Note: This lesson was for Today, but it was done now, because we were away and could not get into the site, until someone could come and fix it.
Like Moses stood on Mt. Sinai to give the first law in Exodus, Jesus now stands on a mountain to talk about how we fulfill the law in Matthew.
He begins his sermon on the mount with a list of blessings to the poor in spirit, the mourning, the persecuted. Jesus is telling the Israelites in exile that though they are impoverished, mournful, and persecuted, they are now blessed because Jesus is there to bring them out of exile and wilderness and into his Kingdom.
Jesus continues by explaining that citizens of the Kingdom live by God’s Law. As they do this, others notice and glorify God, the way a light shines from a lampstand (Matthew 5:16). This was the point of the original Law given through Moses in Exodus—that Israel would be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6).
But many obey the Law for their own glory. They pray, fast, and give in order to be seen by people, rather than loving from a sincere heart (Matthew 6:2). Instead of seeking human approval, Jesus encourages his listeners to trust that there is a reward in heaven stored up for them (Matthew 6:20).
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus shows us that God is after our hearts, not just our actions. He says that anger is like murder and lust like adultery (Matthew 5:28). Jesus aims at our hearts, a place within us that the Law, by itself, could not reach (Romans 8:3).
Nevertheless, these laws are meant to be lived, not just heard. To hear and do nothing is to build upon sand. To hear the Teacher, trust, and obey is to find a sure foundation (Matthew 7:24).
Summary: Our Heavenly Father encourages his people to always live their lives for him, once Jesus Christ is received in Our Hearts we are expected to live by the word of Our Heavenly Father and be obedient to his instructions through the Holy Spirit. Our Heavenly Father also expects his people to give their trust to him and give their problems to him as well. If all the above is done throughout life on earth, many rewards are given in Heaven.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father help us to follow you and the plan you have for us, and to stay focussed on you even in times of a problem. Help us to remember to give our problems to you. In the name of Our lord and savior we pray.
Our lord and savior we pray. Please forgive me of my sins agains
t you, please come into my heart. By the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for Saving me.
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