Search Results

Warned in a Dream READ Matthew 2:12 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. After the wise men presented their gifts to Jesus and worshiped Him, they left by another road to their country. God had directed them not to return to Herod. They likely did not know the reason for this warning, but they obeyed God. What a lesson this is! One needs to obey God’s instructions whether or not the reason is known. REFLECT Does this remind you of reading the Bible? You know it is God’s Word even though you might not understand some things in it. Think of other things in life you use and obey even if you don’t understand the reasons or the working behind them. RESPOND Read Paul’s prayers for fellow believers in Ephesians 1:15-23. This passage can be an example of what followers of Jesus can pray for each other. Danger READ Matthew 2:13 13 After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” God had warned the wise men through a dream and then gave a dream to Joseph. What terrible news came in the dream—Herod planned to search for baby Jesus and kill Him. Think how that must have horrified Joseph and Mary! Their confidence had been in God for all that He was doing in their lives, what would they do now? REFLECT As you think about what God has done for you in the past, does this give you courage to trust Him in the future? RESPOND With a fellow believer, read Proverbs 3:3-6 and let these verses guide you in the future. Flee to Egypt READ Matthew 2:14-15 14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” Joseph didn’t question God. He acted immediately on God’s instructions. The family left that night for Egypt and stayed there until Herod was off the scene and no longer a threat to baby Jesus. As Matthew wrote his Gospel, he particularly focused on showing the Jewish people that Jesus the Messiah was a fulfillment of the prophecies in the Jewish scriptures. Here he made reference to Hosea 11:1. REFLECT As you read the New Testament, do you realize that many of the events you read about were predicted or alluded to in the Old Testament? Think about this in the future and seek out those Old Testament references. RESPOND Read Hosea 11:1 and talk with a friend about how this connects with Jesus. In Hosea the “son” was Israel; in Matthew 2:15 the “son” is the Son of God, Jesus. This associates Jesus with the nation. Rachel Weeps READ Matthew 2:16-18 16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. 17 Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.” Just as Pharaoh in the Old Testament was furious when the Israelites were allowed to escape, so Herod was furious when the wise men didn’t report to him. Apparently acting on the approximate time he learned from the wise men when they first saw the star, Herod had babies killed whose age matched that time. Herod may have extended the time in his mind to be sure to kill the rival king. REFLECT Imagine the horror gripping Bethlehem as these babies were being killed. RESPOND Matthew cites Jeremiah 31:15 about Rachel’s sadness. That was related to Herod killing the babies. The entire passage in Jeremiah would not apply because verses 16 and 17 promised hope for the future for Rachel, but the one verse was cited that did apply. Out of Egypt READ Matthew 2:19-20 19 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. 20 “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” God continued to guide Joseph through dreams. Now Joseph was told to take Jesus and His mother back to Israel because the threat of death for Jesus was now gone. Jesus was the predicted Messiah of Israel so His association with that land and people was significant. But the perils in His life were not over, and eventually the religious leaders wanted Him crucified. It was not accomplished in His childhood so they wanted Him killed as an adult. REFLECT Think of what the Savior went through for you and all mankind. Show your appreciation by living to please Him. RESPOND Consider what all Jesus went through to eventually provide a pardon for sin for all who will accept His pardon. The heavenly Father needed to be satisfied for our sins. Read 1 John 2:2 to see that Jesus did this for the entire world. Sadly, many reject what He has done for them and refuse to accept His pardon.

