and others, it because of her great effort in being the right hand of our President in playing that advisory role all the time as a wife,mother and first lady.She was behind all the great achievements that our President attained even before he becaome the President of this nation. We believe that women are crucial and are behind the success of every man.


Having said this therefore, MAY HER SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE!!

THERE IS A BLESSING BEHIND EVERY STEP OF FAITH YOU TAKE

A GREAT BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE

BY: PETER QEKO JERE

Many times we go through very difficult times in this world. Sometimes its like things are not working at all and end up having many unanswered questions on top of our heads. We even wonder if our situations will ever change for the better.

While things are like this, we need to realize and know that there is God in heaven and should not despair in all we do because He who is in us is greater than the one in the world. On the Calvary’s cross, Jesus defeated and destroyed all works of darkness and gave us the victory. You see, Jesus Christ shade His blood on the cross to save you and I and this whole exercise was not in vain. He died on that cross because we are precious before Him and He came to reconcile lost humanity to God himself.

What you are going through at the moment should not be a problem and not even give you a heart attack because this situation of yours is too small compared to the love and work that Christ did on that cross. You need to know that we have this God who intervenes in the lives of His people. He may delay or may intervene right away all depending on His divine will and purposes.

While you may think that your situation is so much an issue today or this week or even this year, you also need to know that you are not the first person in this world to have gone through such times. We have people even in the Holy bible who went through hard times but still stood and trusted God. They went through difficult times but still came out of their situations victoriously.

For instance, in the book of Exodus 14:13-22, we have an account of God’s children in Egypt where they lived in pain under a very notorious autocratic rule of Pharaoh. They lived in that captivity for a long time such that a nation was born right there. Though they lived in this hardship, the bible says that time came when God in heaven heard the cries of His people in Egypt and came down to redeem and save them. Thus we have Moses and Aaron whom the Lord used to have these people redeemed from this captivity and slavery. Now after the death of the first born in Egypt, the nation of Egypt of about six million or more were on their way to the promised land and came arrived at the edge of the Red Sea. They wondered how is the world they were to cross to the other side?

Red Sea encounter was another huge problem because as human beings they knew that there was no way in the world they could cross to the other side hence the bible say that they began to question Moses’s intention of bringing them out of Egypt. Though they had many questions, the Lord remained faithful to His people by opening the way where there was no way (nkosiyami!!). I mean this God we serve opened up the way for His people just to demonstrate to them that He is God.

This should remind you and I that there is nothing that will stop God from doing likewise in our lives today. This God is far more able to do mighty things in our lives today.

What we think can not done, the Lord is able to perform them. What we feel is hard, the Lord is able to make it simple for us. God will remain faithful to his word for the sake of HIS WONDERFUL HOLY NAME. This God will open up a way and no devil in hell will ever have power over your life. The good thing with God is that when He begins a process, no-one stops Him.

In addition to the Exodus issue, there is something in the book of Daniel for you and I to read through. This is from Daniel 6:1-28. Here we have Daniel in the Lion Den about to be made food for the many lions. For some of us who have seen Lions, we know what these animals are capable of doing. A lion is a Lion and very dangerous animals. Now Daniel was put in this den full of lions to punish him for obeying His God. For Daniel it was better to die than to obey the Kings order. Now the bible says that as Daniel was in the Lion’s den, those Lions didn’t kill him. The bible says that the Lord came in the Lion’s den and shut the mouth of all the Lions and he came out of that den alive and safe. What you need to know is that the Lord SHUT THE MOUTH OF THE LIONS and they didn’t kill him.

As for me, this means that no situation in this world will fail God. He works wonders and I mean He just is able to do wonderful things for His people. God came in the midst of Daniels situation in that Lion’s den and things happened. I mean things begin to happen when God is come in a place and someone’s life. When God comes down, no devils and demons will play any game with you.

As this was not enough, in the same book of Daniel 3:16-27, we have the event concerning Shadreck, Mesheck and Abedenigo who also demonstrated their strong stand in the Lord by refusing to follow what the king directed. These guys made a decision to obey the only one true God of heaven and earth and nobody else. They were thrown into the Burning furnace hoping to be burned alive. Now instead of these three guys to get burnt and die, nothing happened to them. God almighty came from heaven and got involved into what was happening inside the furnace. That fire didn’t burn them and nothing happened. Imagine this fire didn’t burn them. Now what kind of fire was this? What happened to the power because the fire we know could have consumed and killed them.

People of God, don’t forget that this fire didn’t burn them because God was involved. You see when God is involved, wonderful things happens. I mean the uncomprehendable things take place. Now why did God get involved in the lives of these guys? The almighty involved because of their faithfulness to Him. These men were faithful and were not moved but what the world was saying. They cared less about what was happening around them but cared more about God and God alone. Therefore, we need to be like Daniel, Shadreck, Mesheck and Abedenigo by demonstrating our faithfulness to God. We need to move our first step of faith and the Lord will do the rest.

As for me, let me tell you that there have been situations in my life when I have taken steps of faith and wonderful things have happened. God needs you and me to demonstrate our faith. It is faith that made these guys stay alive. They put their faith in action which we as God’s children need to do all the time. So finally could you please take your step of faith now and you will not regret it. Step of faith give birth to a blessing for your life. In other words, there is a blessing behind every step of faith that we take. So try it now IN JESUS NAME!

CHURCH AND DEMOCRACY IN MALAWI

A BRIEF STUDY OF THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC MISSION IN MALAWI.

BY: Peter Qeko Jere. BA, BA (Th) Hons, M.Th, D.Th (Cand.-Univer- FORT HARE)

ABSTRACT.

The one Million Dollar Question in Malawi politics today is about the church involvement in politics. Many have asked, should the church involve itself in politics? Is it necessary to see the church playing any political, social role in the nation’s politics? During the 2004 general elections campaign, politicians from the ruling UDF party hated to see the church’s involvement in politics while those in opposition by and large supported the whole idea. But now, what is the truth about the whole idea? What does the bible say about this issue? At the same time, what have the renown biblical scholars written about it? Should the church involve itself in politics or not?

1.0 Introduction.
The main argument in this paper is that the history of the church in a given country determines the level of church involvement in politics. This support the idea which says that history of a given nation determines the future and its destiny. Thus this paper will be written from the view that the researcher supports the notion that it is proper for the church to be involved in any political mission in the world. We of course realise that this is a very hot debatable issue in this age of pluralistic politics mainly in Malawi and some third world countries. Some would want the church ministry to be holistic while others would want the church to limit it to the spiritual point of view. Thus this paper will shade some more light on this issue. The researcher will add both biblical and scholarly argument in a way of showing the true picture of what the church of Christ is suppose to be. The researcher been an authority in this area, feels that he is the right person to sort out this issue having done a thorough research work in the area.

2.0 Church History.
In many parts of the world today, the position of the church and its role is questionable1. Some nations like the USA have opted to follow the doctrine of separating the church from the state2 while others from the developing and third world countries recognises the fact that both the church and state need to co-exist. In this age of pluralistic politics, there is a significant amount of work the church has done in both development and political mission. In Africa, nation like South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Namibia and Ivory Coast to mention but a few have seen the position of the church in social political mission. For instance, in South Africa it was the church that led in the struggle against the apartheid regime when all political parties were banned (De Gruchy 1985:86-87). In Malawi it was the church that led in the struggle against the three decades of Dr. Banda’s3 tyrannical rule (Ross 1996, Doepp 1998:102, Nzunda & Ross 1995:7). In Zambia it was the church that was a voice for change against the Kaunda4 regime (Chakanza 1995:70). In Namibia it was the church in conjunction with the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) that led in the struggle against the apartheid regime (Mbuende 1989:27, Katjvivi 1989). In Ivory Coast it was the 1990 Catholic Bishop’s pastoral letter, which opened a floodgates of multiparty democracy against the late Felix Houpheuet-Boigy5 regime (Ayittey 1991:196). In Kenya it was the church, which led in the formation of the Rainbow Coalition6 against the Moi regime (NCC, Aug/Sept, 2002). In Angola it was the church that remained a continued voice of peace during the three decades of civil war between the Jose Eduardo Dos Santos led government forces against the late Jonas Savimbi military forces (AC Vol 43.no 5). Thus we believe that there is something unique about the church in these countries that they could fully take part in political mission. We may however argue that there is something special about the history of the church in these countries that opens up a window for them to take part in such political mission. Of course not all nations shares the same history and so is the church.For instance, church history in Malawi is different from that of Zimbabwe and the rest of the world. Each nation has its own church history hence their approach to social issues differs. The point of departure is that many third world and developing nations were once colonies and people fought for their freedoms of which the church was inclusive. Both the church and the freedom fighters had one enemy in the form of colonialism. In many of these countries it was difficult to put a thin line between the church and the freedom fighters because both of them were the oppressive people. It is from this background that many third world and developing countries live to depend on the voice of the church when it comes to social, political and economic liberation or oppression of any kind. Thus we do not know what could have happened to the whole of Africa where multiparty politics is done if it was not for the role of the church.

