Matthew 5: the character and relationships of disciples
Jesus begins with blessings that overturn ordinary ideas of success. He calls His disciples salt and light. He goes beneath visible rule-keeping to anger, lust, truthfulness, retaliation, and love for enemies. Reconciliation matters enough to interrupt a religious act.
Matthew 6: life before the Father
Giving, prayer, and fasting should not become performances. Jesus teaches His disciples to pray for God’s name, kingdom, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance. He warns against storing up treasure and serving money, then addresses anxiety by pointing to the Father’s care.
Matthew 7: discernment and obedience
Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment while still teaching discernment. He tells disciples to ask, seek, and knock, to treat others as they want to be treated, and to watch the fruit of teachers. The sermon ends with two builders. Hearing without doing leaves a life exposed.
Read the whole sermon slowly. Ask what Jesus wants changed today. Begin with one act: reconcile, pray privately, tell the truth, help without applause, or love someone difficult.
Use the free Matthew resources at GotLuv and continue with what Jesus meant by “Follow me”.