Matthew 5:1-2 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
This chapter is the first real look at Jesus’s teachings. And what I see here is a caution and reminder. The Pharisees and Sadducees uphold the letter of the law in fact, not in spirit. They follow the law, but their hearts are not in it. Jesus says the law is important, it will not be abolished, but following the law is not enough.
Matthew 5:17-18 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
This chapter is a reminder that faith and righteousness go beyond just following the letter of the law. It involves the spirit of the law, the spirit of our hearts and the Spirit of God. It involves our intentions and our hearts, our thoughts and our minds, not just our actions. Belonging to Jesus goes way beyond just following a set of rules.
Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Lord, Thank You for the reminder that You know our hearts, and You want our hearts and not just our actions. We can’t just academically follow You. We have to be all in—body and soul. Help me to live for You with that level of passion and commitment. Draw me closer. Amen.
Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Have a blessed day.