Nazareth in Galilee READ Matthew 2:21-23 21 So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. 22 But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. 23 So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.” Joseph continued to be directed by dreams from an angel of the Lord. He returned to Israel with Mary and Jesus, but was afraid to settle there because Herod’s son was then in control. Another dream revealed that he should go to Nazareth, a town in Galilee. This was north of Judea and Samaria. Galilee did not have nearly as many Jewish people as Judea. This also fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would be “called a Nazarene.” Nazareth was an unimpressive town. Nathanael expressed the thought of the day when he asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (see John 1:46). REFLECT Think about how God’s plan was for Jesus to have a lowly beginning in a stall with animals and grow up in a town that was not respected by the Jewish people. RESPOND With a fellow believer, read John 1:45-51 about Jesus choosing some of the disciples. See what Nathanael said about Nazareth and what his later responses were. Repent READ Matthew 3:1-2 1 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew’s Gospel shifts from the account of the birth and early life of Jesus to the beginning of His public ministry. The message of John the Baptist was for people to “repent,” which literally means “to change one’s mind.” The Jewish people needed to change their minds about what God was beginning to do on earth. It assumes when one changes his mind, he will also change his direction by turning to God. REFLECT Think of the different things about which you have changed your mind. Did that also change your behavior from that time forward? Of course, the greatest change of mind would be trusting in Jesus as Savior. RESPOND Talk with a believer about the word “repent” not appearing in the Gospel of John. A key word in his Gospel is “believe,” that appears over 80 times. One cannot believe in Jesus unless he changes his mind about himself being a sinner, and changes his mind about Jesus, that He is God and able to forgive him of sin because of His death on the cross. See verses such as John 1:12; 3:15-16; 5:24. Prepare the Way READ Matthew 3:3 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” Isaiah’s prophecy points specifically to John the Baptist as the one preparing for the “LORD’s” coming. “LORD” in all caps is a reference to Jehovah. This passage, therefore, is calling Jesus “Jehovah.” Those who deny that Jesus is God and that He is Jehovah deny the Word of God. REFLECT Think about the importance of Isaiah’s prophecy associated with John the Baptist and Jesus. RESPOND Read Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 40:3. For those who doubt believing what the Bible says about Jesus, read 1 John 2:21-23. If one denies the Son he does not have the Father either. John the Baptizer READ Matthew 3:4-6 4 John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. This passage tells about the clothing and diet of John the Baptist. People did not seem repelled by him because they came from a large area to see him and hear what he had to say. Notice the order of confession and baptism: “And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.” These people were repenting—they were changing their minds about their sins and realized they needed to admit them. After they confessed them, John baptized them in the Jordan. REFLECT Does this pattern of confessing sins and being baptized seem important to you? Baptism in an outward expression of an inward possession. It revealed they were identifying with John the Baptist and his message. RESPOND Consider the debates people have whether one should be sprinkled or immersed in baptism. Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 where the Israelites were “baptized as followers of Moses” and they didn’t even get sprinkled because they crossed on dry ground. It reveals identification with Moses. When one believes in Jesus, that person is baptized into the body of Christ, as 1 Corinthians 12:13-14 indicates. Prove By Your Lives READ Matthew 3:7-8 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” John the Baptist was not impressed with the religious leaders of that day. He called them a “brood of snakes” and asked who told them to flee from the wrath to come. Their words may say the right things, but John the Baptist wanted them to prove by their lives that they had repented of their sins and turned to God. REFLECT Does your life give evidence that you have turned away from your sins and turned to God? RESPOND With a friend, read and meditate on what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20. It is important to say the right words, but actions demonstrate what one really believes.

Fruitless Lives READ Matthew 3:9-10 9 “Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” John the Baptist rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to him to be baptized. The Pharisees were scrupulous about keeping the law and even added regulations to it. The Sadducees did not believe in anything supernatural. Both groups were trusting in their heritage to suffice for anything they needed. John the Baptist told them that was a useless idea and God would be bringing judgment. REFLECT Do you know of some who think they are acceptable to God because of their parents or grandparents? If so, these people would be as foolish as the Pharisees and Sadducees. RESPOND Meet with another follower of Jesus and talk about this false thinking some of your friends might have. Pray that God would break through their thinking to make them realize their only hope is to trust in Jesus as Savior. Baptisms of Water and Fire READ Matthew 3:11 11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” John the Baptist distinguished himself and his ministry from the one who would be coming after him. John’s ministry was preparatory to the ministry Jesus would have. John was baptizing with water, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. This baptism is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:13. John said that Jesus would also baptize with fire, which seems to speak of the judgment He will execute at His second coming. REFLECT If you have believed in Jesus as your Savior, then you have been baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. RESPOND Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 to learn about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Read Revelation 19:11-16 to learn about the judgment He will execute at His second coming. Wheat and Chaff READ Matthew 3:12 12 “He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees about a coming judgment that would separate believers from unbelievers. The figures of speech he used were “wheat” (believers) and “chaff” (unbelievers). Those who think they have merit with God because of their ancestors will be thrown into the “never-ending fire.” Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will spare them from this judgment. REFLECT Think of how blessed you are by trusting in Jesus as your Savior. He has delivered you from any wrath to come, as John 3:16-18 says. RESPOND To read about the separation of believers (sheep) and unbelievers (goats) at the end of the seven-year Tribulation, see Matthew 25:31-46. Especially notice verse 46 that tells about the final destiny of each group. All That God Requires READ Matthew 3:13-15 13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. John the Baptist tried to dissuade Jesus from being baptized by him. From other Scriptures, such as John 1:33, it seems John would keep baptizing until he saw the Holy Spirit descending on God’s chosen one. Matthew 3:13-15 reveals John knew enough about Jesus to know he wasn’t worthy to baptize Him because Jesus had no sin to repent of. Jesus insisted on it, however, and John baptized Him. REFLECT Jesus wanted to be baptized to identify with the teaching of John the Baptist and with Israel. Today believers are baptized to show their identification with Jesus and His followers. RESPOND Consider the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 about baptizing believers. When one believes in Jesus, nothing external is immediately seen. When the belief is expressed in baptism it is witnessed by others. The Spirit of God READ Matthew 3:16-17 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” This passage refers to all three persons in the Godhead. God is one, but He exists in three persons each having the attributes of being God. Jesus came up out of the water; the Spirit of God descended like a dove on Him; and the Father in heaven gave His approval to “his dearly loved Son.” REFLECT Do not be concerned if the concept of God is more than you can understand. One would have to be God to completely understand. RESPOND Join with a friend in considering each person of the Godhead. Read Scriptures that have to do with the Father (James 1:16-18); Son (John 1:1-3, 14; 8:58); and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). Notice that in Matthew 28:19 “name” is singular and all three persons are mentioned.

Into the Wilderness READ Matthew 4:1-2 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. The “wilderness” was an uninhabited place, and could either be a wooded or desert area. Jesus’ experience took place in a desert area. For 40 days and 40 nights he fasted and became “very hungry.” This caused the devil to think this was an opportunity to test Jesus at His time of weakness. REFLECT Have you noticed that tests affect you most at a time of weakness? RESPOND With a fellow believer, read Hebrews 4:14-16 to see that God understands every believer’s weakness and every believer can come boldly to the throne of grace to find help when it is needed. Tempted READ Matthew 4:3 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” Jesus was so hungry the devil thought he could tempt Jesus to turn stones into loaves of bread. The words, “If you are the Son of God,” in the Greek text indicates something that is assumed true. So it was as if the devil was saying, “Because (or since) you are the Son of God.” This could be assumed because of what the Father said of the Son at His baptism. REFLECT Think about the fact that the devil knows about the Father and the Son. RESPOND James 2:19 tells of demons believing there is one God and trembling. Even though the devil and his demons know about God, they do not trust in Jesus as Savior. It is not enough to know about God; it is necessary to trust Him for salvation. Not By Bread Alone READ Matthew 4:4 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Jesus set an example for His followers to know how to resist temptation—by quoting Scripture. At this time Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. This also reveals that Jesus believed in the Scriptures even if they are doubted by some. Of the first five books of the Old Testament, Deuteronomy is the most doubted by those who do not believe the Bible is totally inspired of God. Jesus had no doubts about it. REFLECT As Jesus was, are you convinced that the entire Bible is inspired by God? RESPOND Read Deuteronomy 8:1-5 to see the context surrounding the verse Jesus cited. Also read 2 Timothy 3:16 about the inspiration of the Bible. The Scriptures Say READ Matthew 4:5-7 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” This passage reveals that the devil knows the Scriptures. In this temptation of Jesus the devil cites Psalm 91:11-12. Again, Jesus cites the Scripture in His response to the devil’s testing by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16. Notice the word “test” in the verse Jesus cites. The word “tempt” is often used today to mean someone has a desire to do some act, as in “I am tempted to do something.” The word “tempt” in Matthew 4 is the word “test.” Jesus was fully God and fully man, so He had no desire to yield, but He could be tested. In answering the question, “Could Jesus have sinned,” the answer is “No.” REFLECT Think of something you have tested to prove it would work. This is the kind of testing Jesus was experiencing. Think also about the fact that just knowing the Scripture does not make one a believer, only trusting in Jesus for salvation does. RESPOND With a friend, read James 1:12-15. This passage reveals that even though God sends testing, it is never to tempt anyone to do wrong. Worship the Lord Only READ Matthew 4:8-11 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. How could the devil offer Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world”? Jesus never said he could not; rather, He focused on who was the proper one to be worshiped. The devil knew the Scriptures and he knew about God, but he didn’t worship the Father or the Son. Again, Jesus cites a verse from Deuteronomy 6:13. Finally, the devil went away and angels ministered to Jesus. REFLECT Consider “worship” as thinking about the “worth” of God and what He has done for you. The more you know about the Scriptures the more your estimation of the worth of God will grow. RESPOND Read 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 to see Satan is referred to as the “god of this world.” It also reveals why some do not respond to the gospel message. You can use Jesus’ quote from Deuteronomy as an indication of His own deity. Read Hebrews 1:6 to see that Jesus is to be worshiped.

