Matthew Chapter 5
Verses 1-2: The opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount indicate that this message deals with the inner state of mind and heart that is the indispensable absolute of true Christian discipleship. It delineates the outward manifestations of character and conduct of true believers and genuine disciples. Thus, the life of the believer, described by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, is a life of grace and glory, which comes from God alone.
To make this quality of life the product of man’s human efforts (as does the liberal), is the height of overestimation of man’s ability and underestimation of his depravity. To relegate this entire message, Jesus’ longest recorded sermon, to a Jewish-only life-style, as do some dispensationalists, is to rob the church of her greatest statement of true Christian living.
The Sermon on the Mount introduces a series of 5 important discourses recorded in Matthew. This sermon is a masterful exposition of the law and a potent assault on Pharisaic legalism, closing with a call to true faith and salvation (7:13-29).
Christ expounded the full meaning of the law, showing that its demands were humanly impossible (5:48). This is the proper use of the law with respect to salvation. It closes off every possible avenue of human merit and leaves sinners dependent on nothing but divine grace for salvation (Rom. 3:19-20; Gal. 3:23-24).
Christ plumbed the depth of the law, showing that its true demands went far beyond the surface meaning of the words (5:28, 39, 44), and set a standard that is higher than the most diligent students of the law had heretofore realized (5:20).
Matthew 5:1-2 “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:” “And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,”
“He was set”: This was the normal posture for rabbis while teaching, sitting.
Let me set the scene for you before we begin. This mountain, spoken of here, was, probably, actually a high area next to the Sea of Galilee. By land, it would, probably, be between Tiberias and Capernaum.
Jesus was thronged by a multitude. Many followed Him, because of the miracles. He really did not exclude these people from the teaching. He just drew aside to an area where the disciples could sit closer up for His teaching (whether 12 or more, we do not know; it was probably many more).
The multitude could listen and glean from His words, if they were to the point where they could understand this deep teaching. In most instances, these people were familiar with the law.
The statement “when he was set”, just means that He sat down in the midst of them to teach. They were eager to hear His teachings. This was more teaching than preaching. The statement
“he opened his mouth”, means that this was not for casual conversation, but rather, deliberate teaching on Jesus’ part.
The location is now called the Mount of Beatitudes. A church has been erected to mark the place believed to be where this message came from.
The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest teaching of all time. If we could truly understand in depth what Jesus is saying, we would be able to discern the entire Bible from this. Let’s remember that all of the Scriptures in this lesson, beginning with (Matthew 5:3), are printed in red in the Bible. They are the spoken Word of Jesus Christ Himself.
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed” means “happy, fortunate, blissful” and here it speaks of more than a surface emotion. Jesus was describing the divinely-bestowed well-being that belongs only to the faithful. This is a basic description of the believers’ inner condition as a result of the work of God.
The Beatitudes demonstrate that the way to heavenly blessedness is antithetical to the worldly path normally followed in pursuit of happiness. The Beatitudes give Jesus’ description of the character of true faith.
These Beatitudes, like Psalm 1, do not show a man how to be saved, but rather describe the characteristics of one who has been saved. The “poor in spirit” are the opposite of the proud or haughty in spirit. The opposite of self-sufficiency, and speaks of the deep humility of recognizing one’s utter spiritual bankruptcy apart from God.
It describes those who are acutely conscious of their own lostness and hopelessness apart from divine grace.
They have been humbled by the grace of God and have acknowledged their sin and therefore their dependence upon God to save them. They will inherit the “kingdom of heaven.” Kingdom of heaven is a general designation of the dwelling place of the saved.
First let us look at the BE Attitude. What would we be? Jesus is saying in this very first verse of the Sermon on the Mount, can’t you understand that you are not self-sufficient? Your spirit is unlearned and dependent on the Spirit of God. You are poor in spirit compared to the wealth of God’s Spirit. Depend on God, and not on self.
This was in direct opposition to the Jewish leaders, who thought they knew it all, because they had the law. The one thing we want to receive in this is: our wealth of spiritual knowledge is totally dependent on our faith in God’s Spirit.
“Theirs is the kingdom of heaven”: Notice that the truth of salvation by grace is clearly presupposed in this opening verse of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was teaching that the kingdom is a gracious gift to those who sense their own poverty of spirit.
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
This speaks of mourning over sin, the godly sorrow that produces repentance leading to salvation without regret (2 Cor. 7:10). The “comfort” is the comfort of forgiveness and salvation.
Those that “mourn … shall be comforted.” The depth of the promise of these statements is almost inexhaustible. Those who mourn for sin shall be comforted in confession. Those who mourn for the human anguish of the lost shall be comforted by the compassion of God.
There are two ways to look at this statement. In the physical, we mourn for our dead; and truly, we will be comforted on that great day when we meet Jesus and our loved ones in the sky. Our mourning will be turned into joy.
There is another way to look at this, as well. When we think of our sins, we are grieved, and we mourn. Our comfort comes in knowing we are forgiven.
We mourn for those out of fellowship with God. Those, whether relatives or friends, who have not made peace with God. Our praying for them do not go unnoticed. Our comfort will come, even in this life, as they come into the Church of Jesus Christ. No one likes the idea, of mourning, but when it brings us into salvation, how glorious it is!
