by Vincent Charles

Created on: July 23, 2009

To understand whether or not the Ten Commandments matter, we must first understand their origination and what purpose they have in our lives.

The Ten Commandments were handwritten by God almighty on Mount Sinai, and given to Moses for him to present them to the children of Israel. From this time to the days of Jesus, the priests studied and meditated on them day and night, and therefore came 613 more laws. The Pharisees, which were the religious leaders in the days of Jesus, enforced these laws. They believed by keeping these laws that they were obtaining righteousness.

In Matthew 12:1-13, are two examples of the Pharisees attempting to enforce the Fourth Commandment, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8). First, Jesus and His disciples were walking through a grain field on the Sabbath, and the disciples were hungry and began to pluck the heads of grain to eat. When the Pharisees seen this, they said to Him, Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath! The next incident takes place in a synagogue, the story unfolds verses 9 14, Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"-that they might accuse Him. Then He said to them, "What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. Matt 12:9-14 (NKJV)

These are only two examples of the many incidents where the Pharisees would try to find a way to accuse Jesus, and in turn He thwarted them. So then, what purpose does the Ten Commandments serve? Psalms 19:7 says that, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:24, Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

The Ten Commandments are a mirror for us to look into to see our sinful state. When I look at the Ten Commandments, I find that if I ever stole anything in my life time, it doesn't matter if it was just a piece of gum from the corner convenient store when I was a child, I am a thief. If I ever told a lie, it doesn't matter if it was just a small exaggeration, I am a liar. If I look at a woman with lust in my heart, I have committed adultery. These are only 3 out of 10, and if I am guilty of breaking just one commandment, I have broken them all.

Once we have seen our sinful condition through the Ten Commandments we can truly come to God and with a repentant heart and pray as King David did in Psalms 51:1-4 (NKJV), Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your loving-kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight- That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge."

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