Arrested READ Matthew 4:12-13 12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 13 He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. John the Baptist had been arrested, so persecution was intensifying. Matthew does not tell at this point what happened to John in prison, but he does later. Matthew is not writing a strict chronology of events, he is presenting subject matter that reveals to the Jews that Jesus is qualified to be the Messiah. Jesus left Judea where the Jewish religion was strongest and returned north to Galilee. After going to Nazareth where He had grown up and was later rejected, He went to Capernaum, which was near the Sea of Galilee and served as His headquarters from that time. REFLECT Keep in mind that the four Gospels do not present the same material. They view Jesus from four different perspectives: Matthew wrote for the Jews; Mark for the Romans; Luke for the Greeks; and John for the world. RESPOND Talk with a Christian friend about the four Gospels and the need to know them as well as possible to learn all you can about Jesus. By this study of Matthew you will learn how Matthew presented Jesus to the Jewish people. A Great Light READ Matthew 4:14-16 14 This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” Having mentioned the region where the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali had settled during Joshua’s time, Matthew cites some Old Testament Scriptures that applied to what he was writing. Again, Matthew was making the point to Jewish readers how Jesus’ life and activities were fulfilling prophecies from their own Scriptures. REFLECT Think about Jesus that you love and serve and how He was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. That could never have occurred by chance; it had to be orchestrated by God Himself. RESPOND Read Isaiah 9:1-2 to see the passage to which Matthew referred concerning Zebulun and Naphtali. Translations are not always the same as sometimes quotations are taken from the Septuagint (abbreviated as LXX), a Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament made in the third and second centuries B.C. The Kingdom of Heaven Is Near READ Matthew 4:17 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” As He began His public ministry, Jesus proclaimed the same message as John the Baptist. The expressions “Kingdom of Heaven” and the “Kingdom of God” often refer to the same thing: it is a kingdom that comes down from God. Jews would not even pronounce the name Yahweh (Jehovah), so it is understandable that Matthew used “Heaven” more often than “God.” Jesus was the Messiah offering the kingdom to people if they would repent and turn to God. They would eventually reject the king, so the Kingdom was delayed. REFLECT Think how different it would have been if the people in the earthly life of Jesus would have accepted the kingdom He was offering. RESPOND Work with a friend and use some research tools to look up the expressions “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God” in the Gospel of Matthew. Fishers of Men READ Matthew 4:18-20 18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him. From the other Gospel writers it seems that Jesus had met some of these disciples before, but Matthew records when they were called to follow Him. This passage gives information about the occupation of Peter and Andrew—they fished for a living. They were being called to leave their profession to follow Him not knowing what the future held. They had been fishing for fish; now Jesus promised to show them how to fish for people. REFLECT What would be your response if Jesus laid on your heart to give up your occupation and do something else to more effectively reach others for Him? RESPOND As a believer in the body of Christ, you may not need to leave your profession but instead you can be an effective witness for Jesus in that profession. Talk with a fellow believer how you both can do that better. James and John READ Matthew 4:21-22 21 A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. 22 They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. This passage tells about Jesus’ call for James and John to follow Him. Fishing was also their business and apparently it was a successful one. They not only left their occupation; they left their father whom they were helping. The names of “James” and “John” were common names in Bible times so their father is identified. REFLECT What do you think was in Zebedee’s mind when his sons immediately left to follow Jesus? What would have been in your mind if you had been in his place? RESPOND Do some more research by looking up the names “James and John” to see some interesting things about them. When Mark lists the disciples’ names in 3:16-18, he records that Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder.”

