This chapter has so much stuff in it.
Blessed are …
You have heard that it was said …
I can’t really fully imagine what one would look like, living this out. Let alone actually living it out.
This requirement:
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!
Matthew 5:20
I meet because we have Jesus’ righteousness.
This requirement:
48 So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48
well, I don’t even know what to say. Only cooperation with the Spirit will allow me to take some steps towards it. Such a long way to go.
I have to add to my post, that where Jesus talks about “you have heard that it was said”, was overpowering in its effect as I read it this time. My own life looks almost nothing like the standard he sets.
This goes right along with what we are studying in our Beaverton Christian Church Sunday Class in 1 Peter 2. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. What a high calling we have and a high calling to live as described in Matthew 5. Thank God we stand in the righteousness of Christ! When I feel discouraged about my own life and the long ways I have to go, I remind myself of Phil 1:6…It is God who works in us. Lord, help me to cooperate fully with Your work in me!
Amen.
YES!! Thank God we stand in Christ’s righteousness!!! I always think of God looking at me and Jesus stands right in front of me so that I look exactly like him!!! If you look at me outside of Jesus —- YIKES!!! 😳😳. Thank you Jesus!!!
Great picture Sandy.
Yes, there is so much in this chapter. When I was in college, I had a super boring summer job, so I set out to memorize the Sermon on the Mount. It was transformative. Some of the verses here continue to have profound effects on my life. Here’s a few:
6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
The idea of justice is a big trigger for me. I feel such helpless rage at the injustice of the world, particularly when I’m abroad in the midst of refugees, women with no power over their lives, and others who suffer unjustly. This verse reassures me that the hunger and thirst for justice is godly, and it will be satisfied. I can rage with God and he gets it.
Verse 23 and conflict resolution – it is up to the offender to seek out the one they offended and work for reconciliation. I find often the Holy Spirit convicts me of when I need to seek someone out, but also at times the hurt party has to speak up. So many offenses happen unintentionally and if I hurt someone on accident, I want to know so that there is no barrier in our relationship. I have learned to speak up as the Spirit leads me when I am hurt by others. People (including me!) aren’t very good at this.
Verse 42: Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. No where in this verse is it my responsibility to make sure the receiver uses the funds “properly”. Once I give, it’s out of my hands and between that person and God. Proverbs 25 has a lot to say about generosity, and these verses are always a challenge to me. Do I get to question the command? Nope. I give to people who ask (although not always the beggars, God is still working on me) and have learned to not hold the power of money over relationships. It’s all God’s anyway.
Memorizing this text is a great idea.
Also, I’m grateful for such clear instructions from Jesus. He really leaves little room for negotiation!