The Power of “Shall”: Jesus, Leviticus, and Moral Integrity

How Shall We Go

I read an interesting article the other day that pointed us to the Exodus story and how it demonstrates to us how to navigate difficult times. As a mental health clinician, I am trained in what is known as trauma-informed care. While the latest rounds of global and domestic current events have left many lost, confused and unsure of what to do, as children of God, God guides us through scripture on how we must go. By studying the scriptures and understanding the context of these ancient teachings, we can find solace and direction in our modern struggles 

“Shall” 

When writing laws, rules and regulations, the word “shall” carries significant weight. When used in a legal or organizational document, it primarily indicates a mandatory requirement or obligation. Leviticus 19 contains various laws and commandments given to the Israelites, emphasizing holiness, ethical behavior, and social justice. It includes instructions on respecting parents, avoiding idolatry, and treating others with kindness, encapsulated in the principle of loving your neighbor as yourself. The concept of “shall” in Leviticus 19 is not merely a suggestion but a powerful directive that guides our actions and interactions. 

Why Leviticus and the other books attributed to the early Israelites were written is important for us in modern times. In my World Religions class, I teach my students about the movement from nomadic, tribal religions to the coalescing of Yahwism and monotheism. The author presents the information to the reader and at one point was an oral story to help the settling Israelites transition from a nomadic life to becoming a settled nation. The context of the book is set at Mount Sinai, where the Israelites received the Ten Commandments and entered into a covenant with God. Leviticus serves as a guide for maintaining this covenant relationship, offering instructions on how to live as God’s holy people. Today, when we get so wrapped up in new ideas of thought, sometimes we need to come back to our traditions to center us on where we should be.  

 WWJD? 

Jesus, who represented both a reformed and a traditional adherence to his Jewish practices brings out some nuances to the laws and practices of his faith. In Mathew 5:38-48 Jesus, who, through his sermons found in this chapter, calls us to a form of active resistance rooted in love and integrity. This resistance is not about physical confrontation but about embodying the values of compassion and mercy in our daily lives. Compassion and mercy are hallmarks of the Abrahamic, Indic and Traditional faiths around the world.  

When we embrace the teachings of Jesus, we are called to look beyond mere adherence to laws and to understand the transformative power of these teachings in our lives. His call to love our enemies, to walk the extra mile, and to turn the other cheek challenges us to transcend conventional expectations and engage in a higher ethical standard. This redirection towards an ethic of love and compassion is not just a departure from the old but a deeper fulfillment of it, inviting us into a more profound relationship with God and each other. By embodying these principles, we can navigate the complexities of modern life with a sense of purpose and clarity, drawing from the rich traditions of our faith to guide our actions and interactions. 

Keeping with our Jewish theme then, Jesus does call us to such a higher standard, that us modern folks can often misunderstand what he means. Jesus calls us to be perfect as our Father is perfect. Here, Jesus is using the Hebrew word “tamim” which conveys the idea of completeness, integrity, and moral perfection. It is often used to describe something that is whole or without defect. In the context of people, it refers to moral integrity and uprightness. When we consider the original points of the Leviticus text, here we reflect on the word, “shall”. To be followers not only of the law of Judaism, but of the faith of Jesus and the pre–Imperial Christianity, we are to live with a moral integrity and uprightness that is not based on race, creed, or sexual orientation, it is based on the universal love of God.  

Jesus’ Judaism can profoundly temper our understanding of Christianity, moving us away from imperialistic tendencies and towards a faith that embraces humility, justice, and a deeper connection with the roots of our beliefs. 

This profound shift in perspective invites us to reexamine our own practices and beliefs, embracing a faith that is inclusive and compassionate, transcending the divisions that often plague our society. By returning to the essence of the teachings found in both Leviticus and the words of Jesus, we can foster a community that values integrity, ethical behavior, and social justice, rooted in the timeless principles of love and mercy. Such an approach not only honors our rich traditions but also empowers us to navigate the complexities of our contemporary world with wisdom and grace, leading us toward a more just and harmonious existence. 

In Closing 

I was watching Lord of the Rings last night, The Two Towers and there is a line in the major battle scene between Theoden and Aragorn, Theoden asks, “What can men do against such reckless hate?”. We are in very divisive times right now with hate appearing in many sectors of our life.  Theoden’s question, it challenges us to reflect on the struggle against overwhelming evil, suggesting that courage and unity in the face of adversity are essential responses. Jesus too offers us guidance and to meet hate with love, courage and integrity. There is a lot of “Christian” rhetoric out there right now claiming a lot of things. The laws are clear on how we shall go. We would do well to pay attention to the “shalls”. We would also do well to pay attention to the cultural context in which they were written and understand that they were not written for us but to be a guide for future generations.