Matthew 5:5 Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
“The meek … shall inherit the earth”, refers again to those who have been humbled before God and will not only inherit the blessedness of heaven, but also will ultimately share in the kingdom of God on earth. Here, in the opening statements of the Sermon on the Mount, is the balance between the physical and spiritual promise of the kingdom. The kingdom of which Jesus preached is both “in you” and is yet “to come.”
This word “meek” has been misunderstood by so many. It really means humble, or mild-mannered. This is the opposite of being out of control. It is not weakness, but supreme self-control empowered by the Spirit (Gal. 5:23). This is an attitude of the soul toward God and man, being willing to be instructed by God and willing to receive chastisement when necessary.
This has nothing to do with going around with your head hanging down, or even allowing people to push you around. This is a humble heart, quick to understand, forgive, and obey God. We see here, a blessing connected with it.
“Inherit the earth”: Christians will reign with Jesus as His subordinates here on the earth the 1,000 year reign of Christ, and we truly shall inherit the earth. This is just another attribute of the Christian’s humble heart.
Matthew 5:6 “Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
These future possessors of the earth are its presently installed rightful heirs, and even now they “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” This is the opposite of the self-righteousness of the Pharisees. It speaks of those who seek God’s righteousness rather than attempting to establish a righteousness of their own (Rom 10:3; Phil. 3:9).
What they seek will fill them, i.e., it will satisfy their hunger and thirst for a right relationship with God. They experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which in itself is a proof of their spiritual rebirth.
Those who are poor and empty in their own spiritual poverty recognize the depth of their need, and they hunger and thirst for that which only God can give them. “They shall be filled” (Greek chortazo) refers to a complete satisfaction. The psalmist proclaimed: “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9).
This verse really needs very little explanation. Those who are trying to be in right standing with God (righteousness), spend a lot of time in the study of God’s Word. The more we seek, the more we consume of the Word, the more we are filled. The only way we can be blessed is to know that these blessings are available, and to know how to act upon them. God’s Word reveals the blessings.
Matthew 5:7 “Blessed [re] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Those who are “merciful … shall obtain mercy” has reference to those who have been born again by the mercy of God. Because divine love has been extended to them, they have the work of the Holy Spirit in them producing a mercy that defies explanation by unregenerate men.
Jesus Himself became the ultimate example of this when He cried from the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
We reap what we sow. The Lord tells us that He will forgive our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us (Mark 11:25-26). My cry is not for a just God, but for a merciful God. Our just reward is death, but through the mercy of God, we are saved by His grace.
Matthew 5:8 “Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
“See God”: Not only with the perception of faith, but in the glory of heaven (Heb. 12:14; Rev. 22:3-4).
I am so happy that this Scripture does not say pure in deeds. The Lord will judge our hearts on judgment day. I have said so many times, if we are truly saved, we no longer have the desire in our hearts to sin. Old things and desires have passed away, behold all things become new.
It is our heart that has been made new. The Bible says, For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. There is a spiritual seeing of God for the present when our hearts are pure, and there will be a physical seeing of God when we join Him in heaven.
Those who are not pure in heart will spend an eternity in hell and will not be with God as the Christians will be.
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
The next description deals with the “peacemakers.” They are at peace with God and desire to live in peace with all men (Rom. 5:1). Their peace with Christ enables them to be ambassadors of God’s message to a troubled world. Hence, they shall be called “the children of God.” Throughout the Beatitudes Jesus clearly underscores that only those who have the qualities of a changed life, herein described, are citizens of His kingdom.
Jesus is the King of Peace. The only true peace comes from Him. There will never be peace on the earth, until the King of Peace comes and brings His peace to the earth. If we are His children, we pattern our lives by His; and we too, bring peace around us as He has given us His peace within. Truly, we are His children (followers), in His peace.
Matthew 5:10 “Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
As Jesus develops His message, He clearly teaches that such a life causes His people to be in direct contrast to the world in which they live. Therefore, He reminds us, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness” sake.” The plural use of “ye” (in verse 11), indicates that He foresaw this persecution as touching all His followers.
Notice 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will love godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
To be persecuted for something we have done wrong is one thing, but to be persecuted because we are, to the best of our ability, serving God is something else. Paul said, to count it all joy when we are persecuted for Jesus. The disciples and Paul thought it a great honor to be persecuted for preaching about Jesus.
Most ministers today are not under persecution. Many are preaching what their congregation wants to hear. They are careful not to stir up the regular members by preaching against adultery, homosexuality, stealing, lying, coveting, and all the other sins of our day.
If you start preaching hard against pornography, rock music, drugs, alcohol, X-rated and PG-rated television and movies, and a total lapse of fellowship with God, you will see persecution. People do not want to be preached to about their sins. It is okay to preach about sins they are not committing. Just don’t preach on “their” sins.
Many of the early Christians were martyred for the name of Jesus Christ. Are we that committed today, that we would proclaim Jesus even to the death?
With God’s help, I will go on preaching what I hear in my spirit for the church. We must repent and renew our lives with the Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven is our home. We are just here temporarily.
The Scripture says when we see great troubles coming upon the earth to look up and rejoice (Luke 21:28), “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.
Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
“Rejoice” is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer. The phrase “Rejoice”, and “be exceeding glad” means even more, exult! “Great is your reward in heaven” focuses attention on the eternal destiny of all things.