3.0 The Malawi church.
Having looked into this, we argue that Malawi’s church history remains unique in a way that the history of the nation’s democracy is also the history of the activities of the church in social political and economic mission that dates back to the days of precolonialism (Jere 2004:17). The Malawi church is believably the very backbone of the nation history because it is impossible to write any kind of Malawian history without the church. Actually the church was established in 1861 led by the UMCA (Pachai 1973:8). This was the very time when precolonialism started. This precolonialism ended in 1891 when the British instituted colonialism6a. Thus the church was established in Malawi 30 years before British colonialists came. This also means that for 30 years the church was fully grown with mission schools, hospitals and commerce in all the three regions of the country. From 1891, Malawi and the whole church entered a seven long decade6b of British colonial rule until 1964 when independence was attained.Now during colonialism the church, which had stayed for 30 years, played a tremendous role in the management of the nation and the liberation process. For instance the church during this time was fully involved in the parliamentary deliberation and helping out on issues of land and Tax (Jere 2004:34-36, Weller 1984:183, Muluzi7 1999:83).In addition the church was the nursery bed of all politics as evidence in the formation of native association7a. These associations were formed by graduates of mission schools and were representative bodies that acted as a bridge between the colonial government and Africans directly (Muluzi 1999:23, Moyo 1995:122, Ross, 1998:16). It was the very same church that also played a significant role in the fight for independence as evidenced in the confrontational approach Livingstonia Mission took is support of the freedom fighters (Moyo, 1995:123). Thus the church by and large was in support of anyone who was fighting for political and social change. During this time we may argue that the church’s approach to its social mission was holistic. Even in the formation of the MCP and its victory in 1964, the church was in solidarity for change. Infact those that voted for MCP in 1964 by and large were members of the various Christian churches, which translate, that if it was not for the church, this could not have taken place. Like wise, it was members of Christian churches that by and large voted for change in 1994 which also translates that the church played a central role in bringing about pluralistic politics in Malawi.

Thus in conclusion the church has been at the forefront fighting for change. Though multiparty democracy came into Malawi, this did not mean the church to be silent because it is called to uproot and destroy sinful element in a system. For instance the church has the duty to fight corruption, poverty, regionalism and nepotism to mention but a few, in a system. Despite the original history the church shares, some still wonder whether it is really good for the church to take part in social, political and economic mission in a country.

4.0 Should the church be involved in Politics
The question of whether the church should be involved in politics or not raises some serious argument in many parts of the modern world today (Jere 2004:173). In trying to sort out this issue, we have put down two8 views that will help us come up with a proper understanding and a way forward. These are the biblical and scholarly arguments as follows.

4.1 Biblical approach.
Biblically when dealing with this issue people asks, was Jesus Christ a politician? Did he do anything to show that he was in solidarity or support of any political movement of his time? Did he form any political party? Was he part of any demonstration against the Roman imperialism? Could it be wise to use Jesus’s situations in our today’s world? Biblically this Jesus Christ is the paradigm whom the church and humanity need to emulate. However the whole world is stuck and confused over the issue because of lack of true biblical knowledge concerning the true life of Jesus Christ. Many Christians tend to be terribly mistaken because they think Jesus never lived in full humanity9. What we mean is that Christians have by and large failed to understand the true meaning of incarnation. Thus if we are true to the doctrine of incarnation then we need to realise that Jesus Christ lived in full humanity while at the same time remaining God.Now if Jesus Christ lived in full humanity then we need to understand what this meant during his time and also we need to analyse the social, political and economic situations of his time. Adding to this, Rob Yule (1997) argues that many Christians and non-Christians have a false image of Jesus Christ. He says they take their cue from Jesus remarks where he said that his kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). He says that they have wrongly assumed that Jesus was only interested in the spiritual matters and not in such worldly activities as politics or economy.

Of course some may argue looking at Matthew 10: 9-10 that Jesus mission was basically making disciples and not politics while others may also argue that Jesus refusal to join a patriotic organisation (Zealot) seem to betray the urgent political and economic need of his day. Of course during his time Israel was in social, political and economic oppression of the Roman Imperialism something that could have forced him in one way or the other to directly confront the Roman oppression or if anything he could have stayed in total solidarity with the nationalists fighter. Though he did not form any political party, Jesus was a great politician, teacher and healer. His teachings had something to do with social, political and economic problems of his days (Jere, 2004:174). Jesus read signs10 of the times during his days and knew exactly what to say and not to say. He understood the pains people went through and was part and parcel of their everyday life as evidenced in the gospel. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, cast out demons and taught brilliantly about the kingdom of God, in addition to his teaching on obedience to those in authority. The Apostle Paul (Colossian 1:6) argues that Jesus created all things, which we believe includes politics. Also as King of kings, Jesus Christ is king of the entire universe including all manners of politics.Now if we believe and support the notion that Jesus Christ was involved in the political life in Israel and if we also believe that being king of kings he also remains king over all manners of politics then the Christian church is part and parcel of the body of Jesus himself, need to fully involve itself in the daily affairs of the people even if it means politics. The Apostle Peter (1:29) and Titus (3:1) talks of the Christians and the church’s role in nation building. They say that the church is a living organism and in reality it is a nation within nations and our spiritual citizenship does not decrease our responsibility towards earthly rulers. They point out that Christians and the church are a chosen and a holy nation who are God’s special people. Now the church and Christian although a chosen people of God are still present on this planet and do not live somewhere else. Since chosen people of God are still present on earth, they need to be responsible even when it comes to obeying the authorities. Thus Christians must take seriously tangible human issues that face all humanity, which includes poverty, politics, corruption, regionalism, exploitation and many forms of injustices. Therefore Christians must not separate themselves from politics something, which the Malawi church by and large has embraced. We do not mean to say that the church should be a political party (though others may want it to be so) but that its members should be able to fully participate in politics (though some may not agree to this). To add on this, we need to understand that all what God created from the beginning was declared good according to the Genesis account (1:31), which we believe includes all manners of politics.


4.2 Scholarly approach.
In addition we have the scholarly approach to this issue. This is about what various scholars have said and commented on the issue. To begin with Gordon Spykman (1995:596-597) argues for the idea that it is proper for the church to take part in politics11. He says that politics is part of the cultural mandate that God has laid on humanity by virtue of creation. He says that we are called to live a life of faith in the midst of this world and not in some isolated or in the sky but at the crossroad of civilization. He quotes Abraham Kyper who once declared that there is not a single square inch of the entire universe of which Christ does not say “ This is mine” and that all life is submitted to God’s rule which includes politics. Speaking at a hero’s day in Uganda, the Catholic Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Paul Luzinda (2003), said that church leaders are part of the political organisation and there should be no limit to their contribution to political discussion. He said that we cannot exclude church from politics and that church leaders are obliged to comment when society goes wrong.Bennie Walt (1994:467) who has written a lot on this issue argues that politics is God’s business and ultimately all of us are accountable to Him in the conduct of political life. Politics as a way of life is administered in the polis (community) and these are the people who are in the image of God, which brings God Himself into the picture. Now if politics is about the administration of people’s lives in the polis and since these people are in the image of God then it would be unreasonable to physically isolate the church when it comes to administering the people who are no only members of the polis but also members of the church. The church has to be involved because in the first place Jesus Christ did the same and any problem affecting the people (including politics) automatically affect the church12 (Jere 2004:176).In the same line of thought, John Stott (1984:13) argues that individual Christians need to be politically active and be aware of the contemporary issues affecting their societies which we believe includes politics, corruption and poverty to mention but a few. Now if we agree with the notion that Christians need to fully take part in politics then we should also realise that this action on its own will make the church to be involved in politics because these very Christians are influential members of the church. Actually we believe and share the notion that the church has to take part in politics because it has a God given mandate to criticize, guide, build and destroy that which is not done according to God’s will. The point of departure here is that problems caused by poor political administration in a country affect the church because the same people who are citizen of a country are at the same time members of the church.

