Matthew 5:1-20
Q.1. Did Jesus restrict His teaching to the synagogues? From where did the people come? What kinds of people did Jesus commend? What blessings did He promise? How did He view persecution and suffering? – (Mt.5:1-12 c.f. Mt.4:23-25)
Jesus began His ministry in the synagogues throughout Galilee (Mt.4:23). His fame spread around the region all the way to Jerusalem, as He healed the sick, and cast out demons (Mt.4:24-25). While healing, Jesus demonstrated His Messianic credentials (see Isa.35:5-6). This ensured a large following (Mt.4:25-5:1). However, His main reason for coming was to bring the Gospel, and teach principles about the Kingdom of Heaven, that would make an everlasting difference (Mt.4:23 & 5:2). In His beatitudes, Jesus completely upended the conventional wisdom of the day. God’s blessings are extended to the poor, the mourners, the meek, the merciful, and those hungry and thirsty for purity and right standing with God. God promised us a clear conscience, and a reward from Him in Heaven … if not before in this life (Mt.5:3-8). Jesus called peacemakers ‘sons of God’ (Mt.5:9). He promised kingdom blessings for those who are – persecuted for the sake of righteousness (Mt.5:10). This is especially true – when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me (Mt.5:11). He made no promise to shield us from persecution but told us that we are in good company. Therefore – Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Mt.5:12 c.f. Mt.23:34-36).
Q.2. What did Jesus mean by describing His disciples as the salt of the earth and the light of the world? What should motivate us to shine our light? – (Mt.5:13-16)
Salt was used for flavouring and preserving food. Believers are to provide those qualities for the population, or else we are tasteless and useless (Mt.5:13). We are also called to be ‘the light of the world’. We are to bring light to the darkness all around (Mt.5:14-15). Jesus urged His followers – Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Mt.5:16). We should live in such a way as to draw attention to our heavenly Father.
Q.3. Was it Christ’s intention to do away with the Law and prophets? Why? Does Jesus still want us to keep and teach His commandments? Why did He condemn the righteousness of the Pharisees? – (Mt.5:17-20 c.f. Lk.24:25-27, 44-45)
Jesus was the fulfilment of the promises and prophecies of the Law and the Prophets, as documented in the Old Testament Scriptures. He again reminded His disciples of this fact during His resurrection appearances (Mt.5:17 c.f. Lk.24:25-27, 44-45). All Scripture is the absolute and objective truth of God. None will ever have to be retracted or changed – But the Word of the Lord endures forever (1 Pet.1:25 c.f. Isa.40:8). In fact – … until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished (Mt.5:18). To be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven, we need to be ardent students, keepers, and teachers of God’s commandments (Mt.5:19). However, all of the religious leaders who believed that God’s standard of righteousness was humanly achievable, were badly mistaken. Their own failure to keep God’s Law should have caused them to come in humility to the Saviour. Jesus brought them bad news – For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven (Mt.5:20). Â