If God is as real as He claims, if the Bible is true, if heaven is to be gained, then no temporary earthly trouble or persecution can dispossess the child of God of joy in the prospect of the eternal glory that lies ahead.
They persecuted Jesus, because He didn’t fit into their pattern. They will persecute the followers of Jesus for the same reason. If you are not under persecution, better take your spiritual pulse, something is probably wrong.
There is a great shaking in the true church today, only those who are truly sold out to Jesus will stand.
Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
The Beatitudes are followed by a summary statement of the basic character of the Christian’s life as salt and light. “Ye are the salt of the earth:” Again the phrase “ye are” indicates that only the genuinely born-again person is salt and can help meet the needs of the world.
Salt adds flavoring, acts as a preservative, melts coldness, and heals wounds. Thus it is a very appropriate description of the believer in his relationship to the world in which he lives.
Salt is a preservative. Christians are a preservative. This earth would already have been destroyed, if it were not for the few Christians here. If the Christians fall away, what will happen to the earth? That is just exactly what is happening today. Watered down Christianity is taking over. If the Christians do not rise up a standard, then all is lost.
Lukewarm Christians will not make the final cut. God will spew lukewarm Christians out like lukewarm water. We need to live by the standards raised in the Bible. Sold out to God Christians are the salt of the earth. We must preserve the Bible and its standards, until Jesus returns. We must not compromise with the world.
Verses 14-16: “Ye are the light of the world” describes the essential mission of the Christian to the world. He is the condition (salt), to meet the world’s needs and he has a mission (light), to the world. His light is to clearly shine forth into the darkness of human depravity. He is to set his light upon a candlestick, not hide it “under a bushel,” that is, a basket. Darkness is the absence of light; and darkness alone cannot dispel the light, but the smallest light can dispel the greatest darkness.
Matthew 5:14 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.”
In these Scriptures above, Jesus is explaining that if we are Christians, then we have His Light dwelling within us. This Light of Jesus should be so brightly shining, that no one need ask if we are saved; but they should be quick to see the glow of this Light within us. This Light goes with us and should illuminate wherever we are.
Matthew 5:15 “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”
Sin has a way of being hidden in the darkness, but when we apply the Light, it does away with darkness. In John the first chapter, we read about this Light.
John 1:7-9 “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe.” “He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light.” “[That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (speaking of John the Baptist).
John 8:12: “Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
“Let your light so shine” as a godly life gives convincing testimony of the saving power of God. That brings Him glory (1 Peter 2:12).
In (verse 4 of John chapter l), it tells us who this Light is. John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” You see, Jesus has brought the Christians out of the darkness and into His marvelous Light.
First John 1:6-7 tells it all.
1 John 1:6-7 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
We are commanded to go out, and let this Light shine brightly, and win the world to Jesus. We should be a Light set on a hill, so that those in darkness (spiritual) might see the Light and be saved. Let people see the good works caused by this great Light being ever present in our lives.
Matthew 5:17 “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”
“Think not … destroy the law or the prophets”: Jesus was neither giving a new law nor modifying the old, but rather explaining the true significance of the moral content of Moses’ law and the rest of the Old Testament.
Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statements of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the Law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had “not … come to destroy the law.” That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament Law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law.
Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond mere outward observance to the inner spiritual intention of God.
“Fulfill”: This speaks of fulfillment in the same sense that prophecy is fulfilled. Christ was indicating that He is the fulfillment of the law in all its aspects. He fulfilled the moral law by keeping it perfectly. He fulfilled the ceremonial law by being the embodiment of everything the law’s types and symbols pointed to. And He fulfilled the judicial law by personifying God’s perfect justice (12:18, 20).
Matthew 5:18 “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
Here Christ was affirming the utter inerrancy and absolute authority of the Old Testament as the Word of God, down to the smallest stroke or letter. Again this suggests that the New Testament should not be seen as supplanting and abrogating the Old Testament, but as fulfilling and explicating it.
For example, all the ceremonial requirements of the Mosaic law were fulfilled in Christ and are not longer to be observed by Christians (Col. 2:16-17). Yet not the smallest letter or stroke is thereby erased, the underlying truths of those Scriptures remain and in fact the mysteries behind them are now revealed in the brighter light of the gospel.
“Verily I say” is a unique form used by Jesus throughout His preaching to draw attention to the authority of His message. Verily; (Greek amen) means “truly” or “certainly.” It is used as a designation of authoritative teaching. “One jot or one tittle” refers to the most minute letter and marks of the Hebrew alphabet. He explained that even the smallest statement in the law must be fulfilled.
A jot (yodh), is the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It functions as a Y in English and looks similar to an apostrophe. A tittle is a small projection of the edge of certain Hebrew letters to distinguish them from one another.
The law in the Old Testament, and in fact the Old Testament itself, is a type and shadow of Jesus Christ the Lamb of God. The Word of God never changes. God’s law (Old), is made more glorious in the (New).
The Old Testament constantly prophesied about Jesus coming to fulfill all prophecy. Jesus was the fulfillment. The law was not bad, just misunderstood. Jesus fulfilled the law and reconciled us to God the Father. Jesus was not, and is not, a destroyer; He is a builder.
Matthew 5:19 “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
“Shall be called the least … shall be called great”: The consequence of practicing or teaching disobedience of any of God’s Word is to be called least in the kingdom of heaven. Determining rank in the kingdom of heaven is entirely God’s prerogative (Matt. 20:23), and Jesus declares that He will hold those in lowest esteem who hold His Word in low esteem.