The Good News About the Kingdom READ Matthew 4:23-24 23 Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 24 News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Jesus announced “the Good News about the Kingdom.” The expression “Good News” is the meaning of the word often translated “Gospel.” To receive the blessing of the kingdom, one must be in right relationship with the king. This is possible only by trusting in Him as Savior. He was healing many and the news about Him was spreading to a wide area. It is significant that “he healed them all.” Even this was to be evidence that He was the Messiah. REFLECT Think how far the news would spread today if someone was healing everyone who came to him. The healing Jesus did was to be a sign of His authority as the Son of God. RESPOND Read John 5:16-18 to see the religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because He healed someone on the Sabbath and called God His Father. The Jews of that day understood that calling God His Father was making Himself equal with God. Religious leaders today who do not believe Jesus is equal with God the Father do not believe the truth, which the Jews of His day understood. Large Crowds READ Matthew 4:25 25 Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. Jesus had a large following. Matthew records some of the places and areas to which He went. In some translations, the word “Decapolis” is used instead of “Ten Towns.” “Decapolis” is simply a Greek word meaning “Ten Towns” and here in Matthew refers to a large area east of the Jordan River. The crowds were from west of the Jordan (Galilee and Judea) as well as from east of the Jordan. This covered a large area in those days with primitive means of travel. REFLECT The news about this one who came as the Messiah was spreading widely. How far would you have walked in those days to see and hear Him—or to be healed by Him? RESPOND Spend time with a fellow believer talking about the popularity of Jesus in those days. Then remind yourselves that many followed Him only because of His miracles and not because they had believed in Him as Savior. He Began to Teach READ Matthew 5:1-2 1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them. The reference to the “mountainside” in this passage has to do with chapters 5-7, commonly called “The Sermon on the Mount.” The word “disciples” can be used in a broad sense of “learners” or in a narrow sense of “believers.” Many were following Jesus to learn about Him and some turned away when they learned what they did not like (see John 6:66). “Disciples” is used in a narrow sense to refer to the Twelve Jesus had chosen (see Matthew 10:1). Likely there were some from both groups present as Jesus went up on the mountainside to teach. REFLECT Are you one who is only learning about Jesus or are you one who has learned enough to know you are a sinner and need Him as your Savior? RESPOND Read John 6:60-66 to see the context revealing there were unbelievers among Jesus’ “disciples.” God Blesses READ Matthew 5:3-5 3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” This passage begins what is commonly called “The Beatitudes,” a word meaning “blessed.” The Greek language had two words for “blessed.” One referred to someone who was fortunate or happy; the other word means “to speak well of.” The first is the one used in Matthew 5:3-10. Those who lived like this were “fortunate” or “happy.” These instructions were based on what a true believer in the kingdom should live like. One would have to be a believer in Jesus to be able to live as instructed. REFLECT If you have realized you are poor in spirit and know you need a Savior, you are fortunate or happy. Do you feel this way? RESPOND Some think Matthew 5-7 presents the Gospel rather than just how a believer in the kingdom should live. Matthew was writing to the Jewish people and made many references to the law. This passage does not include the Gospel. The apostle Paul wrote to those in Corinth about A.D. 55 and presented what is included in the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-9. This passage reveals the message of the Gospel includes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and eye-witnesses who could have been asked about the resurrection of Jesus. Satisfied READ Matthew 5:6-8 6 “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” As Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” God blesses those who honor and obey Him and He withholds blessing from those who do not. The happy person is the one who hungers and thirsts for justice. There is no substitute for desiring to please God in all you do and realizing His blessing will result. God shows mercy to those who show mercy and withholds it from those who do not. The person who has a “pure” heart is the one who has a heart clean of sinful activities and thoughts. This is only possible by trusting in the Lord Jesus who has saved from the penalty of sin and can save from the power of sin. Eventually He will save the believer from the presence of sin. REFLECT Is it your desire to please Jesus in all you do? RESPOND With a fellow believer talk about the need to pray for the desire to please Jesus in whatever you do. Read Colossians 3:23 in this regard.