4.3 The Way Forward.
Having looked into this issue, we have the following remarks as a way forward. Firstly is that since the Malawi church’s political mission does not contradict the biblical values as far as we are concern, people should bear in mind that what the church is doing is good. We all know and are witness of the Church’s political mission in the country and the best thing we could do is to give it our support. The nation and society cannot be meaningful without the church. It was the same church we have now which set the political fire during the fight for multiparty democracy in 1993-94. It was the church again which played a key role in the fight for our independence. We thus need to acknowledge as Malawians that no matter what, we need the church in the way we conduct our politics. No one will succeed in politics without the church because we need the church all the way through and in all manners of development.Secondly, Malawians need to know that the church of Jesus Christ is a solid Rock that will never be shaken or threatened by humanity under whatever circumstances. The church will remain strong because no weapon used against it shall succeed. It will not help anything speaking against the church or its leaders because the church does not speak on its own but it speaks the prophetic message from God after looking at the signs of the times. The church looks at writing on the wall and signs of the time before speaking the will of God to His people. The signs of the time speak a lot of what God wants of His people.

Thirdly, the church need to forgive all those who have spoken ill against it on this issue of its involvement in politics because it is a clear fact that they do this out of spiritual and intellectual poverty. It is not the people’s fought that they do not know the history of the church in the country. We thus need to blame the education system that we have because it does not recognise elements of Church history something which has led to this high rate of intellectual poverty on this matter. May be its about time that the church needs to take up its position in influencing education in the country. The church needs to retain its lost glory if this misunderstanding amongst the people is to end. The church needs to teach, preach, write and publish books about its involvement in our societies. It should be an action church as it used to being. Finally, we citizens of this land should realise that there is only one land that God has given us and this is Malawi. We may be of different tribal, ethnic or religious background but all sharing this beautiful land of Malawi. We cannot afford to live in hatred, bitterness and conflict because we all share one common history, that of the church. The Church created the foundations of this nation hence we need to live in co-existence with those from different background. The church needs to continue its partnership with the state just as the state need to do likewise. The point of departure is that the State cannot survive without the church because by and large the church provides human resource for the daily functioning of the State in one way or the other. Thus both the Church and State need to work together for the betterment of all Malawians.

5.0 Conclusion.
In this paper we have looked into brief history of what the Malawi church has done in bringing about democracy. We have looked into both biblical and scholarly arguments in the process of showing that it is proper for the church to be involved in politics. Having looked into this, we want to emphasis the notion that as far as the history of Malawi is concern, it could be a terrible mistake to sideline the church when it comes to issues of politics. This church has the mandate from God to carry out any form of business in Malawi be it politic, economy, education or social. This church has already done a lot in the areas of education, health. This church has always been holistic in its mission covering the need of humanity and it could be wrong to exclude it from politics. Just as the church is involved in the areas education and health, the same church need to do likewise when it comes to issue of politics after all the same people who are citizens of the country are also members of the church. Also the church gets affected when political and economic situation is bad hence it has to get involved in this issue if the church itself has to be a true church.


6.0 Bibliography.

African Confidential vol. 43. No 5

Ayittey, G. 1992. African Betrayed. NY: St Martin

Chakanza, J. 1995. Pro-democracy movements in Malawi: Catholic Church contribution in Ken Ross & Nzunda (eds) Church, Law and political Transition in Malawi, 1992/94, Kachere Book 1. Blantyre: Claim (59-74).

Doepp, P. 1998. The Kingdom beyond zasintha: church and politics in Malawi post authoritarian era in Ken Ross & Kings Phiri (eds), Democratisation in Malawi: Stocktaking. Kachere Book 4. Blantyre: Claim (102-127).

De Gruchy, J. 1994. Christianity and Democracy. Cape town: David Phillip.

Jere, P.M.Q, 2004. Church and Democracy in Malawi: A Theological Reflection on the ministry of the church in social, political and economic decay within a democratic state. M.Th Dissertation. University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

Katjviv, P. 1989. The role of the church in the struggle for independence in Peter Kajviv & Kaire Mbuende (eds) Church and Liberation in Namibia, London: Pluto

Mbuende, K. 1989. Church and Class struggle in Namibia in Peter Kajviv & Kaire Mbuende (eds) Church and Liberation in Namibia, London: Pluto

Weller, J. et al.1984. Mainstream Christianity to 1980, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Gwelo: Mambo

Moyo, F. 1995. Church and politics: The case of Livingstonia Synod in Ken Ross & Matembo Nzunda (eds), Church, Law and Political transition in Malawi 1992/94. Gwelo: Mambo.

Muluzi, B. 1999. Democracy with a price: The history of Malawi since 1900. London: Jhango, Heinemann

-National Christian Council of Kenya, Aug/Sept, 2002

Pachai, B. 1973. Malawi: The history of the nation, London: Longman

Ross, K. (ed) 1996. Political Theology of Power for the new Malawi, Kachere Monograph No.3. Blantyre: Claim

Schofelleer, M. 2000. In search for the truth: confrontational between the church and state in Malawi 1960-1994, Kachere Book 8. Blantyre: Claim.

Spykman, G. 1995. Beyond words to action: Organising politics in Ruth Swenapal & Bennie Walt (eds), confessing Christ in doing politics. Essays on Christian political thought and action. Potchefstroom: Institute of Reformation Studies.

Stott, J. 1984. Issues facing Christian today. London: Marshall Pickering.

Walt, B. 1994. The liberating message: a Christian worldview, Potchesfstroom: Institute of Reformation Studies.

Yule, R. 1997. Jesus and Politics. Palmerston: St Albans Presbyterian Church.


1 This paper rises from the Master of Theology Dissertation, Chapter 5, University of Fort Hare-2004 on the subject of Church and Democracy. We however need to know that many times the incumbent regimes do not like to see the church being prophetic enough hence they tend to categorically mistake it as part of opposition.
2 The researcher does not agree with this doctrine because this is a part of the Western Theological ideology and that it has no convincing biblical backing.
3 Dr. Kamuzu Banda was the father and founder of Malawi nation. He rule Malawi for 30 years and died in 1997.
4 Dr. Kenneth Kaunda was the father and founder of the nation of Zambian. He ruled Zambia for almost three decades and was replace by Dr. Fredrick Chiluba of the MMD party. However, Chiluba was replaced by Levi Mwanawasa who is the Zambian current (2004) State President.
5 Felix Houpheuet- Boigy was the first President of Ivory Coast.
6 The Rainbow Coalition led by President Mwai Kibaki is currently (2003) in government after defeating the Moi regime.
6a Colonialism was the idea, which was practically adopted by the western nations in the process of taking away African land and turning them into their own occupied territories.
6b This was from 1891 to 1964 British rule over Malawi. In total this shows that Britain ruled Malawi for over 73 years. In another way round, we may argue that Malawians have stayed for many years (73 years) under British occupation that the number of years spends on Self rule (38 years).
7 Dr. Muluzi is currently (2004) the former President of the republic of Malawi. He is also the National Chairman of the ruling United Democratic Front.
7a These were nation wide political bodies formed to represent majority views of Malawians in the fight for independence and total freedom.
8 These two arguments will show us the biblical and scholarly perspectives of the issue.
9 We at this moment in time need to realise that Jesus’ ministry to humanity was holistic. We need to refrain from baseless arguments from those whose mission is to confuse Theology who many times argue that Jesus ministry covered the spiritual aspects only. It is a fact that Jesus ministry covered the spiritual and physical aspects of humanity because he was doing this ministry on earth and not in the sky.
10 We may argue here that many times Church leaders today fail to read the signs of their times. In the Old Testament prophets could look into the signs of their time before they spoke the oracle of God.
11 This is the same notion the Malawi Church supports. The church believes that the true church is the one, which involve itself in rescuing the perishing and caring for the dying socially, politically and economically. The true church will stand up in opposition when there is rampant corruption, nepotism and many forms of injustices.
12 Since we are in this world, any mistaken done in the field of politic or economy tend to affect everybody including Christians and the church. We are part and parcel of the global village hence the Church which is operational on Earth need to stand up when evils are been committed by those in authority. We thus believe that the Church, which does not stand up in such times, is not a true church at all.

JOHN CHILEMBWE AND CHURCH NATIONAL POLITICS

A TRUE MODEL

OF CHURCH INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS IN MALAWI.
BY: Peter Qeko Jere1a. BA, BA (Th) Hons); M.Th

ABSTRACT
Many politicians during the United Democratic Front rule clearly pointed out that Church leaders in Malawi should not involve themselves in politics. They wanted to see a clear demarcation and distinction between the Church and State. They wanted to see the Church to confine itself in preaching the gospel and not to involving itself in politics. The position taken by the UDF leaves a lot to be desired when one look into the history of the nation because it is clear and stipulates that the Church through the Rev. John Chilembwe led the first war of freedom. Chilembwe fought the colonialist as a Church leader and as a citizen of the land. Currently we have the John Chilembwe day where we as a nation commemorate and remember the pain and suffering this great son of the land went through in trying to give us this freedom we enjoy today. In other words, the freedom we enjoy today is because of what the Church through this man did. Thus the Rev John Chilembwe is one such great model of what the church need to do in any social, political and economic disaster in a country.

