Tag: Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:17-48 – How Jesus Teaches

Read Matthew 5:17-48

As followers of Jesus, we trust that what Jesus teaches us is what we should follow. Jesus helps us make sense of the laws God had introduced in the Old Testament under what is called the Old Covenant. Jesus ushers in the New Covenant promises that God made for those who follow Jesus.

As we seek to know how God wants us to live, listening to what Jesus has to say is helpful. Jesus never condemns the law but gives us a new way to understand it. It’s also helpful to remember God gave the law in the first place to help and protect his people. Continue reading “Matthew 5:17-48 – How Jesus Teaches”

Matthew 5:16 – Shine Your Light & Glorify God

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16)

Making smart choices and doing good in this world has its place. This verse reminds us of that purpose. It’s not to bring attention to ourselves and take credit but to give glory to God. We’ve all seen athletes after winning a close game say to reporters, ” It’s all God” or “To God be the glory!”

Context Matthew 5:13-16: Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount starts in chapter 5 of Matthew’s gospel and covers a lot of ground. But this verse is from a smaller section in that sermon teaching about salt and light. Jesus wanted the people to know that as followers we are the salt and light of the world. It’s up to us to spice things up and point to the Father with our actions. Continue reading “Matthew 5:16 – Shine Your Light & Glorify God”

Matthew 5:17-48 ? Jesus Fulfills the Law

Read Matthew 5:17-48

Painting of Jesus holding holy book

“Living as God Desires” can be hard for some people when they try to be legalistic about the laws laid out in the Old Testament. It helps to understand the laws were put in place to help guide and protect people while drawing them into an obedient relationship with God. Jesus tells us in this passage, near the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, that he fulfills the laws and writings of the prophets.

Can you imagine what people hearing those words the first time must have thought? That’s a bold claim. How does it work exactly? Jesus wanted us to know that God’s commandments are important, and we are not to forget them. It’s like Jesus “updates” them a bit here to make them more relevant to the people. He also spent a lot of time talking about a lot of other topics during his full sermon in Matthew Chapters 5-7.

Continue reading “Matthew 5:17-48 ? Jesus Fulfills the Law”
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