Six Daily Devotionals from the Sermpn om the Mount

In the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus hammers home that true holiness and a pure heart are fundamental to being in God's Kingdom.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls His followers to be the light and salt of the world. He says they must demonstrate their faith through good deeds that inspire others and glorify God.
Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the Jewish Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them. In that way, he calls attention to the continuity and true meaning of all biblical teachings.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raises the moral standard by equating lustful thoughts with adultery. He urges believers to maintain purity in thoughts and intentions.
Jesus' Sermon on the Mount calls believers to embrace a holistic righteousness that respects others and is the result of a pure heart reflective of biblical teachings.

What is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount?

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7), is a discourse on how God intended for us to live. It was delivered to a large crowd on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee.

This sermon should speak to a range of moral and spiritual principles. It begins with the Beatitudes, which bless the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who hunger for righteousness. Jesus expounds on the deeper meaning of the law. He urges people to move beyond a surface legalism and embrace genuine righteousness. He addresses anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, and retaliation. He calls for a higher standard of love and forgiveness. The Sermon on he Mount also includes the Lord's Prayer, guidance on charitable giving, a call to trust God rather than material wealth, and the Golden Rule. The sermon concludes with a call to put His teachings into practice.

The Kingdom of God: The Upside-Down Kingdom

For Day 1
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:1-12

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).

A design for life

Three months after arriving in Italy, I attended an interdenominational missionary conference in Florence. One evening, my dinner companions included a veteran missionary from a mission board with Calvinistic theological leanings. In our hotel dining room on the bank of the Arno River, I was enjoying my spaghetti and trying to explain something about holiness theology. Suddenly, the man looked up from his plate and said, "And I hope you're not going to impose that on the Italians."

In the Beatitudes, Jesus says quite clearly that holiness — including a pure heart — is the design for life in the Kingdom of God. Holy living is the lifestyle for which Americans and Italians were both created. I had not gone to Italy to "impose" the attainment of holy living on anyone but rather to proclaim that it was a possibility.

Heart purity is synonymous with a tightly focused concentration of the whole self upon God. The lifestyle Jesus outlines here (which some dispute as being attainable) can spring only out of a pure heart. The Master's words clearly indicate that one can live in this present world with a pure heart. I believe that includes both Americans and Italians!

Discussion questions

In your own words, how would you define a "pure heart"?
How does the idea of a pure heart connect to your relationship with God?
What does it mean to live with a pure heart? How might a pure heart enable someone to live the way Jesus outlined in the Beatitudes?
Some say the lifestyle described in the Beatitudes is attainable. What are some arguments for and against the attainability of living with a pure heart in the present world?
What daily practices can help us have a pure heart (e.g., prayer, confession, scripture study)?
What motivates you to pursue purity of heart when the world values other things?

Worship in Song, no. 298:

Come to my soul, blessed Jesus.
Hear me, 0 Saviour divine!
Open the fountain and cleanse me;
Give me a heart like Thine.

— "A Heart like Thine" by Judson W. Van Deventer

An Afterword on Matthew 5:8

In Matthew 5:8, part of the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." The phrase "pure in heart" is important.

Inner Moral Purity: "Pure in heart" refers to inner moral purity rather than outward conformity to rules. Jesus makes clear that true righteousness comes from within, issuing from the heart. This contrasts with a focus on external religious observances or appearances.
Sincerity and Integrity: Purity of heart involves sincerity and integrity. It means having a single-minded devotion to God free from duplicity, hypocrisy, and deceit. The pure in heart are those whose intentions and actions are in sync and are without pretense or hidden motives.
Spiritual Cleansing: The idea of being "pure in heart" implies a spiritual cleansing that Scripture sometimes calls "sanctification." In the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms, purity of heart is associated with a desire for spiritual cleanliness and a right relationship with God. One example is Psalm 51:10, which the NIRV renders as, "God, create a pure heart in me. Give me a new spirit that is faithful to you."
Seeing God: The Beatitudes promise that the pure in heart "shall see God." That suggests an intimate relationship with God both now and in the future. It means experiencing God's presence, guidance, and favor in the present. It also points to the future hope of seeing God in eternity, where we will experience the fullness of His glory and presence.

