Jesus said, “But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19) to stress that true greatness comes from obeying God’s Word and helping others do the same. Obedience plus teaching reflects genuine faith and loyalty to God.
When Jesus spoke about “practicing and teaching these commands,” He made it clear that God values both personal obedience and the responsibility of guiding others in truth. It’s not just about knowing the Scriptures; it’s about living them daily and helping others follow God faithfully.
This teaching reminds us that greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t measured by status or accomplishments but by faithfulness, love, and obedience. By practicing God’s Word and teaching it to others, we not only honor Him but also strengthen our witness. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what this passage really means and how you can apply it today.
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When Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He made a statement that has carried deep weight for centuries:
“But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19, NIV)
This verse sits in the heart of Jesus’ teaching about the Law, obedience, and what true greatness looks like in God’s kingdom. To understand it, you need to see the context, the meaning of “practices and teaches,” and how this applies to your own walk with God today.
Let’s break it down clearly and directly.
The Context of Matthew 5:19
In Matthew 5:17–20, Jesus explains His relationship to the Law and the Prophets. He says He didn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Then He warns:
- Those who break even the least command and teach others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom.
- But those who practice and teach the commands will be called great.
So, this wasn’t just about obeying God privately. Jesus emphasized both doing and teaching—living out the Word and passing it on to others.
Why Did Jesus Emphasize Practicing and Teaching?
Jesus’ point was simple: obedience and influence go hand in hand.
- Practicing means living in line with God’s commands. Your life is the first testimony.
- Teaching means guiding others to obey God’s truth, whether formally (as a preacher/teacher) or informally (as a parent, mentor, or example).
If you practice but don’t teach, your impact is limited. If you teach but don’t practice, you’re a hypocrite. Jesus calls for both.
What Commands Was Jesus Referring To?
At the time, His audience would have thought of the Law of Moses. But since Jesus came to fulfill the Law, His commands include both:
- The moral principles of God’s Law (e.g., love God, love your neighbor).
- The teachings of Christ Himself (summed up in Matthew 22:37–40: “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself”).
So when Jesus said “these commands,” He meant the heart of God’s Word—not just external rules but the deeper call to righteousness.
Greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven
Notice Jesus didn’t say practicing and teaching makes you enter the kingdom. Entrance is by faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). But He did say it determines whether you’ll be called least or great.
That shows two things:
- Salvation is about grace. You can’t earn your way into heaven by works.
- Reward is about faithfulness. How you live and what you teach affects your eternal recognition.
This ties directly to 1 Corinthians 3:12–15, where Paul talks about believers’ works being tested by fire. Some works remain, and the builder receives a reward. Others burn up, and the believer is still saved “but only as one escaping through the flames.”
Why This Matters for You Today
So, what does this mean in practical terms? Here are some key takeaways:
- Your obedience matters. Even “small” commands like honesty, forgiveness, or integrity aren’t optional. They shape your life and witness.
- Your influence matters. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, pastor, or friend, what you model and teach points others toward or away from God.
- God sees and rewards faithfulness. Living out and passing on His commands makes you “great” in His eyes, regardless of human recognition.
Practicing the Commands in Daily Life
You might wonder, “What does it look like to practice God’s commands today?” Here are a few practical examples:
- Loving your neighbor: Acts of kindness, forgiveness, and generosity.
- Living truthfully: Being honest at work, home, and online.
- Pursuing holiness: Choosing purity over compromise.
- Serving others: Putting the needs of others above your own.
Each small act of obedience reflects Christ and fulfills His teaching.
Teaching the Commands in Daily Life
Teaching isn’t only for pastors. You teach every time you influence someone toward God’s ways. Examples include:
- Parents teaching children to pray and read Scripture.
- Friends encouraging one another in faith.
- Mentors modeling Christlike living for new believers.
- Christians in daily life showing coworkers integrity and compassion.
Jesus’ words apply to every believer, not just religious leaders.
A Warning Against Hypocrisy
Jesus was tough on those who taught but didn’t live what they preached—the Pharisees. In Matthew 23:3, He said:
“So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”
That’s the opposite of Matthew 5:19. Hypocrisy discredits the truth. But practicing and teaching together builds credibility and honors God.
Old Testament Echoes
Jesus’ teaching reflects an old principle: God’s people were always meant to both live out and pass on His commands.
- Deuteronomy 6:6–7: “These commandments… are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home…”
- Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
From Moses to Jesus, the call was clear: internalize the Word, live it, and pass it on.
Why Jesus Connected “Greatness” With Obedience
Jesus redefined greatness. The world links greatness to power, wealth, or influence. Jesus linked it to humility, obedience, and service.
He said in Matthew 23:11:
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
So, being “great in the kingdom” isn’t about fame or titles. It’s about being faithful in both living and teaching God’s commands.
Key Lessons to Take Away
Let’s summarize the core truths:
- Jesus said “whoever practices and teaches these commands” to show that both obedience and influence matter.
- Salvation is by grace, but rewards are tied to faithfulness.
- Practicing means living God’s truth. Teaching means passing it on.
- Hypocrisy leads to being “least”; faithfulness leads to being “great.”
- True greatness in heaven is measured by obedience and service, not worldly status.
Final Encouragement
When you hear Jesus’ words, don’t think of them as an impossible burden. Instead, see them as an invitation. He’s calling you to align your life with God’s commands and help others do the same.
The good news is you don’t do this alone. The Holy Spirit empowers you to live out what Jesus taught. And as you faithfully practice and teach, you’re building eternal significance that’ll last far beyond this life.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
FAQs: Why Did Jesus Say But Whoever Practices and Teaches These Commands? [What the Bible Actually Says]
1. Why did Jesus say “But whoever practices and teaches these commands”?
Jesus said this in Matthew 5:19 to show that God values not only knowing His Word but also living it out and helping others obey it. True greatness in God’s kingdom is tied to obedience and faithful teaching.
2. What does “practices and teaches” mean in Matthew 5:19?
“Practices” means applying God’s Word in your daily life, while “teaches” means guiding others in the same truth. Both obedience and instruction go hand-in-hand in honoring God’s law.
3. Does Jesus mean salvation comes through practicing the law?
No. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). Practicing and teaching God’s commands isn’t about earning salvation but showing love for God through obedience (John 14:15).
4. What does it mean to be called “great in the kingdom of heaven”?
It means God honors those who obey His Word and encourage others to do the same. True greatness isn’t about worldly status but about faithfulness to God’s commands.
5. How is teaching God’s Word connected to practicing it?
You can’t teach effectively what you don’t live. Practicing first ensures that teaching isn’t empty words but backed by personal example, like Paul urging believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
6. Did Jesus only mean the Old Testament commands?
Jesus was affirming the moral principles of God’s law. While ceremonial and civil laws were fulfilled in Christ, the moral commands—like love, honesty, and justice—still guide believers today.
7. Can someone be a teacher without practicing the commands?
Yes, but that teaching becomes hypocritical. Jesus warned against the Pharisees who said the right things but failed to live them (Matthew 23:3). Hypocrisy leads to being “least in the kingdom.”
8. What’s the difference between being least and great in God’s kingdom?
“Least” refers to those who disregard God’s commands, while “great” refers to those who obey and teach them. Both are in the kingdom, but their positions reflect their faithfulness.
9. Why does Jesus connect obedience with greatness?
Because obedience reveals genuine love and loyalty to God. In John 14:21, Jesus said, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” Greatness flows from loving obedience.
10. How can you practice and teach these commands today?
You can practice them by living a life of integrity, love, forgiveness, and faith. You can teach them by sharing God’s truth with family, friends, or church, both in word and by example.
