Matthew 5

Matthew 5:7:
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy

The kind of mercy we give, Jesus says, will be the kind of mercy we get when we need it. Which means that mercy is clearly not an event; mercy is a way of being in the world. It is the ability to identify with the sufferings of another and then accompany them while they struggle with them.
Mercy is not so much some kind of quickly compassionate act for another as it is the foundation of an ongoing relationship — if not with this one particular person as it is with the many caught in the same darkness. It is not so much a commitment to law as it is coming to understand the struggles of the other.
-Joan Chittister; National Catholic Reporter

Matthew 5:8:
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

To see God is to stand in the highest point of created being. Not until we see God–no partial and passing embodiment of Him, but the abiding Presence–do we stand upon our own mountain top, the height of existence which God has given us, and up to which He is leading us. That there we should stand is the end of our creation. This truth is at the heart of everything, means all kinds of completions, may be uttered in many ways; but language will never compass it, for form will never contain it. Nor shall we ever see, that is, know, God perfectly. We shall indeed never absolutely know man or woman or child; but we may know God as we never can know man or woman or child, but we know ourselves. We not only may, but we must, so know Him, and it can never be until we are pure in heart.
We are in the world to see God. That is the final spiritual purpose of life. It can be forgotten and frustrated, but as life’s highest possibility and truest destiny it is always with us. It follows the prodigal in his wandering, the fool in his folly, the strong man in his willfullness. In youth and age, in gladness and in grieving, the vision waits.

- Matthew 5:3-12 -

Matthew 5:13:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

"Right in the middle of the Beatitudes, Jesus tells His disciples that they are the SALT of the Earth. Preachers love to talk about what that means to us today. They mention that salt is a preservative. I’m sure that’s important. But I think it’s all about the taste. The primary value of salt comes from its taste. Jesus says that when salt loses its taste, it’s worthless, tossed out and trodden under foot.
In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he instructs them to pray without ceasing. God works in us. He changes us from the inside out, “from glory to glory.” We put off the “old man” and put on the “new man.” The New Man tastes saltier and that’s better. "
--Rev. Kim ErnstFaith Fellowship Ministries, Fairbury

As Christians, our function as salt is to give flavor to the earth. God enjoys this flavor. Unappetizing food becomes tasty and acceptable when seasoned with salt. Job asks this rhetorical question: “Can flavorless food be eaten without salt?” (Job 6:6). The presence of salt makes the difference, causing us to enjoy food we would otherwise refuse to eat. Our presence makes the earth acceptable to God and commends the earth to His mercy. Because we are here, God continues to deal with the earth in grace and mercy rather than in wrath and judgment. Our presence makes the difference. This principle is vividly illustrated in the account of Abraham’s intercession on behalf of Sodom, as recorded in Genesis 18:16–33. The Lord told Abraham that He was going to Sodom to see if that city’s wickedness had come to the point where judgment could no longer be withheld. Abraham then walked with the Lord on His way and reasoned with Him about the situation. -Derek Prince; The teaching Legacy of Derek Prince

Matthew 5: 14-16:
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

You have the ability to bring praise to the Father from others.
Luther said that it is as well-pleasing to God to sweep the floor as to preach the gospel if it is done in the right spirit. This has not always been the church view, however. Hans Nielsen Hauge joined Luther on this point. Hauge and his friends laid their emphasis upon everyday Christianity. His associates became capable farmers, craftsmen, business men, and men of affairs. And they did all these things without it affecting the inner spiritual life.
A danger exists in being overanxious to proceed in earthly calling. The desire for gain and profit often takes the upper hand completely. One ceases to work for the Lord and looks upon the whole thing as his own, even though one is generous at times and gives to the Lord a little of that which one otherwise regards as personal possessions.
A son gave this tribute a his father at his funeral: “I desire to say a few words about father. Father was a Christian at home. That is to me greater than all the good things that have been said here today about father’s life and work.”

"Men are mirrors, or ‘carriers’ of Christ to other men. Sometimes unconscious carriers. This ‘good infection’ can be carried by those who have not got it themselves. People who were not Christians themselves helped me to Christianity. But usually it is those who know Him that bring Him to others. That is why the Church, the whole body of Christians showing Him to one another, is so important. You might say that when two Christians are following Christ together there is not twice as much Christianity as when they are apart, but sixteen times as much.”
~ C.S. Lewis

Matthew 5:14-16:
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

"While Joel and Victoria Osteen believe that our Lord’s command to let your light shine before others is to prosper and show everyone how God is blessing you, this is not what He was talking about at all. We are not to be conformed to this world, we are to unified with our brothers and sisters in Christ while not being yoked to professing Christians who are not genuine, and we are to lay up our treasure in heaven not here on earth. "
-- Mike Ratliff; Possessing The Treasure