Bottom line: When Jesus speaks of the "pure in heart," He calls His followers to an inner purity marked by sincerity, integrity, and a wholehearted devotion to God. This purity leads to the profound blessing of seeing and experiencing God both in this life and in "the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:8).

For Day 2
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:13-16

"Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see so that they will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:16, TLB).

The Christian influence

Her name was Carol. In her late twenties, this South Texas girl encountered the gospel's transforming power. Formerly a prostitute who had dabbled on the edges of the drug subculture, she now desperately wanted to win her sinner friends to the Lord. But she had trouble "shining clearly." Her spiritual life was a roller coaster whose erratic ups and downs kept her from having a life that was plainly the work of her spiritual Father. As a result, her attempts as a verbal witness were merely laughed at.

You see, spiritual concepts do not stalk alone through the world. Jesus does not say we are to bring light or to give salt. He said we are to be light and salt. The gospel is not an abstract philosophy to be debated. God has chosen to send the Good News into the marketplace clothed with vivid concreteness in the lives of men and women.

We must continually check to be sure that the Source of our life is obvious. Gary Sivewright tells of a recurring dream of Judgment Day. As he remembers his high school of 2,000 students, Gary confesses that he was neither salt nor light. In that recurring dream, Gary recoils with horror and shame as many of his 1,999 classmates point at him, crying, "All along you knew . . . you knew, and you didn't do or say anything."

Reflection questions

In what ways does the concept of being "light" and "salt" in the world relate to the responsibility of Christ-followers to share their faith with unbelievers?
What are some ways that Christians can let their "light shine" and their "good deeds glow" in their daily lives?
Why is it important for the source of a Christian's life and actions to be obvious to others? How might this improve or diminish believers' abilities to be effective witnesses for Christ?

Worship in Song, no. 318:

. . . but for love that claimeth
Lives for whom He died.
He whom Jesus nameth
Must be on His side.

— "Who Is on the Lord's Side?" by Frances R. Havergal

Takeaways from Matthew 5:16

Be a Positive Influence: Jesus encourages His followers to let their "light" shine. This metaphorical light represents qualities and virtues that come from living a life in line with Jesus' teachings about kindness, compassion, and integrity.
Public Expression of Faith: Matthew 5:16 suggests that faith should be visible in one's actions. By performing good deeds, we demonstrate our faith in ways that others can see and appreciate.
Impact on Others: The purpose of letting one's light shine is to inspire others. The good deeds of believers are meant to be seen by others, not for personal glory but rather to point others toward God.
Glorifying God: The ultimate goal of good deeds is to glorify God. When others understand that our good works are the result of God's presence in us, they may also acknowledge and honor His goodness and power.
Role of Good Works: While salvation biblically is by faith and not by works, Matthew 5:16 verse points out that our good works are a natural and necessary outflow of genuine faith. They are evidence of a transformed life and a witness to the world.
Commuity and Witnessing: Matthew 5:16 draws attention to the communal aspect of our faith. Individual believers are part of a larger community, the Church. Their actions contribute to the collective witness of the Body of Christ. Each of us can encourage and show the way for others.

In a nutshell: Matthew 5:16 calls us to live out our faith openly and actively through good deeds that reflect God's love and lead others to glorify Him.

For Day 3
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:17-26

"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" (Matthew 5:17).

God's unfolding objective

The Incarnation was a continuing part of God's goal to deliver us from the consequences of our rebellion. Emmanuel — "God with us"— came to reveal the real meaning of the concept of "the law."

One Christmas, I gave our two-year-old son, Matthew, a toy music box. As he tore the last bit of wrapping paper off, I could see he did not know what it was. Looking it over, he finally decided its function was similar to that of a hammer. So he began banging away with it on everything in reach. I crawled across the room on my hands and knees to him. I showed him how to wind it up, and we sat enthralled by the music. Now, you see, I was the same person who gave my son a gift he did not at first fully comprehend and then showed him the full meaning of it. I did not throw away the music box because he had initially misunderstood the purpose it was supposed to serve.

