READ: Matthew 5 (Focus vs. 1-10)
MEMORY VERSE
“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14
BACKGROUND
As a child of the 1950s and ’60s, I grew up in the era when “America’s pastime” was baseball. I couldn’t wait to go to the park and play ball, and one of my greatest thrills was when I received my baseball jersey emblazoned with our team’s name—GIANTS!
Though the number 9 on the back distinguished me from the others, the common uniform identified us as being on the same team.
In Matthew 5:3-10, known as the Beatitudes, Jesus identifies those who belong to the kingdom of heaven as those who “wear the jersey” of Christlikeness. The kingdom of heaven is comprised of those who assume the posture and character of their king.
According to Jesus, “blessed” persons aren’t characterized by external appearance, health, or possessions. Rather, it’s the inside or heart of a person that counts.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit” (v. 3)—the humble—those who are spiritually needy and know it. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6)—those whose soul’s yearning is to please and honor God. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (v. 9)—those who join Jesus in the pursuit of harmony.
As the Spirit helps us, we can put on the garment of Christlikeness, which identifies us as believers in Jesus and members of His team. As such, we’re blessed indeed!
Arthur Jackson
INSIGHT
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus’ great kingdom sermon, describing what makes life in His kingdom different from life in this fallen world.
While the world is marked by selfishness, self-promotion, and self-gratification, the kingdom of God is characterized by selflessness and self-sacrifice.
Beginning with the Beatitudes (5:3-12), that tone is set immediately—with the remaining exposition explaining how those big ideas are lived out. For example, the statement, “Blessed are the merciful” (v. 7) echoes forth with the instructions Christ gives on loving our enemies (vv. 43-48).
Additionally “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6) finds connection in Matthew 6:33, where we’re challenged to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.”
As we read the Sermon on the Mount, the Holy Spirit can help us see connections that point back to the principles set forth in the Beatitudes and lead us to better reflect the ways of Christ.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
According to the Beatitudes, how “well-dressed” are you? What aspect of Christlikeness are you praying for?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“As the Spirit helps us, we can put on the garment of Christlikeness, which identifies us as believers in Jesus and members of His team.”
PR’s TAKE
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, thank You for my status as a citizen in the kingdom of heaven. Please give me grace each day by the Spirit to look like Christ.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“MORE LIKE JESUS” Kristian Stanfill
You came to the world You created
Trading Your crown for a cross
You willingly died
Your innocent life paid the cost
Counting Your status as nothing
The King of all kings came to serve
Washing my feet
Covering me with Your love
If more of You
Means less of me
Take everything
Yes, all of You
Is all I need
Take everything
You are my life and my treasure
The One that I can’t live without
Here at Your feet my desires and dreams, I lay down
Here at Your feet my desires and dreams, I lay down
Oh Lord
Change me like only You can
Here with my heart in Your hands
Father, I pray
Make me more like Jesus
This world
Is dying to know who You are
You’ve shown us the way to Your heart
Father, I pray
Make me more like Jesus
More like Jesus
More like Jesus