Because of the seriousness of the law, Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping even its smallest details. However, in the ultimate plan of God, the law was not to become an extra burden on the souls of men. Rather than pointing the way to salvation, the law convinced men of the need of the Savior.
Therefore, whoever “shall teach men so” but shall not live what he teaches, he shall be made “least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach” the principles and precepts of the law shall be called “great in the kingdom of heaven.” This simply means that God will reward the faithfulness and effectiveness of our lives, and there will be varying degrees of blessing and reward in the kingdom.
There is no impunity for believers who disobey, discredit, or belittle God’s law. That Jesus does not refer to loss of salvation is clear from the fact that, though offenders will be called least, they will still be in the kingdom of heaven. The positive result is that whoever keeps and teaches God’s Word, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Here again Jesus mentions the two aspects of doing and teaching. Kingdom citizens are to uphold every part of God’s law both in their living and in their teaching.
Let Christ live in you. Let Jesus take total control, and then you won’t make any mistakes. It is an awesome responsibility to be forming young lives. We must not only teach them of God’s love, but also His judgment.
Matthew 5:20 “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Except your righteousness … exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees”: On the one hand, Jesus was calling His disciples to a deeper, more radical holiness than that of the Pharisees. Pharisaism had a tendency to soften the law’s demands by focusing only on external obedience.
In the verses that follow, Jesus unpacks the full moral significance of the law, and shows that the righteousness the law calls for actually involves an internal conformity to the spirit of the law, rather than mere external compliance to the letter.
“Shall in no case enter into the kingdom”: On the other hand, this sets up an impossible barrier to works salvation. Scripture teaches repeatedly that sinners are capable of nothing but a flawed and imperfect righteousness (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore, the only righteousness by which sinners may be justified is the prefect righteousness of God that is imputed to those who believe (Rom. 4:5).
Because of the necessity of righteousness should “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” they could not enter heaven. The significance of this is seen in the fact that the Jews of Jesus’ day considered these people to be the most religious in all Israel. However, their religion was largely an outward show of self-righteousness.
In communicating the depth of His message, Jesus used a series of contrasts between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. Here we discover the practical application of genuine Christian character to true spiritual living.
Here is the Law in the first column (O.T.) and the Spirit in the second column (N.T.):
- No murder, No anger
- No adultery, No lust
- No divorce, Commitment
- No oath taking, Speak the truth
- No retaliation, Forgiveness
- Hatred for your enemy, Love for your enemy
Having a form of religion is not what God wants, He wants our hearts. The scribes and Pharisees were well known for keeping the law but God was not pleased with them. They had only a surface belief, a literal religion, not a spiritual belief.
There will be people who never miss a Sunday going to church, who won’t make it to heaven. They have a form of religion, but deny the power thereof as it tells us in (2 Tim. Chapter 3). The walk with God that is pleasing to Him is the Spirit walk, being totally submitted to the will of God. To have the righteousness of Christ, it has to be seven days a week and everywhere, not just at church.
They that worship God must worship Him in spirit and in Truth. Some who stand before Jesus to be judged will say: I cast out demons for you, I prayed for the sick for you, I did all these mighty things for you, and Jesus will say that He never knew them. He had their outward worship, but He didn’t have their hearts. If it is a chore for you to go to church, please examine yourself. Church should be a joy; and something we look forward to, not a bother.
Verses 21-22: Christ begins this series of contrasts by quoting the statement of the law, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). The reference to killing is clearly understood in its context in both the Old and New Testaments as referring to an act of murder.
Jesus goes beyond this outward demand of the law by stating that “whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause” is in just as great danger of judgment as a murderer, for anger is the emotion and inner intention that leads to murder.
The term “Raca” (meaning vain fellow” or “empty head”), was a Hebrew or Aramaic expression of contempt (2 Sam. 6:20). The “council” is a reference to the Jewish religious council called the Sanhedrin. “Thou fool” (Greek moros), means “stupid.” The English word moron comes from this term.
Those using such a malicious expression would be in danger of “hell fire.” The idea seems to be that if one makes light of his fellowman, he will be in danger of slander. But if one makes bitter, damning statements with reference to hell toward his fellowman, he shall actually be in danger of hell himself.
The term hell is Gehenna. It refers to the valley of Hinnom at Jerusalem, where fires provided a powerful and graphic picture of the ultimate destruction of hell and the lake of fire (2 Kings 23:10; 2 Chron. 28:3; Jer. 7:31).
“Ye have heard … but I say unto you”: The quotes are from (Exodus 10:13; Deut. 5:17). Jesus was not altering the terms of the law in any of these passages. Rather, He was correcting what they had “heard”, the rabbinical understanding of the law.
Matthew 5:21-22 “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:” “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”
Jesus suggested here that the verbal abuse stems from the same sinful motives (anger and hatred), that ultimately lead to murder. The internal attitude is what the law actually prohibits, and therefore an abusive insult carries the same kind of moral guilt as an act of murder.
