Matthew 5-7
This section is commonly called 'The Sermon on the Mount'
Matthew 5
Jesus begins this section of teaching with the 'Beatitudes' the
says of blessing upon those who are thus described 1-11. Those
'blessed' by the Lord are those, who by God's grace, are enabled to
live in these various ways. They each show the grace of God because
these are not the 'natural human response' in what is described.
Believers are salt and light because they reflect the light of
Christ and the glory of God to the world around 13-16. Jesus
declares that He came to fulfill the Law of God. He is the sum and
the fulfillment of all the Laws of God 17-20. Jesus then expands
upon the meaning of God Law as He says with authority 'But I tell
you...' (22,28,32,34,39,44). He addresses murder, lust,
ivorce,oaths,retribution,and love for enemies. In each of these,
there is the outward act and the inward motive. The Lord is
pointing to the heart, which is the source of these sins with find
expression in our actions. Note: One must have a transformation of
the heart that is empowered by God Himself, if one is to live in
this righteous manner. It is more than outward observances 20.
Believers are called to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is
perfect 48. His perfection is seen in the actions and attitudes of
the heart, by one who is fully given to follow Christ. Do you live
in this matter are you follow Jesus Christ ?
Matthew 6
Jesus continues His teaching by warning not to do 'acts of
righteousness' to be seen by others 1-4. Note: I would suggest that
it is the motive and manner that Jesus is addressing here. If one
does it to 'be seen' and praised by peers, this means nothing
before God. Prayer is likewise, to be in private, for God does hear
and answer prayer 5-6. Note: In both of these instances; public
giving and pubic prayer is acceptable, it is the self-focused
manner (being seen and praised by others) which Jesus condemns !
After all how can we 'let our light shine' and not have that light
seen 5:16. Prayer is to be after the manner Jesus stated in 9-13.
This could be called 'a model prayer'. Fasting is a matter between
the believer and God 16-18. If we treasure God our hearts will be
on heaven, where He dwells 19-24. The believer in Christ is also
told, not to worry about food, clothes, and shelter for God, the
perfect and holy Father provides these things for His children
25-34. Note: Our focus is to be on God and His kingdom and His
righteousness 33. God will take care of everything else ! This
requires faith and trust in the Lord 30b.
Matthew 7
Jesus warns against judging others 1-6. A careful reading of His
words would reveal that He is not saying 'never judge', but rather
be sure you are right before the Lord, before you pass judgment on
someone else, lest you be found guilty and condemned yourself. We
are then encouraged to ask, seek, and knock - asking the God the
Father to provide what we may need. Note: What a tremendous picture
of God who delights to give His children good things ! A 'good
thing' we can ask for is the Holy Spirit (see: parallel passage in
Luke 11:13). Verse 12 has bee called 'The Golden Rule'. The road
that leads to life is through a narrow road and a narrow gate
(which is Jesus Christ Himself - John 10:7, 14:6). Jesus instructs
us on how to recognize 'false prophets'. It is by the 'fruit' that
comes from their lives 15-20. Note: Does the way in which one live,
line up with the Word of God ? Are his/her actions good and
righteous in the eyes of the Lord ? Jesus also says that
'profession' and even ' good works' do not prove that one is
right with God and part of His eternal kingdom 21-23. When Jesus
says (of these) ' I never knew you', He is declaring that these
never believed on Him, so as to be saved and be reconciled to God
(see: Acts 16:30-31, Romans 10:13, and 2 Corinthians 5:19-21). What
Jesus further states about the wise and foolish builders in 24-27
ties directly in with what He just stated ('Therefore' begins He
next statement v24, and connects with what was just said). The
foundation of life is either Christ or sand. Storms come to all,
yet those who 'build on Christ' (by hearing and heeding His words)
will not suffer ultimate and final ruin or destruction (ie. being
told 'away from me, you evildoers' see: Matthew 25:41-46; 2
Thes 1:7-10) Note: It is a very sobering and serious consideration
to examine one's own heart before the Lord and find whether or not
one is truly in Christ and saved (see: 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 !)
Jesus teaching here, concludes and the people are amazed with what
He has spoken for He speaks as one who has authority and not as
scribes (He said 'I say unto' with assurance and without quoting
others - as the Scribes were known to do) This in itself, should
cause them to take note of Him and what He was saying. If they had
ears to hear and hearts to receive Him they would find that He is
God, incarnate (in the flesh) and would submit to Him and His
words. Note: Have you come to know Christ for who He truly is ?