Peacekeepers READ Matthew 5:9-10 9 “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Those who work to produce peace are the happy or fortunate ones because it shows they are children of God. Others are usually angry with themselves and with others. Some are persecuted for doing right while others call good evil and evil good. Those persecuted for doing right reveal the quality of character of those in God’s kingdom. REFLECT What have you done this past week to work for peace and what is right? RESPOND With a fellow believer read John 1:10-12 to remind yourself of what it takes to be called a child of God. Read Isaiah 5:20-21 to see what God says about those who call evil good. Be Very Glad READ Matthew 5:11-12 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Having mentioned those who are persecuted for doing what is right, Jesus now referred to those who are persecuted because they are His followers. He told believers to be happy and glad about that because a great reward was waiting for them in heaven. For those who might be discouraged, He told them to remember the ancient prophets who were persecuted for identifying themselves with God. REFLECT Have you had people say evil things about you because of your relationship with Jesus? What kinds of things were they saying? Are you encouraged in your faith as you think of what others have gone through for their faith in the Lord Jesus? RESPOND Hebrews 11 emphasizes what followers of God did by faith. When the writer comes to the end of the chapter, he concluded his comments in verses 32-40. If you are discouraged in what others are saying about you because you are a Christ-follower, remember those in Hebrews 11. They are the witnesses spoken of in Hebrews 12. With a friend, read Hebrews 12:1-4 that was written to encourage believers to keep doing what God has set before them. Salt of the Earth READ Matthew 5:13 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Jesus called believers “the salt of the earth.” This can only be true of those living in such a way that glorifies Him. Salt adds to taste and should cause others to want to taste what believers possess because they have trusted in Jesus. Salt is also a preservative and believers are used in this world by the Holy Spirit to restrain evil. REFLECT Have you had someone ask you why you have peace in troubled times? If so, your life has served as salt to them. RESPOND Rules can sometimes be made about what you can or cannot say in your employment. Read about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and notice the last statement. No one can prevent you from expressing the fruit of the Spirit in your life that will serve as salt to others and cause them to want to know more about you. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8 that tells about the Restrainer holding back evil. Light of the World READ Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” The believer’s life should be like salt and his good acts should permit others to see Christ reflected in his life. Jesus said He is the light of the world, as recorded in John 8:12. Believers can be reflectors of His light and their good deeds can cause others to praise the heavenly Father. REFLECT What actions have you done this past week that casts light on others and attracts them to Jesus? RESPOND Read 1 John 1:5-7 and talk about this passage with a friend. Notice what produces fellowship between believers. Some claim to be believers and in the family of God, but do not have anything to do with the rest of the family. Such thinking does not agree with this passage of Scripture. Read also Hebrews 10:25 in this regard. Achieving the Purpose READ Matthew 5:17-18 17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.” No one could fully keep the Mosaic law except Jesus. He fulfilled it and died on the cross so that others could inherit His righteousness. Jesus also believed in the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures. Here He referred to the Hebrew alphabet when He mentioned the “smallest detail.” The smallest Hebrew letter Yodh was written as a comma above the line. REFLECT Think of how hopeless mankind would have been had Jesus not fulfilled the law perfectly and died on the cross to purchase everyone’s pardon. The pardon has to be accepted, however, by believing in Him as Savior. RESPOND Talk with a friend about the confidence Jesus had in the Scriptures. For the inspiration of the Scriptures, read 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21.