If American Christians were facing only short-term challenges, that would be one thing. The fact that our secularized culture seems so strongly and deeply opposed to biblical morality can tempt us to abandon our call to missional engagement As Howard Hendricks noted, “Discouragement is the anesthetic the devil uses on a person just before he reaches in and carves out his heart.”
- Jim Denison

American Christians are well-served to reflect upon how we can be “salt and light” in our broken society and culture. When Jesus urged his disciples to be “salt” he knew that his audience would understand well the preserving and seasoning power of salt. In his day—an era without refrigerators or freezers—his audience knew well that meat could be preserved by rubbing it down with salt and placing it in a cool place. Best of all, the salt would not only preserve the meat but season it also. Yet, to be effective, the salt had to remain chemically pure. It couldn’t be mixed with sand, for example, or it would be ruined. The implication for Jesus’ disciples is that we should conform to God’s law (remaining spiritually pure) instead of becoming contaminated by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life. -Bruce Ashford

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.

The politicalization of Christian morality seldom if ever, produced godly fruit. Imagine if instead of weaponizing issues such as abortion through political strife evangelicals took a more evangelistic approach.
The lack of sound doctrine among evangelicals is the number one contributor for the lack of true evangelism. This shamefully reflects on the spiritual condition of many evangelical ministers who promote their political views more than sound wholesome words which lead to godliness [SOURCE: Rooted and Grounded in Christ]

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

The kingdom of God is not impressed by the theological accolades or academic accomplishments of men. In heaven’s kingdom, people are esteemed in direct proportion to the value they place on the Word of God.
The simple-minded saint who, with little or no formal education, faithfully follows God’s Word is considered great in the eyes of heaven, while the august skeptic who scoffs at the Bible is disdained in the eyes of heaven.
In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees were regarded as “experts” on the law. People considered them among the highest and most authoritative sources of wisdom and knowledge. Yet, they had twisted and divided and manipulated God’s Word for their own selfish and proud purposes. Jesus pointedly informs them, and the people of God, that God is not pleased or impressed by any man’s attempt to undermine or alter his Word.
Sadly, many Christians become confused on this point and begin to evaluate the weight of a man’s words by the degrees he holds or the recognition he is given by men. For this reason, they are easily led astray by liberal scholars or religious professors who make an impressive show of questioning the validity and integrity of the Bible.
--Baptist Bible Hour

Matthew 5:21-22:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement; 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 the fire”

There is a time to be angry. Jesus warned about being angry without a cause. That means imaginary, unjust and selfish motives are not legit. And what are the “just” reasons for being angry at a brother? Because of the “operative” word “forgiveness,” I cannot really think of any. Jesus showed that sin not only included our actions…but our thoughts and attitudes also. After all, if one has the thought and attitude….they are one step away from the action. Sin starts in the mind. When we allow the evil thoughts to enter our mind, they will eventually lead us to action, and then to sin. (For as a man thinketh, so is he Prov 23:7). Jesus is telling us to disrupt the process that leads to sin before it even starts.

Sarcasm has at its core the intent to insult or to be hurtful with no corresponding love or wish for well-being. Instead, the goal of sarcasm is to belittle the victim and elevate the speaker. Jesus warned against such harsh, unloving words in Matthew 5:22. Our words should be helpful and edifying, even if they are uncomfortable to the hearer.

We should speak the truth with loving intent (Ephesians 4:15), avoiding “foolish talk or coarse joking” (Ephesians 5:4). We should speak in such a way that the hearer will understand our motivation. And we should never be malicious or cruel. Carefully worded irony may be fitting, but malicious sarcasm is not. -Got Questions

Matthew 5:23:
So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you,

But what if the person is not around, you never will see him again, is dead? Sin is fundamentally against God—even when it is also against another person. So you can talk to Him about it the matter, seek His forgiveness, and ask for help in being different in the future. He knows where the person is and can settle matters in the other person’s heart in His way, even if you are not present. If he is dead, God has already brought His settlement to the issue.
-Jay Adams

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

Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28, “any man who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Lustful intent is what defines the sin of adultery about which our Lord spoke. Our hearts, as we know, are deceitful “above all things” and “desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9). Verse 10 explains the consequences of the offensive heart’s intent, “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
The evil thoughts of man proceed from peoples’ hearts (Matthew 15:18-20), such that the sinful thoughts turn to sinful deeds. Strong sexual desire outside the confines of marriage is defined as lust—sinful lust with selfish desire. It’s entirely selfish and leads one away from godly living (pleasing God) and to destruction (Romans 1:18, 24; Colossians 3:5-6; 2 Peter 2:9-10; 1 John 2:16-17).Lisa Loraine Baker;Crosswalk