It was the same God who gave Moses the law and who spoke through the prophets who, 2,000 years later, was "in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself' (2 Corinthians 5:19). Jesus' attitude toward the law demonstrates that God does not act capriciously. He is the Eternal, Unchanging One. In a world filled with uncertainties and seemingly devoid of absolutes, I can be certain that God will be true to His Word and that both His commands and His promises remain bedrock-firm.

Reflection questions

What insights might Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:17, "I have not come to abolish [the Law and the Prophets] but to fulfill them," provide into God's goal for humanity?
In what ways might an understanding of God's "unchanging" character and faithfulness impact our relationship with Him and share how we live?
In a world that often lacks absolutes and is filled with uncertainties, how might Jesus' attitude toward the law provide us with a foundation of certainty and trust in God's character and His Word?

Worship in Song, no. 133:

It will never lose its pow'r.
The Blood that cleanses from all sin
Will never lose its pow'r.

— "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" by Civilla D. Martin

Takeaways from Matthew 5:17

Affirmation of the Law and the Prophets: Jesus stresses that His mission is not to discard or negate the Jewish Law (Torah) or the teachings of the Prophets. Instead, He seeks to affirm and uphold them. This establishes continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
Fulfillment, Not Abolition: The concept of "fulfillment" is a key to understanding Mattew 5:17-26. Jesus' role is to bring the Law and the Prophets to their completion or realization. Old Testament teachings and prophecies yjusfind their fullest expression in Jesus' life and ministry.
Authority of Jesus: By claiming the ability to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, Jesus asserts His authority and unique role in a divine plan. This positions Him as the pivotal figure in the Bible.
Continuity and Transformation: While Jesus does not abolish the Law, He does reframe or deepen its understanding. Thus, He interprets the Law in ways that call attention to internal motivations and heart attitudes rather than external compliance.
Moral and Ethical Ramifications: Matthew 5:17 suggests that ethical and moral teachings are relevant to everyday life. However, Jesus often focuses on the spirit of the law rather than just the letter. He calls His followers to a righteousness based on love, mercy, and inner transformation.
Relationship with Jewish Tradition: For Jewish followers of Jesus, the words of Matthew 5:17 would clarify that following Him did not mean abandoning their Jewish heritage. Rather, it meant seeing it fulfilled in a new way.

To put it briefly, Matthew 5:17 affirms a continuity with and fulfillment of the Old Testament in Jesus' ministry. The verse invites a "big picture" understanding of the Law and the Prophets. It invites believers to embrace a righteousness far beyond legalism, a righteousness that issues from a transformative divine touch.

For Day 4
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:27-37

"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).

Sin's seat — the heart

God does not totally legislate every possible act of our lives. He knows that purity in actions grows only out of purity of heart. Moral righteousness will never produce a pure heart. But a pure heart will produce moral righteousness.

Jesus points out that sin lies not only in committing an act but in the heart motive behind that action. A person may wish to commit an evil deed but cannot because time, place, or opportunity is, at that moment, out of the person's power. However, in graphic illustrations, Jesus points out that the person is still fully chargeable for the iniquity of the action.

While we were in Italy, I spent one Sunday afternoon walking through old Pompeii, that city near Naples buried by the volcano Vesuvius 2,000 years ago. In several of the homes, pornographic murals are still intact on the walls. Pompeii was a wicked city, certainly in thought and heart, if not in deeds. As we walked, our Italian guide muttered, "No wonder God allowed the volcano to destroy it."

Today, let us pray the Psalmist's prayer: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin. . . Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:2, 10).

Reflection Questions

How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27-37 focus on the importance of purity of the heart rather than merely focusing on external actions?
What can we learn from Jesus' illustration of looking at a woman lustfully and its connection to committing adultery in the heart? Does this challenge the way many people understand sin and personal responsibility?
Why might it be noteworthy that, in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus focuses on the relationship between the heart's motive and the iniquity of actions? In what ways should this relationship shape our pursuit of moral righteousness and moral purity?