Here again, Jesus was telling us that the sin takes place in the heart. We have sinned already if we desire to kill, even if we do not carry it out. We should not call people names. First of all, we are not their judge, Jesus is their judge. Notice here, it says do not call your brother “Raca”. This is one Christian calling another this name. “Raca” means, “o empty one”, or “thou art worthless”. Christians are never empty; they are filled with the Spirit of Jesus. They are never worthless. Jesus thought they were valuable enough that He gave His life for them. You can see, if we were to call a Christian this name, we would be saying that Jesus was in error. You can readily see how dangerous this would be.
The word that was translated “fool” here, has a base meaning of stupid, blockhead, absurd, or dull. It is very important to be more concerned with cleaning up our own lives, than trying to criticize our brothers and sisters in Christ with their walk.
Verses 23-24: Having made a comparison between the command not to murder and the inner motive and heart intention of hatred, Jesus then illustrates the seriousness of this matter by referring to one who would attempt to buy off his conscience by giving something to God without clearing his conscience in regard to his offended brother.
He reminded His listeners that “if thou bring thy gift to the altar” without reconciling with the offended party, God will not receive the intended gift. Bringing a gift to the altar refers to bringing it to the temple in order that it may be consecrated. To be “reconciled” means to be brought back into fellowship or favor with an offended party.
Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;” “Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
We must, as Christians, love our brothers and sisters in Christ as we do ourselves. God will not accept offerings made from a heart full of bitterness. If we take communion with bitterness in our hearts, we may drink sickness, and sometimes death unto our bodies.
Quickly forgive everyone and particularly the brothers and sisters in Christ. God desires that we love each other. We do not love the sins in someone lives, but we love the person. Hate the sin and love the sinner.
Verses 25-26: The Savior then went on to say that even if “thine adversary” (an opponent at law), disagrees with you; it is to your advantage to be reconciled to him. Jesus’ exhortation here is to urge us to go out of our way to avoid legal conflicts before human judges (verse 40). The payment of debt and the “prison” referred to here, simply mean the normal legal process that one would encounter in a civil suit.
Matthew 5:25 “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.”
Jesus calls for reconciliation to be sought eagerly, aggressively, quickly, even if it involves self-sacrifice. It is better to be wronged than to allow a dispute between brethren to be a cause for dishonoring Christ.
I really believe that Jesus told us that if there is any possible way to settle something out of court, do it. People have gotten into a rut, suing everyone for the slightest thing. Most things could be settled out of court, if people would just try. There is no reason for two Christians to fight something out in court. The two should get together, and pray, and each gives a little.
These terribly expensive court cases could be stopped. Give a little if necessary, it will be cheaper than hiring an attorney. Praying together can solve many problems. Learn to forgive and forget. Christians should not subject themselves to the judges of this earth. There is one Judge and His name is Jesus.
Matthew 5:26 “Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.”
This is in connection with the last lesson, where we need to agree before going to court and being thrown in jail. Christians, as I said in an earlier lesson, should not be looking for reasons to sue someone. We need to live peaceably with all men.
Verses 27-28: “Thou shalt not commit adultery” was the demand of the Old Testament Law (Exodus 20:14). Jesus goes beyond this outward command to reveal that its act is the result of an inner attitude of lust.
“Whosoever looketh” characterizes the man whose glance is not checked by holy restraint and results in an impure lusting after women. The act would follow if the opportunity were to occur. By taking His listener beyond the outward statement of the law to its real intention, Jesus was trying to get the listener’s attention off the physical and onto the spiritual.
Matthew 5:27 “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:”
This is one of the 10 commandments. In Old Testament times, the participants in this type of sin were stoned to death. This sin involves the body (the temple of the Holy Ghost), and is therefore a very serious sin.
Matthew 5:28 “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Our hearts will be judged, even more than our deeds. The desire to sin is worse than the act of sin, unknowingly committed. Premeditated murder is much worse than killing someone during an argument, because of the desire of the heart to murder. Our hearts are either desperately wicked and cause us to sin, or we have pure hearts which make us righteous in God’s sight.
The Bible says, whatever is in our hearts will come out of our mouth. We cannot speak both good and evil, because sweet and bitter water does not come from the same well. Whatever is in our hearts is what we really are. Following Jesus, or Satan, comes from the heart. The whole thing takes place in the heart, as we read in Romans 10:9-10.
Romans 10:9-10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Verses 29-30: The statement of cutting off one’s hand or plucking out one’s eye definitely is not to be taken literally. What Jesus implies is that if “thy right eye offend thee,” then the logical thing to do would be to “pluck it out.” His point is not that one should literally pluck out his eye, but that one should recognize that the source of lust comes from within the mind and heart of man, not from the physical organ itself.
The right eye is not the source of sin; the heart of man is that source. The seriousness of the sin of lusting is thus illustrated by this graphic comparison. Ultimately, it would be better for a person to be physically maimed than to go to hell forever.
However, doing physical damage to oneself doesn’t in any way guarantee entrance into heaven. Jesus is simply teaching that man must bring the passions of his heart under the control of the Spirit of God.
Matthew 5:29 “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
“Pluck it out and cast it from thee”: Jesus was not advocating self-mutilation (for this would not in fact cure lust, which is actually a problem of the heart). He was using this graphic hyperbole to demonstrate the seriousness of sins of lust and evil desire.
The point is that it would be “better” (verse 30), to lose a member of one’s own body that to bear the eternal consequences of the guilt from such a sin. Sin must be dealt with drastically because of its deadly effects.
