The teachings of Jesus have had vast historical influence, and the Sermon on the Mount may be the most influential. But the scripture we are covering today (Matthew 5:1-20) isn’t just nice platitudes; it is shocking. The audience was ‘astonished.’ We must be careful to not read this sermon with preconceived ideas and cast our Western understanding into it. We need to see it as Matthew wrote it, in the context of the Messiah King and His Kingdom. To understand what Jesus is saying, we need to understand what He meant by ‘poor in spirit’ and ‘meekness.’ We should hunger for the righteousness of God, like we would desire food and water after 40 days in the desert. We are called to be perfect, but we can only be perfect in and through Christ. Jesus fulfilled the law; He is the fulfillment of all the prophecies that humanity has waited for. Through Jesus you are the salt of the earth, valuable preservation of God’s word, and the spice of life. Be the light of His good news.
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Following Jesus - Week 2