So now we’re getting into Jesus’ discussion of the Law. The main feature of this section (Matthew 5:17-48) are the “antitheses.” Yeah...it’s a big word. It simply means that Jesus uses this pattern to talk about the Law: “You have heard this: ______. But I now tell you this: ________.” (Read this week’s passage, and you’ll get it. :-)
This week’s main passage is Matthew 5:17-26. You’ll see the antithesis in verses 21-22. You likely didn’t murder anyone yesterday. So what does this passage say about your daily interactions with people that you did have? How are your thoughts “killing” the people you come across? Has anyone ever treated you in such a way that just by their actions or words, you feel a bit less of a person? Isn’t this kind of like “killing” a part of you?
Pray that today might be a day when your interactions and relationships are full of reconciliation and love rather than breaking apart and anger. Pray that Jesus and the example of his life might become your own.
Monday, August 22 - Read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
Tuesday, August 23 - Matthew 5:17-26, Psalm 37
Wednesday, August 24 - Matthew 5:17-26, Exodus 20:1-21
Thursday, August 25 - Matthew 5:17-26, Mark 3:1-6
Friday, August 26 - Matthew 5:17-26, James 1:19-27
Saturday, August 27 - Matthew 5:17-26, Ephesians 4
Sunday, August 28 - Come to worship with your church family!
