This chapter begins the famous ‘Sermon on the Mount’. We won’t cover everything in detail today, though we’ll at least have an overview.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… I have not come to abolish [the Law or the Prophets] but to fulfill them… First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift… But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all… But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also… But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (v6,13,14,17,24,34-35,39b,44 abr)
Jesus “opened his mouth and taught” the crowds using such great wisdom it could only be from God. These culture-shocking words would rattle people to the core of their beings, even to this day. He teaches on several topics including:
– God-honoring attributes and behaviors
– the ‘law of Moses’
– blessing, anger, lust, divorce, and oath taking
– retaliation, and loving our enemies
If we were to look at the big picture, what do all of these guidelines for God-honoring living have in common? Everything Jesus teaches has to do with expressing love in relationship – either our relationship with God, or with others. Later Jesus tells us that the entire law and prophets can be summarized in the two greatest commandments: to love the Lord our God, and love our neighbors (see Mt 22:34-40).
I suggest we focus on loving God, and loving our neighbors, because these are at the core of everything Jesus (and the entire Bible) teaches. If we need practical examples of how to love God or our neighbors, simply look to scripture such as this chapter (eg. seek reconciliation with others when we are either offended, or the offender). If this is a struggle for us, which it is for me some days (my selfishness and pride can be a barrier to loving my neighbors and even myself), then I suggest we start small, and rely on God to help us – we cannot truly love without His help.
Father God, our Loving and Compassionate Lord, we praise You for the gift of Jesus and the love He has for us. May we hide His words in our hearts, learning to fully love You, and our neighbors. We can only do so with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit, so we invite Your work in our lives. Please renew our hearts to be like Yours, and exhibit Your love in all that we say and do. In the name of Jesus our Redeemer and King, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training