Jesus' Ministry Begins

 

    Jesus began his ministry with focusing on his disciples.  However, he taught everyone when people commenced.  His first recorded sermon was about blessings with the beatitude.  The people that are poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungry and thirty, merciful, peacemakers, and persecuted are blessed.  They are the ones that understand God's comfort and experience His care.  They display their love for Him in return.  Jesus was letting them know upfront what he was there for.

    God's people are the light in this world.  It is not about being perfect, but it is about honoring God by living in purity  We don't need to hide our deeds for them, but we also do not need to advertise them.  When we fall to sin, then we need to show the world how to repent and accept consequences.  We don't need to dig deeper and try to hide what we did because that tells the world that it is okay or that we are all hypocrites.  We are meant to stand out for being different.

    Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.  He highlighted the most commonly misinterpreted sins to clarify for us.  Sin is still sin.  Jesus went over the six here.  Anger that burns against another (rage) is the same as murder.  A violent temper is just as bad as a violent murder.  Insults bring judgment against you because it highlights your faults and sins making you look like the fool.  

    If you have a broken relationship, then it is your responsibility to fix it before going before God as holy.  Don't wait on them to reconcile.  It is too important.  Once the relationship has been mended, then go make your offerings to God.  Hold them until the relationship is restored because relationships are what matter.

    Settlements over small penalties need to be let go.  Avoid going to court.  Focus on reconciliation instead.  The longer you put off reconciliation the worst it is.  

    Lust starts with the eyes. If you allow your eyes to seek, then you have committed adultery.  It is better to gouge out your eyes than commit adultery.  Rid yourself of everything that may bring you to sin.  It begins in the mind, so don't let your thoughts dwell and develop.  

    Divorce and remarriage is another form of adultery. Unless you divorced due to some form of sexual misconduct then you are expected to stay single.  Divorce is not for frivolous reasons.  Marriage is a covenant, so it can only be dissolved for Biblical reasons.

    It comes to the oath.  Don't make an oath that you can't keep or it will make you a fool.  Your yeses need to be yes and your noes be no.  Honesty and integrity is vital.  Let minor things go.  Don't hold a grudge when people let you down or disappoint you.  Things happen in life, but try your best to live a life of love.

    Do not fight evil people, but instead look for a way to forgive so you do not react in anger.  This may require going the extra mile for people you do not like.  Give what you have when asked without expectation or hesitation.  This is an example of justice instead of retaliation.  

    Now to the really hard part.  Love those that hate you by praying for them.  Produce righteousness and live like God, so your life can be a testimony to them.  Forgiveness is the true identity of being a follower of Christ.  Let go of the selfish nature, so you can resemble Jesus.  His love is unconditional.  

Matthew 5