I often imagine being one of Jesus’ committed disciples and sitting near him as he talks about living.
Here, he speaks to his closest followers about attitudes that flow from a pure heart. Jesus’ words
are very exciting to read and yet very difficult to apply!
Jesus paints a picture of happiness in verses 3-10, and then he gives us a strong image of how
followers are to “look” to the world. Basically, he says, “this is why you’re here…to be different.”
(my paraphrase of verses 13-16) Yesterday you read about a higher calling that affects what you
do—fish for people. Today’s reading impacts who we are to be—different. Not “weird” different…but
“different” different. Different so you stand out in a crowd…not because you’re crude but you stand
out because you’re a person with character. You are different because of whose you are.
Jesus uses the images of salt and light to help us see that we are to counteract decay (salt)
and darkness (light) which are symbols of living the world’s way. I love the paraphrase (from The
Message) that reads, “You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this
earth…and you’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.”
Are you living a life that’s different from the world’s way? Not a life that brings attention to itself, but
a life that counteracts the decay of hatred and brings light to the darkness of evil? How can you be
different today?
Matthew 5
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him:2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
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