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Read Matthew 5:43–47; Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 25:21

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!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.If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?Even pagans do that.Matthew 5:44–47

Read Matthew 5:32

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 womanalso commits adultery.Matthew 5:32

Read Matthew 5:27–28

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lusthas already committed adultery with her in his heart”Matthew 5:27–28

I find it nothing short of amazing that the subjects Christ addressed in His century-one sermon are as relevant today as they were when He first spoke. Murder and conflicts. Divorce and lies. Ears must have perked up when he started in on adultery.

Read Matthew 5:25

“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.”Matthew 5:25

Read Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 4:12

“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.”Matthew 5:17

Were we able today to witness Jesus’ message in person, I have no doubt that it would stab us awake. Why do I say that? Because He spoke with authority—the all-powerful, invincible authority of the Scriptures. Human opinions no longer mattered, not even the longstanding, rigidly enforced pharisaic rules and regulations.

Read Matthew 5:13–16

“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.You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.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.In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”Matthew 5:13–16

Read 1 John 2:15–17; John 15:17–18; 16:33

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you,for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see,and pride in our achievements and possessions.These are not from the Father, but are from this world.And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.1 John 2:15–17

Read Matthew 5:3–10

Read Matthew 7:28–29

The crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught them with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29

Read Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Four observations come to mind while reading these Scriptures, each quite a striking contrast to standard sermons preached today.

First: He spoke these words outside rather than inside. That means they were probably delivered extemporaneously and, for sure, without the aid of voice amplification.

Read Matthew 7:28–29

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29