Matthew 5-7
The villager looked up and beheld the Master as He sat and taught -
he was hoping to hear the words of eternal life for which he so diligently sought.
At first, he had been drawn to Christ because of the many miracles and wonders -
the signs all pointed to Jesus as the Messiah – the greatly anticipated Deliverer.
He was looking anxiously for the kingdom of God to come,
expecting temporal relief from oppression imposed by the occupying Romans.
This message from Jesus was not about freedom from the subjection of men,
but about conscientious living and how each one can refrain from sin.
Perhaps this sermon was meant to be a spiritual map, leading the faithful to the Savior;
to help seekers discover Him when they saw His disciple’s conduct and character.
He was not prepared to hear such expressions of high ideals and elevated views of morality,
but he listened carefully so as to comprehend their meaning more completely.
These teachings of Jesus described the attributes needed to be blessed and favored,
beatitudes that could make a person more flawless and become an example of the believers.
The message he heard was that good works are more important than good intentions -
that the fruits of our labors must yield righteous actions.
Thoughts are the seeds leading to good or bad behavior,
our works must provide benefit, just as salt which has not lost its savor.
We can live in a way that gives light to others to enable them to find exaltation,
we should seek to be like God and strive for His qualities of perfection.
Judging others is often fraught with many dangers,
since we will receive the same judgement that we use for both friends and strangers.
Doing unto others that which we desire to have done to us,
is a standard for treating others that we should not forget nor digress.
This preaching was revolutionary – encouraging a massive change for mankind,
a manifesto of progress for humanity and improvement of the individual soul and mind.
The sermon concluded and Jesus left the multitude to ponder and to pray.
This disciple was ever more determined to follow the Savior and never go astray.
Those who were committed to Him would seek further understanding,
searching for additional enlightenment about His extraordinary teachings.
July 2021
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