1.0 Introduction
The issue of Church involvement in Politics in Malawi has been one of the most crucial and debatable one for a long time now. Many People have shared their views to either agree or disagree on this subject. Politicians have also publicly either argued that the Church in Malawi should not involve itself in Politics while others have agreed to the notion so raised. Some Church leaders have tried to check what the bible says on the issue and have come up with mixed interpretation of the word of God to suit their agendas. Due to this issue, the entire body of the church looks divided on the issue.

We however support the notion that the Church under whatever circumstances, the Church need to involved in the social, political and economic life of a nation even if it means getting involved in direct politics. The notion so raised in this article is not knew in Malawi’s politics because this is not the first time when the Church has seen itself fully participate in politics. The entire precolonial and postcolonial history of Malawi is full of Church’s involvement in social, political and economic lives of the people. As far as we are concern, there is nothing knew to this whole issue because the Church of Christ in Malawi in the right footing in its political and social mission.

2.0 Chilembwe and Malawi’s Politics
However the issue of Church involvement in politics in Malawi is apparently well connected the whole history of the Rev. John Chilembwe of the Providence Industrial Mission. Each time this issue is debated in the Malawi, John Chilembwe’s name rings a big bell in the minds of those who are aware of the origin of Malawi’s politics. The Rev. John Chilembwe remains the one and only son of Malawi who faced the cruel and brutal British imperialism. But now this son of Africa was not just an ordinary one. He was unique and an ordained Church minister. We realise that Malawians know very well what we mean when we talk of an ordained Church minister since we have many of these men of God around us. It is important however to emphasis here that Malawians could not pretend not to know that this son of Malawi who fought the British imperialism from chiradzulu was the ordained church minister from PIM. Malawi history is full of the activities of this PIM Church minister who fought the British head-on. Since it is him who opened this chapter of liberation, the nation of Malawi remembers him. Actually we even have a national holiday remembering the activities of this man of God. All political leaders in Malawi many times make it to this Chilembwe’s memorial day at the PIM because they would want to associate themselves with this courageous Church minister who shade his blood to bring about freedom, which we have today.

Now while we all are witnesses of the fact that it was a Church minister who shades his blood for the nation, it is pathetic and horrifying to hear these days Malawians asking Church ministers to stay away from politics. People claim that Church minister should do pulpit work and leave politics to those so-called politicians (though majority of them are not qualified politicians). Now this scenario is horrible and shows the huge level of intellectual poverty to the part of our politician and Christians who are against the church and also opposes the origin idea of the Rev. John Chilembwe. At the same time, these people have no tangible basis be it academic or biblical. They simply do not know Malawi’s church history. They argue and make a lot of noise without real knowledge of what they are arguing about which we feel is dangerous. Just for their information, this nation of Malawi was born out of Christian values and principles. The church laid foundation and all physical structures of this nation we have today in all the three regions. Politics originated from the Church through the native associations. During that time, right from the north, central and south, the Church helped in shaping the political destiny of this nation. By the way, church leaders like Dr. Robert Laws, William Murray and others, directly participated in Parliamentary deliberation. What we mean is that the church was right in parliament. Also almost all freedom fighters of that day were dedicated elders and deacons and committed Christians of the various Christian Churches. During the fight for independence, the church worked hand in hand with the freedom fighters hence this nation got independence in 1964. Just for your information, 8 cabinet ministers in the first cabinet of 1964 were Church elders.

Suppose Chilembwe concentrated his work in the Church alone, where could we have been by now? Where could we have been as a nation if it was not for this Church minister’s effort to fight the British head-on? What kind of History could we have been having? Now if Rev. Chilembwe did it, then what is it that could stop the Church from participating in Politics? Why the today’s Politicians are accuse the today church while at the same time they attend the Chilembwe day in Chiradzulu at PIM? Do they really realise that this son of Malawi was an ordained Church minister

Also some politicians have the nerve to speak ill against the Church’s participation in politics. Do these people really understand where we come from as a nation? Sometimes one wonders when we look back to 1992-94 and actually see what happened. During this time, we all saw the direct political role of the church. We saw how some clergy got arrested and stay in jail for many months because of trying to denounce the autocratic rule of Dr. Banda. Those who are in political leadership now are all witnesses of all what took place in 1992-94. At that time, they all looked at the Church as their only hope. Now how come that politician forgets this clear history before them? I mean how come that now they want the church out of politicking? Have they forgotten where they come from as a nation? We believe that a real politician is the one who remembers his history and sees where he is going. Any politician who pretends to forget his history (for whatever person gains) creates his or her own grave because it is the truth of this history, which is the judge.

Having said this, we however want to point out that what the Church is doing now is just a continuation of the noble task that Rev. John Chilembwe started some many decades ago when he physically fought the British colonialist. He was directly involved in this struggle which led to the freedom which we enjoy and even abuse now. Thus the Rev. John Chilembwe is what we could call a good model of what the Church and its leadership should be. The Rev. Chilembwe set up a good workable model as regard the role of the Church and its leadership in social political mission not only in Malawi but the whole world, that the Church need to get involved in the political welfare and lives the people because the same people whom the state govern are also members of the Church in the first place. Thus the Church needs to voice its prophetic message when both politics and economy is sick. As Church leaders we need to make sure that citizens are happy. In the same line of thought, there is just no way we could pretend that issues affecting our people do not at the same time affect us. We are part and parcel of the daily life of our nation politically, economically and socially. Rev. John Chilembwe physically got involved in politics of that time, just as the today’s Christian leaders do.


3.0 The Church and political mission in Malawi
At this moment in time, we strongly support the notion that the church needs to participate in politics and make sure that democracy, justice and all human rights are properly followed and done. The church has the God given duty to make sure that Malawians are happy. The church get affected when the political environment is bad, when the economy is collapsing, when corruption is high and when the few rich get more richer while the majority poor become poorer. The Church leadership stays with the people at grassroots and they are at a better position to exactly know the social, political and economic situation of their people. Thus the one best thing the Malawi church needs to continue doing is to continue with the noble task of assisting in shaping the social, political and economic destiny of this nation.

4.0 Biblical backing to the issue.
When we read in the Old Testament, we see how God saved the Children of Israel from undemocratic regime of Pharaoh. The Bible clearly says that God heard the cry of his people (the poor Israelites) in their slavery and He remembered the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the bible further says that God was concerned about them (Ex 2:23-25). When we read further we hear God saying;

“I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good spacious land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex 3:7-8a).

What we have is the history of oppression by the Egyptians. This was oppression, which has social, economic and political implications to the daily lives of the Israelites. But in such times of deep oppression (social, economic or political), there is God in heaven who sees all what takes place such that when the poor who are oppressed cries to Him, He listens and hears them. He not only sees or hears their cries but he also get concern with their welfare. Thus in the history of the Israelites in Egypt, God came down to rescue them. This is the God we serve, the action God who is able to redeem his people suffering from the social, political and economic oppression.

Now God hears the cry of the poor because He is the God of the poor. He gets concerned and comes down to redeem them from any form of oppression. Just as God was involved, we see in the whole history of Malawi as a nation the church involvement in rescuing the perishing and caring for the dying socially, economically and politically. For instance, we have REV. John Chilembwe whom we consider a great paradigm of the church involvement in Malawi’s political, social and economic life.


5.0 The way forward.
What we need to know is that every leadership that we have is sinful just as all of humanity. We cannot trust too much power in few individuals this time and we cannot even leave then unchecked because they are sinful. In the Old Testament God put in place prophets to check Kings from abusing God’s people. That is why even when we read the whole account of Elijah and many of the Old Testament Prophets, their common stand was to protect God’s people from various forms of abuse and injustices.

In Malawi, it is the irrefutable fact that the church has been such a great prophetic voice against regimes that have come by since the 1800’s (i.e., colonial regimes since 1907, Dr. Banda up to 1992/4 and the Muluzi’s third term). Though some individuals are against the church now, its just because they are ignorant of what the church has done in the entire history of this country. The church is the longest serving institution in Malawi and it cannot just be there Phwiii!!!. The church has its own history

For instance, the church led the head-on struggle against the Banda regime. We mean to say that the church directly was involved in this and many church ministers were arrested. In the same line of thought, we don’t have to forget that revolutionary pastoral letter of 1992! Who on earth could imagine such thing to take place? Where were all those who are accusing the church that time? Why could we not see or hear them making this noise then? Imagine that time it was tough and it was not a joke or a game. Ask the remnant of Church leaders who directly fought Dr. Banda that time and you will hear for yourself and perhaps come to your senses.