Takeaways for us from Matthew 5:28

The Need for Inner Purity: Jesus makes it clear that moral purity is about more than external actions. It is about inner thoughts and intentions. It urges people to maintain purity in their thoughts as well as in their actions. That kind of purity calls for a deep level of self-awareness and self-control.
Sin Begins in the Mind and Heart: Matthew 5:28 points to the importance of the heart's condition in moral and spiritual matters. It suggests that sin begins in the heart and mind, not in outward behavior. Therefore, having a pure heart is the only way to live a righteous life.
A Call to High Moral Standards: Jesus raises the standard of morality by extending the concept of adultery to include even lustful thoughts. This call to a higher standard of personal integrity and ethical conduct challenges Christians to seek holiness of heart and life.
Equality of Sin: By equating lustful thoughts with the act of adultery, Jesus calls for sin, whether internal or external, to be taken seriously. This can lead to a profound understanding of the need for grace and forgiveness.
Respect for Others: Matthew 5:28 encourages us to respect others not only through our actions but also in our thoughts. We must view others as whole persons rather than objects of desire. That's the way to create a culture of respect and dignity.
Mindfulness and Discipline: Jesus' words call for mindfulness about what we allow into our thoughts. That speaks to the importance of disciplining our minds. This might involve being cautious about the media consumed, the situations we put ourselves in, and the thoughts we entertain.
Holistic Approach to Righteousness: Matthew 5:28 suggests that righteousness is holistic. It cover thoughts, emotions, and actions. The verse encourages an integrated approach to living a life that mirrors spiritual values.
Awareness of Temptation: Matthew 5:28 can make us aware of the subtlety of temptation. It reminds us that temptation often begins in the mind. Being vigilant about thoughts can help us avoid actions contrary to the moral teachings that we say we wholeheartedly embrace.

More for you on the concept of sin

Worship in Song, no. 34:

My soul, be on thy guard;
Ten thousand foes arise.

— "My Soul, Be on Thy Guard" by George Heath

For Day 5
Scripture Reading — Matthew 6:1-4, 16-18

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1).

Practicing your piety

Jesus never attacked the law of Moses. He only attacked the way in which it was being interpreted (or misinterpreted). He did not forbid public almsgiving or prayer and fasting. He censured those vain and hypocritical persons who do these things publicly to burnish their saintly reputations.

Charles Merrill Smith wrote a delightful book attacking ecclesiastical hypocrisy. In a satirical volume called How to Become a Bishop Without Being Religious, this Methodist minister accentuates Jesus' distinction between being truly religious and just looking pious. Tongue in cheek, Smith writes, "You don't really have to be religious to succeed in the ministry — you just have to look that way!"

People have often tried to take shortcuts to get spiritual rewards. Often, they have mistakenly looked for those rewards from their fellow human beings. As a result, their spiritual life focused on outward actions, not on the inner life. God is under no obligation to this kind of person. They do little or nothing with an eye to God's glory, and so, from Him, such people can expect no recompense.

The Message paraphrases Matthew 6:1 this way: "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding."

Reflection questions

In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus warns against performing acts of righteousness before others to be seen by them. Why is it important for one's spiritual life to focus on the inner life rather than outward actions? How does this match up with Jesus' teachings?
Think about the distinction being made between true religiousness and looking pious. How can we differentiate between genuine acts of righteousness and those done for the sake of appearance? What are the underlying motives that determine the authenticity of our spiritual practices?
Why might it be misguided to seek validation from fellow human beings for our righteous acts? How might this course of action affect our relationship with God and the rewards He has promised?

Worship in Song, no. 72:

Blessed be the name of Jesus!
I'm so glad He took me in.
He's forgiven my transgressions;
He has cleansed my heart from sin.

— "I Will Praise Him" by Margaret J. Harris

Takeways for Us From Matthew 6:1

Intent Matters: In Matthew 6:1, Jesus points to the importance of the intentions behind our actions. It's not enough to outwardly perform good deeds. The motivations should be genuine and not for show.
Avoid Hypocrisy: Matthew 6:1 warns against hypocrisy. Performing religious acts to gain approval or admiration from others is criticized. That calls our attention to the need for sincerity in our faith and actions.
Seek God's Approval, Not Human Approval: Our focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking validation from people. True rewards come from God, not from human praise.
Private Devotion: Matthew 6:1 should be seen as an implicit call for private and humble devotion. Acts of piety, such as giving to the needy, praying, and fasting, are to be done discreetly without drawing attention to oneself.
Inner Spiritual Life: Matthew 6:1 calls for the cultivation an inner spiritual life that is authentic and personal over against a public display of religiosity.
Divine Reward: Jesus speaks of a reward from God. He suggests that God sees and values genuine acts of faith done in secret. The reward for such acts is spiritual and eternal and is in contrast with the fleeting nature of human praise.