Least and the Greatest READ Matthew 5:19 19 “So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” People today are not under the Old Testament law although the moral law is true for any age. Some today think Church-age believers should be under the Old Testament law, but that law never provided salvation for anyone, as Romans 3:19-20 states. Salvation has always been by grace through faith. There are commands of Jesus found in the New Testament, however, for believers to follow, such as in John 13:34 to love as He has loved. There are also several commands in the New Testament letters to be followed. REFLECT Are you trying to live by the Old Testament law or by your love for the Lord Jesus? RESPOND According to common Jewish count there are 613 laws in the Mosaic law. James 2:10 says if you break one you have broken them all. Read Colossians 2:16-17 to see what the apostle Paul, formerly a strict Pharisee living by the law, said about diets and days during this age. Read Ephesians 4:25-32 for commands that apply today. Righteous Limitations READ Matthew 5:20 20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” This is a powerful verse that can be used today in witnessing about the need for salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees had been through more religious rituals from infancy to adulthood than most people can think of today. Yet, most of them were Christ rejecters. Their righteousness was a self-righteousness. Salvation comes only by trusting in Jesus as Savior and receiving His righteousness that is accredited to the believer’s account. REFLECT Are you thankful for the church you are attending and yet realize that salvation comes from Jesus only and not the church? RESPOND Denominational labels are fine—if they teach what the Bible teaches about Jesus. One evangelist was known for saying, “If you believe in Jesus, the denominational labels will fall off as you go up to heaven. If you don’t believe in Jesus, the denominational labels will burn up as you go down.” Burning Anger READ Matthew 5:21-22 21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” In these statements, Jesus contrasts the Old Testament law with the motives of the heart that lead to sinful actions. The “court” referred to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court. The “fires of hell” referred to Gehenna, which also referred to eternal judgment of unbelievers. The word appears most in the Gospels and is used by the Lord Jesus Himself. The term came from fires burning constantly southeast of Jerusalem to burn anything discarded and was a figure of eternal punishment. REFLECT Think of the importance of your motives as you wish to honor Jesus in all you do. RESPOND Read Revelation 20:11-15 to see what the apostle John wrote about the final judgment of unbelievers known as the Great White Throne judgment. Verse 15 refers to the “lake of fire.” Pray for others to accept Jesus as Savior to avoid this horrible destiny. Reconcile First READ Matthew 5:23-24 23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” Normally it is thought that if a person has done you wrong, that person should come and ask your forgiveness. That is not taught in these verses. The person ready to make a gift or sacrifice to God and remembers some wrong he or she has done should go to the one wronged and make things right before making the offering to God. REFLECT Have you thought about this passage before? Does it bring to mind anyone you need to make amends with? RESPOND Talk with a fellow believer about this passage of Scripture that records Jesus’ words. Read Matthew 18:15-17 that tells of resolving conflicts and talk about the different steps in the process. On the Way to Court READ Matthew 5:25-26 25 “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.” These words plead for settling cases out of court. Once it gets into the legal system things can happen that are not for one’s best interest. Proverbs 25:8-9 also warns about trying to avoid going to court. Although we live in another age now, the principles in the Bible remain true throughout different ages. REFLECT In what way have these words of Jesus been helpful to you? RESPOND Talk with a friend how following the instructions in the Bible about going to court can be helpful today. Read 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 to provide more information to think about.

Purpose for Purity READ Matthew 5:27-28 27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” God is not opposed to sex; He is the one who created it. He approves the sexual relationship in marriage between a man and a woman (see Hebrews 13:4). God wants purity in thought and life, however, so these are warnings about bad thoughts that lead to sinful acts. For those who think they can be right with God by keeping the Sermon on the Mount, this is one verse that would prove otherwise for most men. Recognizing that a woman is beautiful, however, does not necessarily mean the person is lusting after her. REFLECT Do these verses help you to see that the wrong kind of desires in a person’s heart are what lead to an act dishonoring God? RESPOND Read Exodus 20:14 to see the Old Testament command about adultery. Then read James 1:13-14 to see that sin is the result of evil desires. Better Than Hell READ Matthew 5:29-30 29 “So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, 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 hand—even your stronger 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 be thrown into hell.” These verses reveal it is better to lose a member of the body that participates in sin than to have the entire body thrown into hell. Doing away with a member of the body, however, would not necessarily take away lust in the heart. This passage does not teach self-mutilation. These statements of Jesus reveal how strongly He believes that what is in the heart can lead one into evil acts. REFLECT Have these verses that record the words of Jesus helped you to see the importance of pure thoughts that will result in pure actions? RESPOND Talk with a fellow believer about keeping one’s thought life pure. Read Philippians 4:8-9 to see what believers should think about. Talk also about what habits need to be changed in order to think more wholesome thoughts, such as what one watches and reads that can stimulate the mind to evil thinking. Divorce READ Matthew 5:31-32 31 “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ 32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.” The Jewish religious leaders had different views about divorce. Some thought a husband could divorce his wife for any reason; others thought it had to be only for a serious offense. Jesus stressed the permanence of the marriage relationship and more is recorded about what He said in Matthew 19. Divorce and remarriage regulations are debated today. The overseers in the local church should think and pray about this issue and devise a policy that is open to the public so no individual leader is blamed for the position taken. REFLECT What have you observed among your loved ones about the consequences of divorce? RESPOND Marriage was designed by God Himself and He desired it to be a permanent union. With this in mind, read Matthew 19:5-7 and Ephesians 5:31-33. Broken Vows READ Matthew 5:33-35 33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.” Jesus instructed people not to make any vows by citing objects to impress others with intended honesty. From the words of Jesus, it seems people should be suspicious of anyone trying to cite other things to indicate their honesty. If they were being honest, why should they have to do this? REFLECT Have you been guilty in the past of saying such things as, “I swear on a stack of Bibles”? RESPOND Talk about this with a friend you want to help in this regard. Read James 5:12 to add to the verses in Matthew that record the words of Jesus. Yes or No READ Matthew 5:36-37 36 “Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.” Jesus emphasized that simply saying “Yes” or “No” is all that is needed rather than taking an oath based on anything else. This assumes the person has a life of integrity and has no reason for citing other objects to emphasize his honesty. Jesus said, “Anything beyond this is from the evil one.” Here “the evil one” refers to Satan who is the “evil one.” This is the same construction found in Matthew 6:13 that requests of God, “rescue us from the evil one.” REFLECT Have you thought about this when you pray what is commonly called “The Lord’s Prayer”? RESPOND Talk with a fellow Christ-follower about practicing Jesus’ words in your daily life.

