SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 5
THE BEATITUDES (vs. 1-12)
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown ,mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.;
- Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kings of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.
SALT AND LIGHT (vs. 13-16)
You are the salt of the earth. If salt losses its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown our ands trampled by men. (vs. 13) You are the light of the world. Put your light on a stand to give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (v. 14-16)
THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW (vs. 17-20)
Jesus came not to abolish the Law of the Prophets but to fulfill them. Anyone who breaks the commandment will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven. Your righteousness must surpass those Pharisees and the teachers of the law before you can enter the kingdom of heaven.
MURDER (vs.. 21-26)
Those who murder will be subject to judgment. Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment also. Anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell. If you want to offer your gift at the altar, first be reconciled with your brothers. Settle matters quickly with your adversary before he took it to the court. Otherwise, you may be judged and thrown into prison until you have paid the last penny.
ADULTERY (vs. 27-30)
Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye or right hand cause you to sin, gouge it out or cut it and throw it away. It is better for you to lose some parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
DIVORCE (vs. 31-32)
Anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
OATHS (vs. 33-37)
Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is God’s throne, or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” , “No”
; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
AN EYE FOR AN EYE (vs. 38-42)
Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
LOVE FOR ENEMIES (v. 43-47)
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you., that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. If you love those who love you, you will not get any reward because even pagans do that. Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
THOUGHTS:
The Kingdom of heaven is opened with blessings to the following kinds of people:
- Poor in spirit
- Those who mourn for their sins.
- The meek
- Those who hope and thirst for righteousness.
- The merciful
- The pure in heart
- The peacemakers
- Persecuted because of righteousness
Believers should be salt of the earth to arrest decay in our world and bring out the best flavor. They should be light of the world to shine and banish darkness.
LAWS MENTIONED:
- Murder – Anger is equivalent to murder.
- Adultery – Looking at a woman lustfully is already committing adultery.
- Oaths – Do not swear or make promises. Simply say “Yes” or “No”
- An Eye for an Eye – Do not seek, revenge. Instead, be merciful.
- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you can overcome evil with good.
Get rid of your eye or hand is a figurative speech of Jesus. He did not mean literally to gorge out your eye or cute off your hand. He means it is better to experience the pain of remorse rather than to allow sin to bring judgment and condemnation. Therefore, try to examine anything in your life that causes your to sin. Take action to remove it.
Jesus teaches his disciples to be perfect in character, in holiness, in maturity and in love. As Christian, we should also strive to become perfect as Christ is perfect.