Matthew 5:30 “And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
These 2 verses above are fundamental. It would truly be better to be blind, and on our way to heaven, than to see clearly on our way to hell. It also would be better to be a cripple, and on our way to heaven, than to go to hell with a whole body.
Sometimes, our good looks, or our special physical abilities, may turn our heads and cause us to believe we do not need God. This I believe, is what this Scripture is talking about. Anything that draws us away from God is bad.
Verses 31-32: “It hath been said” is again a reference to the Old Testament commandment of the Mosaic regulation (Deut. 24:1). The normal custom of the ancient Near East was for a man to
verbally divorce his wife. In contrast, the ancient law of Israel insisted on a “writing of divorcement” or certificate of divorce.
This written statement gave legal protection to both the wife and the husband. Jesus explains elsewhere (Matt. 19:8), that Moses’ concession was not intended to be taken as license. The only exception given by Christ is for “the cause of fornication” (Greek porneia), meaning sexual unfaithfulness.
These statements make it clear that adultery or fornication is a legitimate ground for divorce. However, the legitimacy of the divorce does not necessarily establish the legitimacy of remarriage.
Scripture never commands that one must divorce an unfaithful wife or husband. On the contrary, there are many examples of extending forgiveness to the adulterous offender (Gen. 38:26; Hos. 3:1; John 8:1-11). The responsibility of divorce is clearly laid upon the one seeking the divorce.
“Whosoever shall put away his wife” without biblical basis “causeth her to commit adultery.” Thus, the divorcer brings about an unjust suspicion upon the divorcee.
Matthew 5:31 “It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:”
“It hath been said”: The rabbis had taken liberty with what Scripture actually said. They referred to (Deut. 24:1-4), as if it were given merely to regulate the paperwork when one sought divorce. Thus, they had wrongly concluded that men could divorce their wives for anything that displeased them, as long as they gave “a certificate of divorce.”
But Moses provided this as a concession to protect the woman who was divorced, not to justify or legalize divorce under all circumstances.
When Jesus said this, it was about like it is now. People were being divorced for every little whim. Jesus was trying to show how important marriage is, and it is not to be taken lightly. Not being faithful has always been grounds for divorce, and in our day homosexual activity is also, grounds for divorce.
Matthew 5:32 “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
Divorce was allowed in cases of adultery. (Luke 16:18), must be understood in the light of this verse. “Causeth her to commit adultery”: The assumption is that divorced people will remarry. If the divorce was not for sexual immorality, any remarriage is adultery, because God does not acknowledge the divorce.
God also says do not be unequally yoked with those of unbelief. If your spouse is a Satan worshipper, then you must not stay with him. What Jesus was saying, is that marriage should be forever. Nothing, except something of a moral issue, should separate husband and wife.
When they two are married, the Word says, they two become one flesh. Only a spiritual matter should cause a split. If we would just pray and ask God to send His choice of mate for us, we would save everyone a lot of pain.
Verses 33-37: The basis of Old Testament swearing, or oath-taking, is found in (Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; and Deuteronomy 23:21). To “forswear” means to swear falsely or perjure oneself. Oaths taken in the name of the Lord were looked upon as binding, and perjury of such oaths was strongly condemned by the law.
By the time of Christ, the Jews had developed an elaborate system of oath-taking, which often formed the basis of actual lying. In other words, there were stages of truth and thus also of falsehood within the system of taking oaths.
All such oath-taking, Jesus announced, was unnecessary if one were in the habit of telling the truth. Thus, His command was “Swear not at all.” This does not have reference to cursing, as such, but to oath-taking. The disciple is to speak the truth in such a way that his “yes” means yes and his “no” means no.
“Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay:” When you say “yes,” make sure that is what your mean. When you say “no,” make sure that also is what you mean. Mean what you say; say what you mean. Anything that is more than a simple affirmation of the truth “cometh of evil.”
Matthew 5:33 “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:”
This expresses teaching from (Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; and Deut. 23:21, 23).
Matthew 5:34 “But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:”
“Swear not at all”: This should not be taken as a universal condemnation of oaths in all circumstances. God Himself confirmed a promise with an oath (Heb. 6:13-18; Acts 2:30). Christ Himself spoke under oath (26:63-64). And the law prescribed oaths in certain circumstances (Num. 5:19, 21; 30:2-3).
What Christ is forbidding here is the flippant, profane or careless use of oaths in everyday speech. In that culture, such oaths were often employed for deceptive purposes to make the person being victimized believe the truth was being told, the Jews would swear by “heaven,” “earth,” “Jerusalem,” or their own “heads” (verses 34-36), not by God, hoping to avoid divine judgment for their lie.
But it all was in God’s creation, so it drew Him in and produced guilt before Him, exactly as if the oath were made in His name. Jesus suggested that all our speech should be as if we were under an oath to tell the truth (verse 37).
Matthew 5:35-37 “Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.” “Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.” “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Our word should be our bond. Whatever we say, we must stick by it. The Bible says, that God swore by Himself, because there was no greater. We really cannot swear even by ourselves, because we are not our own. We have been bought and paid for. We have nothing to base our oath upon; for everything we are and everything we hope to be is by the grace of God.
Verses 38-39: The principle of retaliation is common in both Hebrew and other ancient Near Eastern law codes (the Code of Hammurabi). The judicial penalty of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” is stated (in Exodus 21:24), as a means of ending feuds. However, Jesus is clearly saying this method is not a license for vengeance.
