I don’t believe Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 is meant to modify our behavior. Outward compliance that is not connected to a transformed heart is what Jesus is challenging. The Kingdom of God is not measured by our acts of righteousness but by our faith in the righteousness of Jesus.
Jesus calls His followers salt and light, not to impress the world, but to bless people. He confronts anger, lust, and half-truths not to shame us, but to teach us how to live from the heart—from the inside out. The Jews and Pharisees were living from the outside in, upholding the law where it became about rule following and righteousness performance.
Jesus’ cross cultural message to include loving our enemies, being kind to those who are not like us, who mistreat us, is a new Kingdom way for us to love. It’s about living differently because Jesus is forming something new in us.
Read chapter 5 with me this weekend. This Sunday I will be speaking from Matthew 5:13-48. Let’s H.E.A.R. what the Holy Spirit teaches us from Jesus’ words!
