Six Daily Devotionals from the Sermpn om the Mount
- Jesus' Beatitudes in Matthew 5 emphasize 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 as they 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, thereby highlighting the continuity and true meaning of those
teachings.
- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raises moral standards by equating lustful thoughts with adultery. He urges believers to maintain purity in thoughts and intentions so that they can be genuinely righteous.
- Jesus' Sermon on the Mount calls believers to embrace a holistic righteousness that respects others and is the result of a pure heart that reflects His teachings.
What is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount?
Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7), is a
foundational 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 encompasses a wide range of moral and spiritual principles. It begins
with the Beatitudes, which, among other things, bless the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who
hunger for righteousness. Jesus expounds on the deeper meaning of the law. He urges His
followers to move beyond legalism to embracing genuine righteousness. He addresses issues
such as anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, and retaliation, advocating 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.
Jesus sermon concludes with a call to action in which he emphasizes the necessity of putting His
teachings into practice as we live our lives grounded in faith in Him.
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
- How does the concept of holiness and a pure heart relate to the Kingdom of God,
according to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12?
- 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 by Jesus in the Beatitudes is attainable. What are some
arguments for and against the attainability of living with a pure heart in the present world? How
might people of different cultural backgrounds evaluate the validity of these two opposing points of view?
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 significant.
- Inner Moral Purity: "Pure in heart" refers to inner
moral purity rather than outward conformity to rules. Jesus emphasizes 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 characterized 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 ensure 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 enhance 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
More on letting our light
shine
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 alignment 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, believers demonstrate
their faith in tangible 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 see the good works of believers, they can be led to recognize
and honor God's goodness and power.
- Role of Good Works: While salvation biblically
is by faith and not by works, Matthew 5:16 verse emphasizes that 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
faith. Individual believers are part of a larger community, the Church. Their actions contribute to
the collective witness of the Body of Christ. The light of each person can encourage and
illuminate the path for others.
In a nutshell: Matthew 5:16 calls Christians to live out their 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
emphasizes 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 crucial. Jesus' role is to bring the Law and the Prophets to their intended
completion or realization. This suggests that the teachings and prophecies of the Old Testament
find 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 God's plan. This
positions Him as a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative.
- Continuity and Transformation: While Jesus does
not abolish the Law, His teachings often reframe or deepen its understanding. For example, He
frequently interprets the Law in ways that emphasize internal motivations and heart attitudes
rather than external compliance.
- Moral and Ethical Implications: Matthew 5:17
suggests that ethical and moral teachings are relevant to everyday life. However, Jesus'
interpretation often focuses on the spirit of the law rather than just the letter. In this way He calls
His followers to a standard of righteousness that is based on love, mercy, and inner
transformation.
- Relationship with Jewish Tradition: For Jewish followers of Jesus, Matthew 5:17
clarified that embracing His teachings did not mean abandoning their heritage. Rather, it meant
seeing it fulfilled in a new way.
To put it bdriefly, Matthew 5:17 affirms the continuity with and fulfillment of the Old Testament
in Jesus' ministry. It emphasizes a deeper, comprehensive understanding of the Law and
the Prophets. It invites believers to embrace a righteousness that transcends legalism and is
rooted in the transformative teachings of the Son of God.
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 emphasize 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 significant that, in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlights 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 emphasizes 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, maintaining a pure heart
is crucial to living 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 strive
for holiness of heart and life.
- Equality of Sin: By equating lustful thoughts with
the act of adultery, Jesus calls for all sins, 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 actions but also in our thoughts. It promotes viewing others as
whole persons rather than objects of desire. Doing that will foster 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 encompasses thoughts, emotions, and actions. The verse
encourages a comprehensive approach to living a life aligned with 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 enhance 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 amplifies 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 align 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 and recognition solely from fellow human
beings for our acts of righteousness? 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 emphasizes
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 highlights 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. Furthermore, 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 hinders
individuals from experiencing its true essence?
- In what ways did the disciples' observation of Jesus likely emphasize 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 emphasized 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 highlights the value of privacy in prayer. The setting for prayer envisioned in Matthew 6:5-6 may help ensure that the focus is on the 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 elevating 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.
Other pages on this site that mention Jesus' Sermon on the Mount
Preparing the way
| What kind of a Way Preparer are you? [
more ] |
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