Also the Church kept on watching the Muluzi regime soon after the 1994 election. The church is a prophet voice and it does not care who is there in leadership, whether one is tall, small, big, fat or even disabled. Its main goal is to see to it that God’s people are protected and not abused and that government abide by what the constitution says.

We all were witnesses during the long debate of trying to change the constitution just to suit the needs of few individuals. We wish those who were fighting for this constitution change had known that Malawi has got prophets who watches day in and day out any kind of abuse by any one who is holding public office. Actually we need to be reminded that during the last day of voting in parliament on the third term bill, the atmosphere was tense and it was like something horrible was about to befall that entire nation since majority of Malawians did not want the constitution to change. But thank God that He heard prayers and crying of His People nationwide as evidenced in the victory that we saw coming from parliament building. This time, we still believe that it is the role of the church to make sure that they help in shaping the future destiny of this nation by helping those who want to be helped even if it means Political parties. Thus as far as Malawi Church history is concerned, the church has a role to play in shaping the social, political and economic destiny of the nation. We therefore in conclusion encourage the church to continue forging ahead with hope and trust in this noble call and fight this battle in making sure that God’s people are protected. It has to be known that Christians in Malawi pay their obey God’s word in the first place and all these others comes later. Thus they are Christians belonging to God in the first place and they have God’s given duty to play, which include rescuing the perishing, and caring for the dying politically, economically and socially the same concern our great son of Malawi did, the Rev. John Chilembwe.

1a PETER QEKO JERE did his B.A at the African Bible College-MALAWI (http://www.africabiblecollege.com/) , his BA(Th) Hons at the NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (http://www.nwu.ac.za/) , Masters degree in Theology at the UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE (http://www.ufh.ac.za/) and now is working on his doctoral degree at the same school.

THE DANGER OF BEING JUDGEMENTAL

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
SERMON ON THE MOUNT: THE DANGER OF BEING JUDGEMENTAL1a, ACCORDING TO MATTHEW CHAPTER 7:1-6.
BY: PETER QEKO JERE1b

(I). INTRODUCTION.

Chapter 7 of the book of Matthew continues and concludes Jesus’s sermon on the mountain. Actually the focus in this chapter is on our right relationship toward God and man. It’s important for children in the kingdom of God to have that right relationship with God and fellow men. But Christ commands children in the kingdom to demonstrate love on fellow kingdom mate before the love is extended to God the Kingdom Master. In this chapter we have a number of key issues that Christ is addressing. He addresses the consequences of being judgemental (attitude) (verse 1-6), prayer (V7-13), dangers of false prophets (v 15-20), obedience (21-27) and the effects of the sermon in people’s lives (28-29)
(Matthew Henry 1996:70).

In the context understudy (7:1-6), we have some few very important issues that Jesus Christ is addressing as follows; believer’s judgemental attitude (v 1-2), hypocrisy (v 3-5) and the dogs and swine issue (v6). In this study, we shall see the true biblical interpretation of the word judgement as used in this context. We shall see whether we have the liberty to judge or not. We shall again look into what the text mean when it address word like (mote v. 3); beam (v3) and hypocrisy (5). We shall look into the true biblical interpretation of Verse 6 (Dogs and Swine, Pearl, Sacred things). We shall finally see how this area of study can be applied to our modern day Christian life

(II). THE CONTEXTUAL MEANING OF “JUDGE NOT”, verse 1-2.

“Judge not”, V 1a

Many people tend to misunderstand this verse and have misused it. This has led to people compromising and leaving those in sin unrebuked. This has been a cover up as many people have literally used the verse to escape spiritual reconstruction and rebuilding process. In this context, many scholars understand the word “judge not,” differently.
According to Samuel Clark, this phrase, “judge not” is one of the most important and excellent exhortation in the whole of the sermon on the mountain. He says that this phase is against rash, harsh uncharitable judgement and thing of Evil (1831:98). But Charles Elliot says that this “judge not” was applicable to the Jews who judged the gentiles as inferior people before them and before God (40). George Buttrick says that we cannot help it but to always judge because life is about judgement be it Christian or no Christian, politician or non-politician and national or international. He further says that not all judgement is bad but censorious and condemnation (1939:234). John Stott on the same issue, says that this phrase “judge not” is not against the magistrates or judges because according to Roman 13, their offices are ordained by God Himself. He says that we all judge others and to fail to judge will be to be hypocritical to our own nature because God create us to make value-judgement (1995:175).

He further says that in the whole sermon on the mount, Jesus Christ was promoting the critical power, to have our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisee and he urges that we cannot obey the sermon teaching unless we all evaluate and develop critical mind on the issues and see that our position is better, higher than others (1995:175)(a).. But Carson interpretation of this verse is more clear and he says that the word judge not means to discern, to judge judicially, to be judgemental, to condemn (judicially and otherwise). He further states that the word in the context means not to be judgemental and not to have critical mind with condemning attitude (1994:108). Thus Carson’s view agrees with Loud Jones who says that no one is not excused to judge (1962:175).

With this we see that the phrase judge not literally does not put a stop to the judicial process but it discourages the spirit of being judgemental with bad attitudes. This is the spirit that doesn’t build but destroys. Both The motive and attitude is bad and negative1. Since the whole process of being judgemental is based on the attitude we need to know that this attitude has to be positive. As the context is against the judgemental spirit full of negative attitude, we now understand why several biblical texts encourages Christians to always judge positively even as we are told to judge or discern spirit operation2

(III). WHY CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT JUDGE.

“Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.kjv
In these verses (1-2), we have the two main reasons why Christians are not encouraged to judge. We should bear in mind that by “to judge” we mean the judgemental negative attitude that is there to destroy and kill as earlier said. The two main reasons that Christ gave were as follows:
(a). That we may not be judged
(b). Because the same measure we use on others, others will use when judging us. But for us to understand this lets see the main reasons in detail as follows:

(a). That ye be not judged (Verse 1b) KJV

The lord Jesus Christ told the disciple on the mountain not to judge so that they too may not be judged. This was the heart of mercy, as Jesus didn’t want his disciples to fall into this ditch of being judged by others. We need to understand that Christ didn’t want his disciples to be judgemental, critical and negative towards others. Thus Christ said, judge not that you be not judged or could be judge not so that others may not judge you. Joseph Parker say that we do more that merely words when we pass judgement on fellow men because when we judge we sour seeds that will one day reap in form of fruits (P.235). This too reminds us of the golden rule that says that do to others what you may want others do to you (Mt 7:12).
Thus if we judge others, they will one day judge us and to avoid this we have to do to others what we want others to do to us3. Charles Elliot says that we should not judge without remembering our sins, that we judge only the offence and not the offender and judge no man unless its our duty to do so (40). This explains that God hate sin and not a person because even Christ came to destroy the power of sin. So in the whole explanation of Verse 1b, we see that the meaning behind Jesus statement was not the literal interpretation of “Judge not” meaning that we should not say anything or build in a form of criticising, but he meant to tell his disciples not to have judgemental mind or negative attitude to condemn.

(b). Same Measure (Verse 1b)

What measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again 1b

Here we have the second factor that explains why Jesus discouraged people in the kingdom to be judgemental. He says that with what judgement we judge, we shall be judged and also with what measure we use, it shall be used on us (Verse 2). This factor explains the consequences that will follow the judgemental attitude on others. Jesus says that the same measure you use on others will return and be used on us, should we be involved in judging others4. Thus we have the same measure concept. George Buttricks says that life gives back what we pour into it (if we pour poison in life, life will produce poison and if we pour good in life, life will produce good)(1939:324). He furthers say that revenge breeds’ revenge, condemnation produce condemnation and censors bring censors and love produces love (1939:324)5.

So we see the rule of retaliation and equal proportion in the dealing of God in His just judgement6. But the one outstanding issue is the judgemental attitude. By now we should know that we are dealing with judgemental attitude (negative) toward others. We should know that we are to judge only on the condition that our attitudes are positive and should be aimed at building up and bringing the soul to the kingdom of God and not the negative critical condemnatory mind that has the passion to destroy and kill.

Carson says that the meaning of the whole of this verse promotes the abolishment of judgemental attitude because if we are judgemental towards others, others too will be judgemental towards us7.

Therefore Christians are encouraged to exercise positive judgement, full of the heart to build up and love to those who are going astray 8 In additional, Kingdom Children are encouraged to forgive others if they want God to forgive them (Matthew 6:14-16). This forgiveness is based on the golden rule concept, which shows the relationship and oneness in flow of the whole sermon of the mountain9.

