One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. “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 5:1-16 NLT
This is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of Jesus’ teaching on discipleship. In this sermon, Jesus defined the Kingdom of God—what it means to live in the will and reign of God. Being a follower of Christ means we live in and live out the values of the King—even if they are contrary to the values of our culture. For many people, being a Christian means going to church or being a good person. These things are important, but they are not how Jesus defined discipleship. A Christian accepts their call to follow Jesus and (with His help) live His way of life. The values of the Kingdom are clear: A poor spirit, mourning, humbleness, hungering for justice, mercy, purity, peacemakers, and being persecuted for doing right. The Kingdom is not about possessions, wealth, happiness, pride, or power. It does not
work the same as the warped systems that humans have set up. These values, though they seem weak to the world, are full Holy Spirit power! This is the hope that reached out to sinners and made them want to change. This is the compassion that touched lepers, healed the sick, and ate with everyone from former prostitutes to Pharisees. This is the powerful, sacrificial love that went to the cross. The teaching of Jesus is hard to live, but it is not complicated to understand. King Jesus is the hope of the world, the fulfillment of all we truly long for as human beings. The Lord calls us to embody the values of the Kingdom of God. If Christians don't live it, the world will never taste the salt or see the light.
Which one of the Beatitudes (“blessed are”) is the hardest for you? What is one way you can be salt and light in the world this week