In short, the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:1 call for authenticity. On top of that, Jesus warns against the dangers of performing acts of piety to get public recognition.

For Day 6
Scripture Reading — Matthew 6:5-15

"Do not be like the hypocrites; they love to say their prayers . . . for everyone to see them. . . But when you pray ... pray to your Father" (Matthew 6:5-6, NEB).

And when you pray

I met him in a tiny hotel off Piazza Independenzia, a block from Rome's central railroad station. He was a young American tourist and a student at Nazarene College. "I guess I'm not a Christian," he said slowly, "I don't even know how to pray."

My heart broke for him. Prayer is not a ceremonial rite. Unfortunately, this young college student is not alone in his misconception of prayer. Others have said to me, "Pastor, say a prayer for me." The way Matthew 6:5-6 is worded in the New English Bible says it well: "Hypocrites 'say' prayers." On the other hand, genuine Christ-followers actrually pray.

The disciples had not been with Jesus very long before they realized the important part prayer played in His life. Strict performance of private prayer can be one of the surest marks of genuine piety and Christian sincerity.

Some time ago, a photographer assembled a photo study of elderly brothers and sisters along with their marriage partners. Amazingly, the husbands and wives resembled each other in their facial features more closely than the brothers and sisters. Their living together over the years, facing the same trials and joys, had molded them into a likeness of each other.

R. A. Torrey says a close prayer relationship will do the same thing with us. He writes, "Our growth into the likeness of Jesus will be in exact proportion to the time and heart we put into prayer."

Reflection questions

Why can it be said that the misconception of prayer as a ceremonial rite keeps individuals from experiencing its true essence?
In what ways did the disciples' observation of Jesus likely shine a light on the importance of prayer in their own lives?
How might the analogy of elderly couples resembling each other more and more over time help us understand the transformative power prayer can have in shaping our spiritual resemblance to Jesus?

Worship in Song, no. 473:

Blessed hour of prayer!
What a balm for the weary!
Oh, how sweet to be there!

— "Blessed Hour of Prayer" by Fanny J. Crosby

Takeaways for us from Matthew 6:5-6

Sincerity in Prayer: Jesus made clear the importance of sincerity in prayer. Praying should not be for show or to gain the approval of others. True prayer is about genuine communication with God.
Avoiding Hypocrisy: Jesus warns against being like the hypocrites who pray publicly to be seen and admired by others. Such actions are more about seeking social approval than about true spiritual communion with God.
Privacy in Prayer: The instruction to pray in a private place with the door closed reminds us of the value of privacy in prayer. The setting for prayer envisioned in Matthew 6:5-6 may help us be certain that the focus is on our relationship with God rather than on public perception.
God's Awareness: God sees what is done in secret. That indicates that private, heartfelt prayers are seen and valued by Him. The emphasis is on God's omnipresence and His attentiveness to sincere individual devotion.
Reward for Sincere Prayer: Jesus assures us that God will reward those who pray in secret. Such a reward may be spiritual fulfillment and a deep connection with God.
Internal Focus: Jesus' words in Matthew 6:5-6 encourages a shift from external religious practices to internal spiritual growth. It's a call to develop an authentic and personal relationship with God.
Humility in Prayer: By instructing believers to pray in private, Jesus teaches humility. It's a reminder that prayer is not about uplifting ourselves in the eyes of others. Prayer is about humbling ourselves before God.

More for you on prayer

The Come Ye Apart" is now published as Reflecting God by Word Action Publishing and available through what is now called The Foundry.

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Six Daily Devotionals from the Sermpn om the Mount

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A design for life

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An Afterword on Matthew 5:8

The Christian influence

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Takeaways from Matthew 5:16

God's unfolding objective

Takeaways from Matthew 5:17

Sin's seat — the heart

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Takeaways for us from Matthew 5:28

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Practicing your piety

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Takeways for Us From Matthew 6:1

And when you pray

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Takeaways for us from Matthew 6:5-6

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