(IV). HYPOCRISY (VERSE 3-4)

Verses 3-4 of Chapter 7 explain the activities that take place in the kingdom of God. It shows what children in the kingdom many times do. These activities demonstrate the negative attitude that children of God in the kingdom have on others. This was hypocrisy. Jesus Christ in this context rebuked this negative attitude (judgemental mind)10.

Thus Jesus said why do you look at the speck (NIV) or mote (kjv) in your brother’s eyes and pay no attention to the plank (NIV) or beam (KJV) in your own eyes (Verse 3-4). This is one of the most important are where Christians tend to fall. This is because the whole process has something to do with the attitude. Hypocrisy is the attitude problem when one pretends to be what he is not. Christians pinpoint others sins as if they themselves are sinless. Many are the times again when Christians concentrate in pointing out wickedness in other people’s lives while they themselves are victim of the same sins11.
According to Frederick mote is a small piece of straw or splinter of wood while the beam is a large plank (1929:967). As regard the beam, Frederick says that this can be conspicuous moral faults or even small moral faults that make it hard for Christians to arrive at the true knowledge of others (1929:967).
Now if the mote mean small splinter in ones life and the beams means small or big moral faults then we are able to see the hypocritical mind of people as they spend more time sorting out problems in other people’s lives while they themselves are in darkness. Thus Christianity in the modern Age is full of Hypocrisy because people tend to show what they are not inside their hearts and that’s why Christ said, “the people praised him with the voice and not with their hearts. All in all we see the marvellous connection and relationship in all the verses Matthew 7:1-4 that in verses 1-2, Christ discouraged the judgemental attitude and the critical mind and tells the disciples about the consequences of being judgemental while in verses 3-4, Christ reveals that in the course of being judgemental, the probability of one to be hypocrical is very high because the focus is on others sinful life.

(V). CHRISTIAN MUST BE A BROTHER (VERSE 5)

…Cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shall thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of they brother’s eye. Kjv

While in Verses 3-4 Christians are busy cutting their fellow brothers into pieces as they condemn them without considering Roman 3:2313 and without considering again that Christ said “judge not” that you may not be judged (Verse 5), we have the characteristics of the true Christian brother in Verse 5, he that take the plank (beam of wood) out of his eye.14 Now Christ indicates that children in the kingdom need to remove the beam of wood from their eyes so that they are able to see the mote (splinter) in the brother’s eye. This means one has to remove the problem in his eye so that he is in a position to see exisisting problems in somebody’s eye.
How can somebody see if his eyes are affected with a disease? Only if the problems is solved that one is able to take up the courage to help the other. That is why Jesus said, that a blind man can not lead a fellow blind man, they will all fall in the ditch (Matthew 15:4))

With this the underlined principle according to Jesus is first take the plank out of your eyes before you help your brother15, you need to solve and clear all similar problems you have. You need to put things straight with God. You need to repent all sins before you provide a hand on somebody. When all these are done, you become qualified to live as a good brother in the Lord.

(VI). GUIDING THE HOLY FROM PROFANITY (VERSE 6).

Give not that which is sacred unto dogs neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you.

This is a very important verse in the world of Evangelism and it’s a controversial verse as far the kind of people we have to reach with the gospel is concern. Sykes says that we need to use wisdom to tell the difference between believers and non-believers and also what to share and whom to share (1981: 40).

John Ryle says that this verse (6), teaches us the importance of exercising discretion as to the persons with whom we speak on the subject of religion (1974:63). He further says that it is not everybody to whom it is wise to open our mind on spiritual matters (1974: 63). This is because everything is beautiful beautiful in its place and season and our zeal is to be tempered by a prudent consideration of times place and person (John Ryle 1974:63).

(a). From Dogs and Swine

Do not give dogs what is sacred… do not thraw your pearl before swine (pigs).
In this text understudy we have the word “do not “ appearing three times (do not judge v1); (do not give, v6) and (do not throw v 6b). These are not the new laws that Christ is putting forward but they are the directive steps and procedures that Christ is creating for effective ministry. Jesus said do not give dogs what is sacred (v 6) and do not throw your pearls to swine or pigs. Dogs and swine in Israel represented the form of evil (Charles Elliot: 40).
Allen Willoughby say that they (pig and dogs), symbolises alien and heathen men (1957:66). But John Stott categorise dogs into three; pariah dogs, vagabonds and mongrels. He says that this does not affect the kind of dogs people keep in the homes but vagabonds dogs. He also says that all pigs were unclean animals to the Jewish people (1994:179). With this Albert Barnes say that dogs meant men who opposed and abused the truth of God’s word while swine meant men of impurity of life, those who were polluted, profaned and those men who would not know the value of the gospel (1949:77). Sacred things according to Charles Elliot were holy things that had been offered for sacrifice (Lev 22:6,7, 10)(P: 40).18

Language.

When we look into the language Jesus is using in this verse, skyes says that it’s not a very nice one to use for people mainly that we are images of God (1984:40). Of course John stott says that Jesus called a spade a spade as he called the following people with strong language; Herod Antipas” that Fox” Lk 13; 32: Pharisee, “whitewashed tomb” Matthew 23:27; Pharisee, “Brooks of Viper,” (Matthew 23:33). Now he calls the nonbelievers and other abusive people, “Dogs and Swine”(Matthew 7:6).

Jesus said do not give sacred food to dogs, which to a Jewish community sounded very well because Jews respected holy food and to give that holy flesh to dogs would be the greatest of all the profanation (Charles Elliot: 41). Since dogs were men who opposed and abused the truth while sacred meant holy things then this verse meant that children of the kingdom were not allowed to give the holy truth of God words to people who would abuse and oppose it. These were those who ran away from the lord. (Sykes 1984:40) and we need to give them nothings even sacred food. This them mean to say that we should not offer any truth to these violent and abusive men (Albert Barnes 1949:77). Carson says that the verse is commanding disciples not to share the riches part of spiritual truth (pearls) to vicious, irresponsible and unappreciative men (1994:117)16.With this stott concludes that if people had plenty of opportunities to hear the gospel but do not respond to it, if they stubbornly turn their back or (Cast themselves in the role of dogs and pigs, we are not to goon with them for them he says we cheapen the gospel (1995:182). But Plummer has this to say,” the gospel has no limit and it has to be preached to all but not to all in the same time or in the same way (1928:112).

Plummer ‘s stand on this issue of Verse 6 is good unlike the other scholars view who create their demarcation or boundaries of preaching the gospel for the gospel has to be preached to all people of all nations in season and out of season.While verse 6 says that we give no holy food to abusive and vicious people, we should also know that the great commission is to all mankind and there is no demarcation and limitation of whatsoever nature unless we sure that the people are rebels of the kingdom of God. But our job is to preach the Gospel to all without any compromise. Jesus came to redeem even the vicious and abusive men so that they are part of the kingdom of God. Jesus came not for those who call themselves saints but for sinners so that they repent and be born again. I like Carson’s stand as he says that the solution to this is for Christians to have a balance approach to the issue and that this study has to be done in a larger context of Jesus life17

CONCLUSION

In conclusion there are three observations made from the study of this text. Firstly, as a fallen being, man’s attitude is mainly judgemental toward other and the only solution is to declare the power of the Gospel and to make it a reality in people’s lives. Its only this power that is able to set people free from any form of bondage. Secondly, it is bad for Christians to act as spies of smaller faults in other people’s lives while they themselves are in even bigger horrible sin. Thirdly according to Matthew Poole, he says that its notorious impudence to pretend to censure and judge others for sin in which we live ourselves and he emphatically say again that Charity in every situation, needs to begin at home (1959:31). Its only if we will sort our things with God that we will be a great blessing to those around us. Christianity is not listen to the gospel only but doing the word. Also its only if our attitude shall be right and positive toward others that we shall be free from any judgemental attacks from people. Christians therefore are encouraged to be redeemed from this bondage of being judgemental.


BIBLIOGRAPHY

Allen w. 1957, International Critical commentary (Gospel According Matthew, T&T Clark, Edinburgh UK

Barnes A: 1949, notes on the New Testament Explanatory & Practical, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Bengal J: 1857, Cnomon of the New Testament, Murray & Cubss Printer
Edinburgh, UK

Buttrick G: 1939, Interpreters Bible, Abingdon Press, New York, USA

Carson DA: 1994,Sermon on the Mountain, paternoster Press, Carlisie,

Clark S: 1831,Introduction to the Four Gospels, (Matthew, Mark,
Luke and John, London, UK

Davidson F: 1959, The New Bible Commentary, Inter-Varsity Fellowship
London, UK.