When Jesus was speaking about adultery, He said that it’s not only the physical act that is sinful, but in our minds we can sin too. The Lord said “that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt 5:28). To be sure, sin begins in the mind before it’s ever manifested in the flesh. We think about it…ponder it, and then act on it. The fruit the human heart naturally produces evil works, so whatever starts in the mind can end up being “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Gal 5:19-21a), and the bad news about those who bear such fruit is that “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:21b). The fruit reveals the root, and until we’ve received the Holy Spirit, we cannot possible bear righteous fruit like “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23). -Jack Wellman; Christian Crier

I realize it is possible to practice masturbation without lusting. It is undoubtedly difficult, but yet, possible. Some say they do it as a “biological release,” but without thinking about anyone or lusting over anyone in particular. However, many find it difficult to do so without lusting, especially those who are addicted to the practice. This is because they feel there is a "need" to do it on a regular basis to fulfill lustful desires. Christians (usually) understand sex outside of marriage to be sinful. The Bible teaches that it is (Hebrews 13:4; II Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19-21). So, we may “substitute” the adultery and fornication with masturbation in such a way that it simply replaces the act itself. Jesus says that in doing so, you have committed it in your heart (Matthew 5:28). You lusted and desired that person in such a way that you thought about and even acted out what you might do with that person if it were not a sin. One sin does not justify another.
--James C Guy

"This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool…" - Isaiah 66:1
"But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King." – Matthew 5:34-35
In these scriptures, the throne of God does not feel like it is referring to a literal seat. In fact, it makes the throne seem more like a dwelling place than an actual sitting place. You could possibly argue if you just used these two verses that all of heaven represents the throne of God because that is his dwelling place.

Matthew 5:38:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

The eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth are part of the widespread ancient Near-Eastern Law of retaliation. In Israel other cultures, this principle was enforced by a court and refers to legalized vengeance: personal vengeance was never accepted in the Law of Moses except as a concession for a relative’s murder (Num 35:18-21). The Old Testament did not permit personal vengeance. David recognized this principle in I Samuel 25:33, 26:10-11).

Matthew 5:40-42:
“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”

The extra mile is caring about the work as if you were working for God: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Colossians 3:23).
Because “extra-mile service” gives you an opportunity to impact the lives of others. A person with an extra-mile attitude is someone who cares more than others think is necessary, risks more than others think is safe, believes more than others think is possible, and gives more than what others think is practical. -North Star Church

The word “forces” denotes pressing into service, coercing. Under Roman law, members of the militia were authorized to commandeer civilians to carry military equipment or personal items for one mile (Roman mile—4,854 feet). They were empowered to force any person walking along a road to serve. Jesus said in effect, “Go the extra mile; go twice as far as they ask.”
The word “borrow” means to borrow at interest. This person asks for a loan rather than outright gift. Jesus said that kingdom people are to meet the material needs of others.
In each of the four illustrations, Jesus challenged His followers to go beyond the requirement. Whether it comes to physical attack (v.39), legal suit (v.40), governmental demand (v.41), or material need (v.42), the kingdom believer is to operate on a higher standard. Personal retaliation is not an option.

Unlike Judaism or Islam, Christianity offers no divine blueprint for politics.

It sharply delineates the kingdom of Christ from political authority, the restorative ministry of the gospel from the limited preservative power of civil government, and divine law from human law. To put it another way, Christian theologians distinguish the perfect standard of God’s natural moral law from the way in which Christians, in service to their neighbors, apply that law to politics according to the virtues of love and prudence (not to be mistaken for self-serving pragmatism). As Jacques Ellul put it,
“Our task, therefore, is not to determine what law with a Christian content is; rather, it is to find out what the lordship of Jesus Christ means for law (law as it exists), and what function God has assigned to law.”

The questions facing citizens and politicians alike are complex. It is no easy matter to determine what forms of injustice or immorality government should tolerate, let alone how it should regulate them to minimize abuse. It is not always easy to determine which politicians hold their convictions about the limits of law in good faith.
Christians desperately seek certainty in these matters, but when it comes to politics certainty is a luxury. Here we do not have a clear divine blueprint for law or policy. Here we are in the arena of the virtues of love, prudence, and humility, which each person must seek to put on, in conformity to the image of Christ, as best she can, in good conscience.

In the meantime, Christians must remember that what the state is able to accomplish is not the limit of what human beings are expected to fulfill, let alone what the church should proclaim. Christ demands perfect justice and holiness from all human beings, in every area of life, and it is to that standard that he will hold us all accountable when he comes to judge the living and the dead. “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). - Matthew Tuininga