It’s Week 6, and the students have not only settled in but are thriving! They’re enthusiastically participating in our charity fundraiser, collecting cereal boxes to build a massive domino trail through the school. Once complete, these boxes will be donated to support those in need, offering a small but meaningful contribution to families with limited access to food.

This year, during staff worship, we’re exploring Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. This week, we focused on Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus addresses the law. For those listening on the hillside, the law (known to us as the first five books of the Bible, or to them as the Torah or Scrolls of Moses) was foundational. Memorizing and reciting it shaped their education, religion, culture, and identity. They followed its rules diligently, but differing interpretations led to division, forming groups with firm, opposing views. Yet, God never intended the law to separate people.

Caught up in the “how” of following the law, they lost sight of the “why.” Jesus came to refocus their lens, revealing that the law’s purpose was to foster right relationships, with each other and with God. By seeking these relationships, the law’s intent (all the good we should say and do) is naturally fulfilled. Loving God and having faith in Jesus leads to righteousness (rightly relating to others and God) which, in turn, leads to effortlessly upholds the law.

It’s a bit like children playing a game. Sometimes, they get so focused on the rules that they forget why they’re playing: to have fun! Rules matter, without them, there’s no game, but the goal of the game isn’t just to follow the rules. It’s to enjoy the game!  When one person ignores the rules, the fun stops. A game where everyone is having fun is a game we want to last forever.