Elliot C, Bible Commentary for Bible Students, Marshall Brothers ltd
London, & Edinburgh, UK

Frederick E: 1929, Abingdon Bible Commentary, Abingdon Press, New York,
Nashville, USA.

Henry M: 1996,Matthew Henry Commentary on the whole Bible, Vol 5
Hendrickson Publisher, USA.

Jones L: 1962, Studies on the Sermon on the mountain, Inter-Varsity Press
Fellowship, London.

John T: 1868, Commentary on the Old and New Testament (Vol V.)
Richard Dickson Farringdon, London

Parker J, The peoples Bible, Discourse upon Holy Scripture, Hazell
Watson ltd, London.

Plummer A: 1928, An Exegetical Commentary on the gospel of Matthew
Robert Scott House, London.


Poole M: 1969, Commentary on the Holy Bible Vol 1.Bunner of Trust,
London.

Ryle DD: 1974, Expository Thought on the Gospel (Matthew), James Clark Co, Ltd
Cambridge, UK

Stott J: 1995, the message of the sermon on the mountain, Inter-Varsity Press
London

Sykes RH: 1984,Matthew Presenting Jesus The King, Everyday Publication
Scarborough, Canada.

1a This paper was presented in the BA(Th) Hons Seminar at the Bible Institute of South Africa (http://www.bisa.co.za/) Kalk Bay-Cape Town 2001 for the NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY(http://www.nwu.ac.za/)

1b PETER QEKO JERE did his first BA at the African Bible College-Malawi (wwww.africanbiblecollege.com) and his BA(Th) Hons at the NORT-WEST UNIVERSITY (www.nwu.ac.za). He then went to THE UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE (www.ufh.ac.za) where he did his Masters degree in Theology. He is currently doing his Doctorate degree at the same University (www.ufh.ac.za)
(a).John Stott says that Jesus meant judgement in terms of censorious and he says to be censorious is to claim the competence and authority of judge. The censorious mind is the destructive mind the fault finding one (1995:176)
1 Roman 14:4, Paul says why do you judge brother?
2 I John 4:1 we are encouraged to judge and test the spirit and see whether they are from God or Satan.
3 This concept agrees with the rule of love your neighbour, as you love yourself. In the same context, Parker says that we shall give an account of every word we say and we shall be made to feel the bitterness of our own judgemental attitude on others (P.238)
Also Check Jeremiah 17:9(The heart is deceitful beyond cure and who can understand it)
4 Preachers outline call this, law of equal retribution, equal reciprocal action, equal weight, equal proportion, equal retaliation.
Joseph Parker says that Jesus was warning his disciples as regard the consequences and issues of certain condition of spirit so that no man goes forward in those matters ignorant of what the result will be (P.235)
5 Henry Matthews says that the judging of those that judge others is according to the law of retaliation (with the same measure). H further says that the righteous God in His judgement often observes a rule of proportional in the case of Adonibezek (Judges 1:7;Rev 13:10 he that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity, he that killedth with the sward must be killed with a sword; Rev 18; 6 Reward her even as she rewarded you and double into her according to her works(1996:71)
6 But the one out standing issue is the judgemental attitude that Jesus was condemning here.
7 Matthew 7:12 the golden rules conduct. But Carson says that this verse does not mean that we must not speak against sin as Christians we have the duty to rebuke sin using the word of God (1994:111)
8Matthew 7:12 Kingdom Children are not allowed to have the judgemental attitude but they are encouraged to follow the golden rule (do to others what you want others do to you)
-Matthew 5:7Kingdom children are expected to have mercy and shoe mercy because blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
9In regard to sermon relationship, Frederick Eiselen says that we have the absolute concept of relationship and oneness in the sermon on the mountain. But the one important thing abut this is that as we exercise our judgemental mind we must know and even remember that we shall one day appear before the Holy tribunal of God (1929:967)
10 Charles Elliot defines hypocrisy as the art exercised by someone who as a teacher and reformer while he himself need to repent and need to be reformed (Clark S: 40)
-Clark says that a hypocrite is someone who professes to be what he is not (1831:99)
11. Rom 3:10;
I Cor 11:28;
II Cor 13:5.
13 I John 1:8
I John 5:19
Proverbs 20:9.
14 Frederick says that planks are conspicuous moral faults (1929:967).
15 John Stott says that we have a fatal tendency to exaggerate the faults of others and minimize the gravity or our own. He says also that our duty is not to see specks in others eyes or life while we have similar specks in our own eyes. But our duty is to take specks from our own eyes, which explains that we need to clear and sort our things in our own life before we actually go about helping others (1995:179).
18 Albert Barnes calls such sacred things flesh sacrifices .He defines pearls precious stones which he say they mean gospel

16 This is the situation where Paul encourages Titus to leave vicious men alone (Titus 3:10).
Paul abandoned the ministry because of such men and opposition (Act 18:15).
John Stott: States that the whole of Verse 6 means non-believer whole heart and nature has never been renewed while dogs and pigs were the non-believer whole heard the gospel and had opportunity to hear and receive the gospel but rejected it (1995:182).
17 Luke 9:51 Jesus was patient
Luke 19:4 Jesus wept over people

NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY

CHRIST AND THE LAW ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 5:17-20.

BY: Peter Qeko Jere

INSTRODUCTION.
17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18 I tell you the truth, 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.

19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called the least in the kingdom of God, But whoever practices and teaches others these things and commands, will be the great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I tell you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. NIV.

INTRODUCTION/ BACKGROUND
The kingdom of God is the kingdom of righteousness and all who look forward to being there ought to perfectly graduate from the school of righteousness. This is not about the physical but the spiritual. Jesus came to promote the righteousness of God and to direct the people so that they be part and parcel of it.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus Christ advocated the kingdom of God and identified himself as a Son of God and the one who had the kingdom of God. It all started from his youth as he was seen discussing with the teachers of the law in the temple. When he grew up, he did so many remarkable things that explained the uniqueness of his identity. Now when he started his ministry in Galilee, he proclaimed repentance because he had brought the kingdom of God with Him. He preached, healed the sick, cast out demons and performed many miracles. His action and philosophies in many times contradicted with the already existing authority in Israel.

Now in the whole text understudy, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is seen sorting out things with his disciples. Of course they had known him for a while, as this was the very early part of his ministry. As early as this, Jesus imparted the whole knowledge in the lives of the disciples in the whole sermon he conducted on the mount, where he revealed some things about the kingdom of heaven. In the text understudy, we shall therefore look into the following: Firstly we shall look into Jesus position as regard the laws of Moses and the prophets and the whole interpretation of the Old Testament law and the prophets. We shall also look into Christ stand on those who are the great and least candidates of the kingdom of heaven. Finally we shall check the implication of righteousness as a key or formula for one to attain or enter the kingdom of heaven.

DESTROY THE LAW OR THE PROPHETS …VERSE 17 a.
Jesus said, “ Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets….”. To the background of this, there were so many things that surrounded what Jesus said to his disciples at this moment in time. Firstly its vital to be reminded that Jesus had a group of disciple which didn’t know the full vision of his ministry though they had seen him performing all the great miracles otherwise if they had clear vision of it all, Christ couldn’t have wasted his time with them on the mountain teaching them the truths and the treasures of the kingdom of God. There were answerless questions about his whole work because he did things that according to the Jews, contradicted with the Mosaic laws. This was a big problem mainly also to those who grew up under the teachings of the religious leaders, the Pharisees and the scribes. Many thought as from His action that he was against the Laws of Moses..

Thus Christ said to them, “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophet ” verse 19a. Thus according to Henry Matthews, Christ meant that:

“Let not the pious Jews who have an affection for the law and the prophet fear that I come to destroy them. Let them be not prejudiced again him and his doctrine, from jealousy that this kingdom he came to set up would derogate from the honour of scripture which they had embraced as coming from God and of which they had experienced the power of purity; no let them satisfied that Christ has no ill design upon the law and the prophet. (Henry Matthews 1996: 45).

But the perfect definition of the law as far as the Jewish custom was concern, meant that mosaic form of rules that came from God on Mt Sinai. These were the rules that showed the nature and Holiness of God. The laws also referred to the first division of the Hebrew Scriptures from Genesis to Deuteronomy (Davison F.1959:779). This also meant all that we have in all the major and minor prophetic books of the OT. The prophets in another way mean prophetic books of the OT from Joshua to II Kings and from Isaiah to Malachi. Thus with this explanation, the law and the prophets meant the whole of the OT Scripture (Davison 1959:779). Thus the OT is divided up into three major sections of the law; the moral laws, the civil laws and the customary or ceremonial laws. But as regard the moral laws, it consisted of the tem commandment and the great moral principles that were laid down once and forever. The judicial or civil laws were laws that were given for the nation of Israel in its peculiar circumstances at that time on their way to the Promised Land and as they stayed in Canaan. Finally the ceremonial laws were law given concerning the burnt offering s and sacrifices and all ceremonial rituals of the children of Israel (Jones: 1959:185).

