Matthew 5 is a revolutionary manifesto of God’s Kingdom.  In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus imparts profound new teaching which challenges our conventional wisdom and reveals the heart of God’s Kingdom.

Jesus starts His Sermon with a series of blessings that offer a counter-cultural perspective on true happiness. He turns our “normal” expectations of what a Kingdom should look like upside down or right side up! He starts off with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” What?  Don’t we need to be powerful, authoritarian, warmongering, merciless, mighty, world, rulers? Contrary to expectations Jesus emphasises humility, mercy and peace-making as qualities that mark citizens of His kingdom. It’s not only a call to unbelievers to rethink their values and way of life but it’s also a call to us to live our lives differently -  “in the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Jesus lays down new moral law standards and challenges us to rise to a higher standard of righteousness. He addresses anger equating it with murder in the eyes of God. He urges reconciliation and a pure heart emphasising the importance of internal attitudes over external actions. He covers various aspects of daily life, including relationships, oaths and love for enemies! Wow.

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Questions:

How do these new ideas laid out in the Sermon on the Mount change our understanding of true happiness? How can we live by those ideas in our daily lives and be light and salt? How can we pursue peace and reconciliation in our relationships with others?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you in awe of the truths found in Matthew 5. Give us wisdom and strength to live out the values of your kingdom, embracing humility, mercy, and love in our daily lives. Help us to strive for a righteousness that exceeds societal norms, seeking reconciliation and embodying the teachings of your Son. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.