The Savior’s point is that we should “resist not evil”. Evil is seen here, not as a state, but rather as the action of the evil ones or the malicious ones.
It represents the evil and sinful element in man which provokes him to an evil act. Jesus shows how the believer should respond to personal injury. He is not discussing the government’s obligation to maintain law and order.
These passages do not mean that a man should not defend his family or his country, but rather that he should not attempt personal vengeance, even through the means of the law, to compensate for a personal injury. Jesus gives five examples (verses 39-42), of how the believer should react to unfair or unreasonable treatment.
In retaliation to physical violence, he is to “turn to him the other (cheek) also”. Man’s natural impulse is to strike back, but the disciple is not to be a natural man. He is to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). There is no greater example of this ethical truth that the life and death of Jesus Himself.
Matthew 5:38 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”
“An eye for an eye”: The law did establish this standard as a principle for limiting retribution to that which was just (Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21). Its design was to ensure that the punishment in civil cases fit the crime. It was never meant to sanction acts of personal retaliation.
So again, Jesus made no alteration to the true meaning of the law. He was merely explaining and affirming the law’s true meaning.
Matthew 5:39 “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
“That ye resist not evil”: Like (verse 38), this deals only with matters of personal retaliation, not criminal offenses or acts of military aggression. Jesus applied this principle of non-retaliation to affronts against one’s dignity (verse 39), lawsuits to gain one’s personal assets (verse 40), infringements on one’s liberty (verse 41), and violations of property rights (verse 42). He was calling for a full surrender of all personal rights.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
We do not need to take vengeance. The Lord will take care of it for us. If we will let Him handle it for us, it will heap coals of fire on their heads. Vengeance is a never ending cycle. Kill them with kindness; it hurts worse.
Matthew 5:40 “And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have [thy] cloak also.”
Whether robbed by personal assault or compulsory litigation, the believer is to respond with confidence in what is eternal, rather than that which is temporal. If the believer is sued in order that the accuser may “take away thy coat,” he is to also let him have his “cloak.” The coat is the undergarment or tunic. The cloak is the more expensive outer garment worn over the tunic.
Jesus taught us to have confidence in an almighty God who is completely aware of the injustices done to man and totally capable of evoking ultimate and eternal justice.
Jesus was saying, don’t argue over material things. They will pass away. We get ahead much faster by trying to out-give the other person. If we are generous, people will be generous with us also.
Matthew 5:41 “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”
“Compel”: The word speaks of coercion. The New Testament picture of this is when Roman soldiers forced Simon the Cyrene to carry Jesus’ cross (27:32).
In ancient times government agents were in a position to compel forced service upon a subjugated people. A Roman soldier, for example, could compel a Jewish native to carry his armor or materials for one mile. Jesus now states that if someone compels you to walk a mile, “go with him twain.”
The believer is to be willing to “go the extra mile.” Doing double our duty not only proves our loyalty to human authority, but likewise proves the spiritual intention of our heart.
Do more than is expected of you.
Matthew 5:42 “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
Jesus clearly taught that a loan should be looked upon as a potential gift. There are many statements in Proverbs against borrowing, lending and surety (Prov. 6:1; 11:15; 22:7; 27:13). While we are warned of the dangers of borrowing and lending, Jesus clearly emphasizes that the believer ought to be willing to lend to those in need.
Even the beggar is to be ministered to through the provision of giving to “him that asketh thee.” This statement certainly forms the basis of all Christian charity, and provides the proper social application of the message of the gospel to the physical as well as the spiritual needs of man.
The Scriptures say, if we do these things, we will never have need. God rewards us openly for the good we do secretly.
Verses 43-44: The law of love, sometimes called “law of Christ,” summarizes the ethical principle of the Sermon on the Mount. “Love they neighbor” summarizes the entire second table of the law (Lev. 19:18-34). But the unscriptural addition “hate thine enemy” was a popular concept in Jesus’ day.
The admonition “Love your enemies” is one of the greatest statements Jesus made. The love enjoined in this passage is love that originates from God Himself. Man is not commanded to attempt to love his enemy on the basis of mere human affection but rather on the basis of a love that comes from God. The quality of love commanded here is expressed by giving.
“Bless them” that curse you, “do good” to them that hate you, and “pray” for them that persecute you. Loving an enemy involves doing good toward that enemy in order to win him over to Christ.
Matthew 5:43 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.”
“Love thy neighbor … hate thine enemy”: The first half of this is found in Moses’ law (Lev. 19:18). The second part was found in how the scribes and Pharisees explained and applied that Old Testament command. Jesus’ application was exactly the opposite, resulting in a much higher standard: Love for one’s neighbors should extend even to those neighbors who are enemies (verse 44). Again, this was no innovation, since even the Old Testament taught that God’s people should do good to their enemies (Prov. 25:21).
Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
“Verses 44-45”: “Love your enemies … that ye may be the children of your father”. This plainly teaches that God’s love extends even to His enemies. This universal love of God is manifest in blessings which God bestows on all indiscriminately. Theologians refer to this as common grace. This must be distinguished from the everlasting love God has for the elect (Jer. 31:3), but it is a sincere goodwill nonetheless (Psalm 145:9).
