
This is the Way
Week two - That’s a Hard Rule
Matthew 5:13-48
Bottom line: Our lives should be an invitation for others to a better way.
Matthew 5:13-48
Context - this is where we get in to Jesus’ repeated phrase “You’ve heard it said…” (basically, “per my last email”) - calling to mind things his audience already knows and then raising the bar
- You’ve heard it said …do not murder. I say, anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be judged. Be reconciled and settle matters quickly.
- You’ve heard it said …you shall not commit adultery. I say, if you look at a woman lustfully you have already committed adultery in your heart.
- You’ve heard it said …don’t break your oath. I say, don’t even make an oath. Just let your yes be yes and your no be no.
- You’ve heard it said …an eye for an eye. I say, turn the other cheek, give away your coat, go the extra mile.
- You’ve heard it said …love your neighbor and hate your enemies. I say, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5:48
Why is Jesus making the rules harder?
Didn’t we say this isn’t about moralism or behavior modification?
You have to remember who is talking here -
Jesus gives us His righteousness. Our salvation is in Him.
But Jesus is desperate for us to not take it for granted.
We are free to live differently.
Jesus is calling us
The greatest danger for Christians in every generation is being indistinguishable from the world. —Rich Villodas, “The Narrow Way”
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:13-16
Salt:
Salt
Being salty is about drawing out the best in others.
Light:
Light helps people find their way, especially to God.
When you wake up in the morning, you choose to cast a shadow or light a candle. —Rich Villodas
We can call people out, or we can call people up.
We can throw dispersions, or we can throw some salt.
Bottom line: It’s mission critical for us to be salt and light - we can’t do that if we’re following the same path as everyone else.
Not only does Jesus invite you to a better way, He wants your life to be an invitation for others to a better way.
Be salty.
Light a candle.