October 9, 2010 Matthew 5-7

Today's passage is known as the Sermon on the Mount, because when Jesus saw the crowds of people, He went up the side of a mountain and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him and He explained many ways God blesses people. Jesus explained that God's people are the salt of the earth. We are a light for the world and we are to let the good in us shine like light. Jesus taught that He was sent to fulfill the Law of Moses, not do away with it. The Law of Moses is as important as ever. Jesus talked about anger. He taught that we are to make peace with those we have had a problem with before making an offering to God. Jesus spoke about marriage and divorce. Jesus took Moses commandment a step further saying that if a man even thinks about another woman, he is guilty of sin. Divorce is to be used only because of sin on the part of one spouse or the other. Jesus taught that we shouldn't swear on anything to make a promise. Moses taught "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Jesus challenged us by teaching that we should not seek revenge. Then Jesus talked about love. We are to remember that we all have the same Father in heaven, and that needs to be where we focus our behavior towards one another. We are to act like our Father in heaven.

Jesus talked about giving. We are to give simply and quietly. About prayer, we are to pray in private. Our Father knows what we need before we ask, so we don't have to use many words. Then Jesus taught us what we call "The Lord's Prayer". Forgive others and God will forgive you. Don't and He won't. About fasting, Jesus taught that this too should be done in private. If you want to know where your heart is, look at the things you treasure. If the world looks dark and gloomy to you, seek out the light. You cannot love money more that God. Worrying. Don't worry about tomorrow, it will take care of itself. Whatever your fears, ask God to help you with them and He will.

God will judge you the way you judge other people. Focus on fixing your own problems, rather that everyone else's. Keep holy things sacred. Everyone who asks will receive. God is eager to give to those who ask Him. "Treat others the way you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about." (CEV Matt.7:12) The gate to life is narrow and challenging, but the road to destruction is wide and easy. You can tell whether a Prophet is true or false by his actions. Jesus warned that the only people who get into heaven obey God. These teachings are the foundation on which we are to build our lives. When Jesus finished speaking, the people were surprised by the authoritative way He taught them.

Tomorrow read Matthew 8-10:15