We continue this week in Jesus’ discussion of the Law. The main feature of this section (Matthew 5:17-48) are the “antitheses,” which 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. :-)
Jesus’ words get even more revolutionary as we go along as this week’s main passage is Matthew 5:17-20, 43-48, dealing with how we respond to our enemies. This follows up last week’s passage (38-42) about how we retaliate. What does it mean to love our enemies?
As you read these passages, pray that today will be a day of patterning your life after that of Jesus Christ, responding in his new way: of love, forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation. Remember to reflect upon each of the passages in light of what Jesus says in our main passage for the week.
Monday, September 19 - Read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
Tuesday, September 20 - Matthew 5:17-20 and 43-48, Psalm 86
Wednesday, September 21 - Leviticus 19:1-2, Deuteronomy 7:1-6, Matthew 5:17-20 and 43-48
Thursday, September 22 - Matthew 5:17-20 and 43-48, I Peter 1:13-25
Friday, September 23 - Matthew 5:17-20 and 43-48, Romans 12:9-21
Saturday, September 24 - Matthew 5:17-20 and 43-48, Luke 23:13-47
Sunday, September 25 - Come to worship with your church family!
