Day 283 – Matthew 5-7

Talking Points

• As Jesus preaches His sermon to would-be disciples, He does something quite opposite of what most would expect. He raises the standard. Where the world says not to murder Jesus says it is just as dangerous to hate. Where the religious condemn adultery, Jesus says the lust in your heart is just as condemning. Where we take pride in loving and blessing our friends, Jesus says the real measure is to love and bless our enemies. Where we might think a Savior who comes in grace would lower the bar, Jesus raises it!
• The starting section of Jesus’ sermon begins with a listing of blessings or “beatitudes.” The Greek word for “blessed” has often been translated “happy,” and the common application is that these listed things will produce happiness. A better understanding is not one of an emotion, but more of a status. It most literally means “favored” or “supremely blessed.” We arrive at a deeper application when we read, “Favored of God,” or, “Blessed of God is the person who is gentle or merciful or …” God blesses the heart that mirrors His own and lives accordingly.
• Again, we see that abiding in Christ and by His law reflects upon His character — His wisdom and righteousness, His mercy and grace, His trustworthiness and love, His goodness and holiness are on display as “light [shines] before men” and brings God glory (Matthew 5:16). How we live matters.
• Only the Divine Writer of the law has the authority to elaborate upon it, explaining and extending it as He sees fit.
• As believers, our word should be true at all times, in all places, with all people. It should make no difference whether we are “under oath” or “in church.”
• Concluding the message, Jesus presents His followers with a choice: Either they will hear His words, maybe even be astounded by them, but allow them to bear no impact, or they will act in wisdom by putting them into practice. From Jesus’ first recorded sermon, we see the truth: God’s Word is meant to be believed and acted upon, not merely heard. “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:22)

Thoughts

As a parent and as a citizen in this social media world, it is sometimes a struggle to know when and how to “let [my] light shine” while not “practicing [my] religion before men to be noticed by them” (5:16, 6:1). There seems to be a constant tightrope walk on this line that exists somewhere between doing good things so that people will proclaim the goodness of the living God, and proclaiming my righteous deeds so that people will notice me. I’ve fallen off the rope many times. I see the temptations all around — for me, for my children.

I wonder: how can I teach them to bless others, to obey Christ with the desire that others will see and will bless the Lord, to shine brightly and sincerely before people who are looking for light, while not seeking man’s approval, man’s praise, or their own glory? How can I lead them while not succumbing to those temptations myself?

And, then, I find the answer. In fact, He gives it quite plainly. Being a light is following His instructions. It’s that simple.

Bless others discreetly. Pray to Him. Seek His will. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Long for Him to be glorified. And, in doing so, you are letting your light shine before men.

Then, in following His instructions, our children will see, will learn of the wisdom, goodness, and blessings of our God. And, they will “glorify [our] Father who is in heaven” (5:16).