In additional to the three division of the Law, John Stott, explains that the OT contains doctrinal teachings, predictive prophecy and ethical precepts (p.71).With this, Christ said that he came not to abolish any of the said mosaic laws or any of the sayings of the prophets as thought or speculated but that he said that he came to fulfil the law. This meant all of the writings of the mosaic laws and the prophets. But the word fulfil, means to confirm in action and keeping the law perfectly (Carson: 1994: 41)

Unlike Carson, Jones points out that the word fulfil has the element of total obedience to the law and literally carrying out everything that has been said and stated in these laws and in the prophets ( Jones 1959:186 ). Unlike the three scholar, Spurgeon the evangelist interprets Jesus as himself as the fulfilment and substance of the type and prophecies and commands of the law (25).

Though the Jews saw great deal of Christ ministry, the question could be how did Jesus fulfil the law and the prophets? According to Carson the prophecy were fulfilled by Jesus in predictive fashion. This included the prediction of the coming Messiah, childbirth…. Micah 5: 2 (p.40). But the law are fulfilled in Christ by being prophetic according to Matthews 11:12 and finally consumed in Christ. In Christ the purpose and intentions of the law reached their climax and finally fulfilled and he is the one to who the law and the prophets pointed (McGrath: 1986: 39). Jesus also presents himself as the eschatological goal of the Old Testament and there by its authoritative interpreter, the one through whom the OT finds its valid continuity and significance (Baker1994: 27

In every aspect of the relationship between the OT and The New Testament, Jesus came to fulfil the laws and the prophets as it is all consumed in him through the death on the cross. On the cross he died in the place of a sinful man and Christ put on the rob of all the sins of the world at that time he fulfilled the sayings of the apostle Paul to the Romans (Rom 3:23). Also his death fulfilled the Old Testament sacrificial way of offering to God.

All the burning offerings and the killings of animals and use of blood, got fully fulfilled by his death on the cross. This included all the Old Testament rituals that god required to Jews to do as they approached Him. Thus now they were to approach Him not through the killing sacrifice or through the prophets but through the great High priest and Prophet Jesus in whom all things got consumed. With this, every bit of the Old Testament law and prophets got finally fulfilled in hence he (Jesus Christ), didn’t come to abolish the law but he came to fulfil every bit of it.

THE KINGDOM AND THE LAW. … VERSE 19B.
‘ ….. for truly I say to you , till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota will pass from the law until all is accomplished … verse 18b.KJV
In a continual process of explaining some things about the kingdom of God, Christ did not only refute the allegations (that he came to destroy the law) but also now he goes ahead to prove to the disciples that the writings of the law will not pass away till the end of the age. In this case, the laws of Moses were absolute and binding (Allen W: 1957: 45).

Jesus moves on from the law and the prophets to talking about the kingdom of God. He talks of the Kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of this earth (Carson: 1992: 42). The iota. verse 18 or the smallest letter ( NIV) will not disappear from the law until everything is accomplished. Every letter that was in the Law was important to Jesus Christ and that why he says that the things of the world can pass way but the law of God will never till the end of the age. This Iota was the representation of the smallest writing of the Hebrew and none of the letters in the law will be removed until it has all been fulfilled and this was until the end of the age (John Stott: 1995: 73). This end of the age was the second coming of Christ to set up the new heaven and the new earth

THE LEAST AND THE GREAT IN THE KINGDOM…. VERSE 19
'…. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandment and teaches others to do the same will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be great in the kingdom of God.’

At this point in time, Jesus reveals the most hidden things of the kingdom of heaven. He points out to them that some will be the least while others will be great. Its interesting though that Jesus didn’t point out anything about being neutral in the kingdom of God, being at the middle( between the least and the great). He is pointing out all these because He had the kingdom of God with Him and Him being God he knew the qualification of those who were to be the great and the least in the kingdom.

THE LEAST:
The least were those who were to break the least of the law and teach people. This was about not only breaking the least commandment but also going out to teach people. The problem with this was the action of teaching people. This was referring to the scribes, Pharisees and their teachings (John Matthew: 1945: 31). The Pharisees in Israel diluted the laws and changed it but adding in some things and also subtracting some things for their own gains. Now Christ indicates that such will be the least in the kingdom of heaven.

THE GREAT;
These were the people who were to keep the law and teach people do like wise. Here it’s not about keeping the laws but its all about teaching the peole to keep the law. Thus this was a full presentation of those who will be obedient to the law s of God. Thus Christ stated to the people that greatness in the kingdom of God was not achieved by the status that one has but by the spirit of obedience and humility to the commandments of God. Of course we need to understand that the Pharisees and the scribes were the most respected men in Israel because them knew the law and administered it. Now Jesus was indicating the truth to the disciples that those who who achieve high status and abuse it by breaking the commandment of God, will be the least no matter how high they may be in the world while those who are so humble before the lord and they obey the Lords commandments will be the greatest in the kingdom of God though they may have nothing in the kingdom of God. (Its vital to know that we are not dealing with salvation by works here BUT obedience as the fruits of the spirit from the one who is already saved by the grace of God).

RIGHTEOUSNESS THE KEY … VERSE 20
Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the laws, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven…” verse 20.
As earlier pointed out, Jesus indicated the importance of the laws and proves that he didn’t come to destroy any single one of them but that he came to fulfil them. Jesus is seen again describing the qualifications of those who are to be the great or the least in the kingdom of God. He is doing this job because he is the one who came with the kingdom and had the kingdom with Him. Finally now Christ points out the entry requirement for someone into the kingdom of God. Thus was the righteousness. Now Jesus introduced this other doctrine of righteousness divided into two, the righteousness of the Pharisee and scribes and that of God (Henry M: 1996: 46). The scribes were the learned men and teachers of the law while the Pharisees were the professors and observers of the law (George B. 1952: 293).
These were honourable men in Israel because they kept every bit of the law and added their wisdom into the law so that they succeed the handling of it. Their righteousness was external and not internal hence Christ warned the disciples that they will never enter the kingdom of heaven if they put on the righteousness of the Pharisees.

The righteousness that Christ advocated was that of the heart, internal one and not the external. This was because Jesus looks into the hearts and not the outward (Luke 16:5) God has nothing to do with the physical but the heart and this righteousness comes into a person when Jesus they are born again of water and of the spirit (John 3:1-5). It is important to note that righteousness becomes a key to entry into heaven in a way that whoever has the righteousness of God in him, has the spirit of God and this means that such a person is a born again. With this we see that this robe of righteousness that one put on , becomes a key to entry because this presents the spirit of God in Gods Children according to John 3: 1-3

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the text understudy has proved that Jesus came with a mission of redeeming the lost people back into the kingdom of God and not to destroy the God given mosaic laws. Of course Jesus clearly stated that he came to fulfil the law and not to destroy it. Of course Jesus was made under the law as stated in Galatians 4:4;

But when the time had fully come, God sent His son born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law that we might receive the full rights of sons. (Gal 4:4. NIV). He committed no sin and lived in total perfection to the Mosaic Law and the prophet. (John 8:46; Matthew 17: 5; 1 peter 2:21-23). Jesus also fulfilled the types of the law by His holy life and sacrificial death on the cross as stipulated in Hebrews 9:11-26.
This actually is the universal stand of things in the kingdom of God and it represents the whole Christian church. This is the body of believers. It is the Holy Spirit only that makes people obey the Lords commandments (Jeremia 3:3-5)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Allen W. 1957; Critical & Exegetical Commentary According to Matthew, Morrison and Gibb ltd , London
Baker K. 1994; Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapid, Michigan
Carson D.A. 1994; The Sermon on the Mount, Carlisle Cumbria U.K paternoster
Davison F. 1959. New Bible Commentary, Inter-Varsity Fellowship UK
Geilich R. 1992 , Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew), Word Publishing, Dallas, London, Vancouver. Melbourne.
.George. B. …… The Interpreters Bible Commentary, Abingdom Press, New York USA.
Henry Matthew, Bible Commentary on Matthew, Hendricksen Publishing House USA.
John Stott.1995. The Message in the Sermon on the Mount, The Bible Speaks Today Series, England.
Lyod Jones, 1959, Studies on the Sermon on the Mount VI, Bedford Square WC Leicester, Inter-Varsity, England
Mc Grath, 1986, NIV Bible Commentary, Hodder and Stoughton London