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Matthew 5 Jesus Teaches His Disciples

1 The Beatitudes
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2 and he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

13 Salt and Light
“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 by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

17 The Fulfillment of the Law
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

21 Murder
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’

22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

27 Adultery
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’

28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

31 Divorce
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’

32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

33 Oaths
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’

34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;

35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.

36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.

37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

38 An Eye for an Eye
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’

39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43 Love for Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Analysis of Matthew Chapter 5

Matthew chapter 5 is one of the most profound and pivotal segments of the New Testament, commencing the famous Sermon on the Mount. This chapter includes the Beatitudes, a series of teachings that define the values and principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, along with instructions on the nature of true righteousness, fulfilling the law, and moral guidelines. Each verse carries profound theological weight, offering insights into the ethical and spiritual expectations of believers.

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

Jesus begins His sermon with the Beatitudes, a set of declarations that bless different groups of people who exhibit specific spiritual qualities:

  • Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Here, “poor in spirit” refers to those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and dependence on God. This declaration underlines the importance of humility and acknowledges that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are aware of their need for divine assistance.

  • Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Jesus highlights the blessing for those who grieve, possibly over personal sin or the brokenness of the world. This verse assures believers that God provides comfort and healing, reinforcing the theme of divine compassion and restoration.

  • Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Meekness often denotes humility and gentleness. Jesus emphasizes that true strength lies in controlled power, and those who exhibit such qualities will inherit the earth, symbolizing the ultimate reward in God’s kingdom.

  • Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

This beatitude speaks to an intense desire for moral and spiritual purity. Jesus promises that those who passionately pursue righteousness will find fulfillment, highlighting the active pursuit of godly living.

  • Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Mercy involves compassion and forgiveness. This verse insists that showing kindness to others evokes divine mercy. It emphasizes reciprocity and the ethical obligation to practice forgiveness and empathy.

  • Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Purity of heart refers to an inner moral and spiritual cleanliness. Jesus promises a direct relationship with God for the pure-hearted, underlining the importance of internal holiness over external appearances.

  • Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Jesus commends those who actively pursue and promote peace. This verse not only underscores peacemaking as a divine trait but also assigns those who practice it a special identity: children of God.

  • Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus acknowledges the inevitability of suffering for living righteously, yet asserts that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such individuals. This beatitude calls believers to steadfastness despite trials.

  • Matthew 5:11-12 – “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Jesus extends the blessing to personal persecution endured for His sake. He encourages believers to find joy and hope in the promised heavenly reward, aligning themselves with the legacy of the prophets.

The Role of Believers (Matthew 5:13-16)

Jesus further describes the essential role of His followers:

  • Matthew 5:13 – “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.”

Salt acts as a preservative and adds flavor. Here, Jesus characterizes believers as preservers of moral and spiritual values in society. The warning about losing “saltiness” symbolizes the loss of purpose and effectiveness if believers fail to live out their faith.

  • Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Light symbolizes guidance, truth, and revelation. Jesus urges believers to be visible exemplars of faith, whose actions illuminate divine truth and draw others to God. These metaphors collectively stress the transformative impact believers are to have on the world.

Fulfilling the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)

Jesus addresses His relationship to the Jewish Law:

  • Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Jesus clarifies that His mission complements the Law and the Prophets, fulfilling their deeper intent rather than nullifying them. This statement sets the tone for His subsequent teachings on righteousness.

  • Matthew 5:18-19 – “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus emphasizes the enduring nature of the Law. Not a single part is rendered obsolete until its purpose is fully realized. He assigns great importance to adherence and teaching of even the smallest commands, indicating that true greatness in the kingdom is marked by faithfulness to God’s word.

  • Matthew 5:20 – “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

This radical statement challenges the superficial legalism of the Pharisees. Jesus calls for a deeper, heart-rooted righteousness that transcends mere external compliance, pointing to the internal transformation characteristic of Kingdom citizenship.

Moral Teachings on Anger, Lust, Divorce, Oaths, Retaliation, and Love (Matthew 5:21-48)

Jesus gives a series of moral instructions that deepen the understanding of the Law:

  • Matthew 5:21-22 – “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”

Jesus extends the commandment against murder to include unrighteous anger, which He equates with moral guilt. This reinterpretation emphasizes internal attitudes over actions.

  • Matthew 5:23-24 – “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Reconciliation takes precedence over religious rituals. Jesus underscores the importance of right relationships and unresolved conflict, highlighting forgiveness and reconciliation as acts of worship.

  • Matthew 5:25-26 – “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Jesus’ advice to settle disputes quickly reaffirms the value of peace and reconciliation, cautioning against the consequences of legal entanglements.

  • Matthew 5:27-28 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Like anger, Jesus reimagines adultery as a matter of the heart. Lustful intent is equated with the act itself, emphasizing moral purity and integrity in thought and action.

  • Matthew 5:29-30 – “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”

Jesus uses hyperbolic language to stress the severity of sin and the decisive measures required to avoid moral failure, emphasizing the eternal implications of purity and righteousness.

  • Matthew 5:31-32 – “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

By setting a high standard for marriage fidelity, Jesus redraws the boundary of marital faithfulness, pointing to the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant.

  • Matthew 5:33-37 – “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Jesus emphasizes the truthfulness of one’s speech. He dissuades oath-taking to ensure integrity without the need for external guarantees, accentuating honesty as a fundamental moral attribute.

  • Matthew 5:38-39 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

Reinterpreting the lex talionis (law of retaliation), Jesus advocates for non-retaliation and enduring wrongs, calling for radical forgiveness and patience in the face of injustice.

  • Matthew 5:40-42 – “And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

These teachings advocate generosity, servitude, and grace beyond the call of justice, embodying the principle of overwhelming others with love and kindness.

  • Matthew 5:43-44 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Jesus redefines love to include enemies, challenging believers to exhibit a divine quality of love that transcends natural human inclinations.

  • Matthew 5:45 – “that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

This verse illustrates God’s impartiality and grace towards all, urging believers to imitate this inclusive love, ultimately defining their spiritual sonship and daughtership.

  • Matthew 5:46-48 – “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Jesus concludes by encouraging believers to exceed ordinary patterns of behavior and aim for divine perfection. ‘Perfection’ here indicates maturity, completeness, and emulating God’s character in love and righteousness.

Conclusion

Matthew chapter 5 is a comprehensive narrative outlining the ethical and spiritual expectations for followers of Jesus. It redefines righteousness beyond legalistic confines, emphasizing the heart’s condition. The Beatitudes set the foundational attitudes for those in God’s Kingdom, and the metaphorical illustrations of salt and light stress the transformative influence believers should have on the world.

Jesus’ teachings on fulfilling the Law and moral conduct delve deep into internal motivations, promoting a heart-oriented faith. Practical applications on anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love call for radical lifestyle changes, aligning believers closer to God’s nature. Ultimately, Matthew 5 encapsulates the essence of Kingdom living, aspiring toward perfection as modeled by the heavenly Father.