Matt 5
When Jesus went up into the mountain and began teaching the multitudes, I wonder if the disciples realized that they were listening to one of the most important sermons the world has ever heard. Simple in structure, this sermon has been used by more people to develop philanthropic philosophy (or rules for men) than any other teaching I have heard of. In fact, if you evaluate other world religions you will find that they use some of the ideas presented by Jesus for their own teachings.
He starts out with what have become known as the Beattitudes. You know them by their start phrase, "Blessed are..."
v. 3 - Poor in spirit - to be honest this concept has baffled me for many years. It seems to be talking about those who are not self-fulfilled. But, since the reward for such a state is the kingdom of heaven, it seems it most likely refers to those who recognize their spiritual emptiness in need of Christ
v. 4 - pretty straight forward, those who see grief will also see comfort. When you think about it, comfort would not exist without the grief.
v.5 - the gentle (or meek), not referring to a namby pamby, but more of a Moses like frame of mind. If you recall, Moses was a reluctant leader, but he was a bear when the people crossed the line with God. I really think this is a mindset we can attain to, to only make an issue of the commandments of God and let everything else slide.
v. 6 - those who hunger and thirst for righteousness - these are people are truly seeking to be filled with Christ. God tells us in James if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
v. 7 - mercy - you get what you give. Jesus will explain this concept much later in a parable, but Paul also gives us perspective in Galatians 6:7 - 8 "whatever a man sows that he will also reap."
v. 8 - pure in heart - this indicates a state of sincerity and integrity that allows a person to maintain their proximity to God. Although, I think it also could mean that having a pure heart allows you to see God at work in things most other people take for granted.
v. 9 - the peacemakers - these are not the Colt brand, but are people who are concerned for reconciliation. This is frame of mind that Christians should hold in high regard and yet we are very often swayed by personality conflicts and selfish ambitions.
v. 10-12 - This last bit speaks of the blessings that come from being attacked and persecuted for your faith in God's Word. Paul and Silas illustrated this perfectly for us when they were beaten and imprisoned for preaching the gospel (Acts 16:22-34)
v. 13 - 16 - this is an important lesson for Christians to tell us how to behave in the world. We are salt and light and are supposed to stand out for our good deeds. I am so sick of hearing stories of judgmental and bitter church goers. I am tired of listening to the conversation and jokes of Christians that is not the least bit God honoring ( Eph. 5:3-13). In Philippians 2:12-18 further explains that this is a key mark of our salvation. Or as Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15)"
v. 17-20 - God expresses to us that discipleship to Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, the whole law. We are not to be in bondage to manmade rules, only spiritually given over to what God wants from us. However, most importantly, we are not to change or ommit any part of God's commandments. I find that churches are especially good at this by developing a heirarchy of leadership based on government limits and necessity rather than on the spiritual guidelines that God gives us in His Word. This can only hinder the overflowing abundance of God's presence and also diminishes our reward and position in the kingdom. If you love Christ, then we really do need to pay attention and follow his commandments.
The theme that I noticed in all of this discussion is the markings of true disciples. God is not interested in the outward appearance we make in our religious workings. He wants a humble spirit with a loving heart to do all that He might ask of us. What do you think we could do to accomplish this in our lives?
