A Sermon from the Messiah: Pt 1 – Matthew 5
Matthew tells us that Jesus notices the crowds gathered and did more than heal them, He sat down and taught them. Take time to read through Matthew 5 (keep going and read chapters 6 & 7 too). What a message. In this first chapter, Jesus focuses our hearts on what God really desires for us. He also reminds us the importance of our influence. He goes on to compare how many interpreted the Law of Moses and what God intended people to be and to do. In this comparison, Jesus deals with anger, lust, divorce, promises, retaliation, and dealing with enemies. He will deal with even more in the next couple of chapters.
On a couple of occasions, I have shared Jesus’ message as is making no commentary and letting His words speak for themselves. I want to do that now. I do not know what Bible version you regularly use, I linked to the ESV above. For clarity sake, or at least to give us another look at what we commonly call The Beatitudes, I share the ERV (Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version, 1987:Wolrd Bible Translation Center)
When Jesus saw the crowds of people there, he went up on a hill and sat down. His followers came and sat next to him. 2 Then Jesus began teaching the people. He said,
3 “Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need.[a]
God’s kingdom belongs to them.
4 Great blessings belong to those who are sad now.
God will comfort them.
5 Great blessings belong to those who are humble.
They will be given the land God promised.[b]
6 Great blessings belong to those who want to do right more than anything else.[c]
God will fully satisfy them.
7 Great blessings belong to those who show mercy to others.
Mercy will be given to them.
8 Great blessings belong to those whose thoughts are pure.
They will be with God.
9 Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace.
God will call them his sons and daughters.
10 Great blessings belong to those who suffer persecution for doing what is right.
God’s kingdom belongs to them.
11 “People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do that, know that great blessings belong to you. 12 Be happy about it. Be very glad because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did these same bad things to the prophets who lived before you.
Be blessed today. Be blessed by realizing your need for Salvation and the promise of God to save in the name of the Messiah, the Christ, in the name of Jesus.
-Scott
Driving Thought 