Verses 45-47: In summarizing the importance of love, Jesus reminded that love was a necessary proof of salvation: “that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” may be better rendered, “that ye may prove to be sons of your Father.” An initial reading of this text out of its context might seem to imply that loving one’s neighbor automatically makes one a child of God.
However, the New Testament is clear that love is the evidence that one is already saved by the grace of God (1 John 3:14). Therefore, Jesus reminds us that we are to love our enemies as our “brethren,” for “even the publicans” love those who love them.
Publicans were public officials of Jewish nationality who worked for the Roman government as tax collectors and were generally despised by the people.
Matthew 5:45 “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Jesus loved everyone in spite of their sins. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” If we are truly His followers, we can do no less. We should pattern our lives after His. We should be unselfish, kind, gentle, long-suffering, and giving.
Matthew 5:46 “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?”
“Publicans”: Tax collectors who were disloyal Israelites hired by the Romans to tax other Jews for personal profit. They became symbols for the worst kind of people. (9:10-11; 11:19; 18:17; 21:31; Mark 2:14-16; Luke 5:30; 7:25, 29, 34; 18:11-13), Matthew had been one of them.
The world loves its own. To be different from the world, we must love the unlovely.
Matthew 5:47 “And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so?”
He was saying, that is the way the world acts; giving to receive in return. Give with no hope of return, not just money, but of yourselves, also. Forget about self.
Matthew 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
“Be ye therefore perfect”: Christ sets an unattainable standard. This sums up what the law itself demanded (James 2:10). Though this standard is impossible to meet, God could not lower it without compromising His own perfection.
He who is perfect could not set an imperfect standard of righteousness. The marvelous truth of the gospel is that Christ has met this standard on our behalf.
This section of the Sermon on the Mount is summarized with the statement “Be ye therefore perfect.” Since the New Testament is clear that even the believer is capable of sin, the term perfect is not to be taken as sinless perfection. Perfect here means “complete,” that is, possessing a complete love that, like God’s (verse 45), embraces those who love you as well as those who do not.
Try to be as near like Jesus as is humanly possible. Jesus is our example. We must try every day to be a little more like Him.
Matthew Chapter 5 Questions
1. What sea is this mountain near?
2. What 2 cities was it located between?
3. Many followed Jesus, because of what?
4. In most instances, these people were familiar with what?
5. What is this area now called?
6. What is the greatest teaching of all time?
7. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be what?
8. What 2 ways can we look at this?
9. What shall the meek inherit?
10. What are 2 different meanings of meek?
11. What blessing is associated with meekness?
12. What will happen to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness?
13. For us to be forgiven, what must we do?
14. What does righteousness mean?
15. My cry is not for a just God, but for what kind?
16. What is our just reward?
17. In verse 8, who shall see God?
18. From what, does the mouth speaketh?
19. What shall the peacemakers be called?
20. Jesus was called the King of what?
21. Paul said count it ____ ____ to be persecuted for Jesus?
22. Where is a Christian’s home?
23. Why did the religious people persecute Jesus?
24. In verse 13, we are called what?
25. What is it?
26. If the Christians do not raise a standard, what will happen?
27. What kind of Christians will not make the final cut?
28. How long must the Christians be the preservative?
Matthew Chapter 5 Continued Questions
- In verse 14, Christians are called what?
- When we let our light shine, what does the world see in our lives?
- Who gets the glory?
- Who is the Light spoken of by John in the book of John?
- Besides being called Light, what was He called?
- If we say we are Christians and walk in darkness, what is said of us?
- What cleanses us from all sin?
- Jesus said He did not come to destroy the law, but to do what?
- The law and the Old Testament are a type and shadow of what?
- Jesus is not a destroyer, but a what?
- A teacher and a doer of the law shall be called what in heaven?
- What, besides God’s love, should we teach?
- What 2 groups must our righteousness exceed?
- What were these 2 groups well known for?
- What kind of walk is pleasing unto God?
- What is wrong if we dread going to church?
- What are 2 meanings of “Raca”?
- The word translated “fool” in chapter 5, means what?
- What kind of offering will God not accept?
- If we take communion with bitterness in our hearts, what 2 things might happen?
- In verse 25, we are to agree with adversaries quickly, so this will not happen. What is it?
- What should 2 Christians, who have a problem, do?
- Who is really Judge?
Matthew Chapter 5 Second Continued Questions
1. How should Christians live with all men?
2. What is our body?
3. Why is adultery such a bad sin?
4. If a man looks at a woman with lust in his heart, what sin has he committed?
5. What will be judged more than our deeds?
6. Man’s heart is either _______ or _____.
7. What kind of message will come out of our mouth?
8. Can we curse and bless both? Explain.
9. What 2 things do the Scripture, Romans l0:9-l0, tell us we must do to be saved?
10. Physical blindness would be better than what?
11. For what 3 things is it okay to get a divorce?
12. Man and wife are one what?
13. Why did Jesus say we should not swear by heaven?
14. Why not by earth?
15. Why not by our own head?
16. Instead of taking vengeance, what should we kill them with?
17. If someone sues you and takes your coat, what should you do?
18. If someone asks you to go a mile with them, how far should you go?
19. Who are we told to love?
20. If we learn to love like this, who are we like?
21. Does God let the sun shine on just the good? Explain.
22. If we are Christians, what should our lives be like?
23. To be different from the world, what must we do?
24. In verse 48, we are told to be perfect. In the flesh, can we achieve this? What must we do?