Matthew 5:12-20
Today's Passage: Matthew 5:12-20
The Sermon on the Mount can quickly turn into a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” if we are not careful.
Verses 17-20 are key in understanding the sermon as a whole. Here is what I mean:
Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament; He says it clearly in verse 17. And David Platt explains
this great, “The fulfillment of Jesus has in mind here in relation to the Old Testament is not
simply external conformity to commands, but rather a heart alive to God.” This is the reason
because in verse 20, Jesus says someone’s righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and
Pharisees. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was merely external righteousness.
Jesus is saying external righteousness is not enough (basically, you can live out the Sermon on
the Mount, but it won’t make you righteous). Platt points out, “What Jesus is demanding is not
more righteous deeds by human effort, but more righteous hearts by divine grace.” Jeremiah
and Ezekiel foretold that man needs a new heart (Ezek. 36:24-28, Jer. 31:31-34), and this is
what Jesus was alluding too.
The Sermon on the Mount is not a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” to obtain righteousness. It is a list of
“Do’s and Don’ts” because of righteousness. When our hearts are aligned to Jesus’ heart, our
actions must follow. When this happens, we can be the Salt and Light of the world discussed in
verses 13-16. It’s a domino effect.
We get a new heart - we are obedient to God’s commands - we are Salt and Light to the world.
How is this encouraging to you today?
Written By: Brice Stockton
The Sermon on the Mount can quickly turn into a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” if we are not careful.
Verses 17-20 are key in understanding the sermon as a whole. Here is what I mean:
Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament; He says it clearly in verse 17. And David Platt explains
this great, “The fulfillment of Jesus has in mind here in relation to the Old Testament is not
simply external conformity to commands, but rather a heart alive to God.” This is the reason
because in verse 20, Jesus says someone’s righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and
Pharisees. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was merely external righteousness.
Jesus is saying external righteousness is not enough (basically, you can live out the Sermon on
the Mount, but it won’t make you righteous). Platt points out, “What Jesus is demanding is not
more righteous deeds by human effort, but more righteous hearts by divine grace.” Jeremiah
and Ezekiel foretold that man needs a new heart (Ezek. 36:24-28, Jer. 31:31-34), and this is
what Jesus was alluding too.
The Sermon on the Mount is not a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” to obtain righteousness. It is a list of
“Do’s and Don’ts” because of righteousness. When our hearts are aligned to Jesus’ heart, our
actions must follow. When this happens, we can be the Salt and Light of the world discussed in
verses 13-16. It’s a domino effect.
We get a new heart - we are obedient to God’s commands - we are Salt and Light to the world.
How is this encouraging to you today?
Written By: Brice Stockton
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