The Other Cheek READ Matthew 5:38-39 38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.” Jesus continued to contrast the letter of the Old Testament law with a higher level of life He wanted His followers to have in His kingdom. On the one hand He set the limits of punishment; on the other hand He spoke of not resisting. Notice the comment about someone slapping you on the right cheek. David Roper, writing for Our Daily Bread, points out that if most people are right handed this would be like a backhanded slap that is more like an insult. If someone insults you, let him do it again. REFLECT Have you thought about the “right cheek” before and its significance? RESPOND With a fellow believer, think about this matter of receiving insults. Read 1 Peter 3:8-10 to see what Peter told his readers about insults. Those Who Ask READ Matthew 5:40-42 40 “If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” Jesus wants those in His kingdom not to retaliate but return good for evil. Apparently soldiers could require a citizen to carry their gear for a mile; Jesus urged His followers to show their love and go an extra mile. Attempting to carry out these instructions now is commendable, but they will be fully carried out during the time Jesus is ruling in His kingdom on earth. REFLECT How are you doing at blessing those who are not treating you fairly? RESPOND Read 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 to see what the apostle Paul said believers should do about suing others in court. Talk with a friend about this. The Limits of Love READ Matthew 5:43-44 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” The Pharisees thought it was acceptable to hate one’s enemies even though Leviticus 19:18 told them to love others as themselves. As Matthew recorded the words of Jesus as He commanded others to “love your enemies,” the word he used for “love” was the verb form of agapē, which has to do with loving others even when there is no response. It is an act of the will, not of the emotions. One does not need to agree with enemies, but the believer should pray and act for their highest good. REFLECT Think about Jesus’ command in regard to how some people may be treating you because of your Christian testimony. RESPOND When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His answer is found in Matthew 22:37-40. Talk about this passage with a Christian friend. True Children of God READ Matthew 5:45-46 45 “In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.” Loving one’s enemies is a demonstration that he or she is a true child of God. One is born again by trusting in Jesus, but that relationship is shown by the act of loving others. Those who only love those who love them are no different than unbelievers. Jesus compared Christians with a lack of love with the “corrupt tax collectors” who were the lowest in Jewish opinion. Those tax collectors were working for the hated Roman Empire and even overcharging people. REFLECT Consider how others think of you if you claim to be a believer and yet only love those who love you. RESPOND Talk with a Christian friend about putting the words of Jesus into practice. Discuss ways you could do better at this. Be Perfect READ Matthew 5:47-48 47 “If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Jesus contrasted how some loved only fellow believers and not others. He reminded them that this would indicate they were no different than unbelievers. When He told them to be “perfect,” He was not referring to sinless perfection because that is only true of God. The word translated “perfect” in the common Greek language of the day referred to being “mature” or “complete.” REFLECT Is it your desire to be more mature in your knowledge of Jesus and in your Christian life? RESPOND How does one go from the milk stage to the meat stage in the Christian life? Hebrews 5:11-14 tells about this problem and gives the solution. As one applies the truths of the Bible to daily living, that person becomes more and more spiritually mature.