January 25. Matthew 5
A radically different kingdom
For the next three days, our readings are from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. When I read the many teachings that start in Matthew 5, what stands out to me is how radically different they were for the people who heard them, and how radically different my life is because of Jesus and his kingdom. Like the crowds who gathered to hear him (Matthew 4:25), I was drawn to Jesus by the gospel he proclaimed (Matthew 4:23) and am continually amazed by his teaching, like those who listened to him on the hills looking over Galilee that day (Matthew 7:28-29).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us about the kingdom he was proclaiming. The Jews listening to him that day were expecting a Messiah to save them from their oppressors and make Israel into a mighty kingdom, possibly a return to the great kingdoms of David and Solomon. However, the kingdom that Jesus described is radically different than what they were expecting.
Those blessed, or happy and fulfilled, by Jesus’ kingdom are the poor in spirit, sad, meek, and those seeking righteousness (Matthew 5:3-6). Unlike many in the world around them, they’re merciful toward others, with pure hearts, seeking to reconcile and bring peace (Matthew 5:7-9). Instead of the wise, rich and powerful, the kingdom would belong to the weak, lowly, and broken of the world - those who seek him with radically different hearts.
They are the salt and light of the world (Mathew 5:13-16). Salt and light are common and ordinary, but able to add flavor, preserve and brighten up everything around them. The common and ordinary people of Jesus’ kingdom will have a radically different impact on the world.
Life in Jesus’ kingdom isn’t about rules, regulations, and rituals, but instead is about heart, humility, and hope. While “you have heard it said” by the teachers of the law that you must do the right things and follow all the right rules to be righteous, Jesus says “I tell you” that if you have a kingdom heart, you’ll fulfill the law (which wasn’t able to produce a righteous heart). While the world around us is filled with anger, lust, divorce, empty promises, and retaliation, Jesus’ kingdom is filled with a radically different love for our brothers and sisters, neighbors, and even our enemies.
I feel incredibly blessed that God sent Jesus to establish his radically different kingdom. Since becoming a disciple, God has changed my heart to one that seeks His will and does not live only for what I want. My life has changed from seeking to achieve something great for myself to wanting to have an impact by helping other broken souls like mine find his kingdom. I’ve changed to have a greater love for others rather than only those who love me.
How has Jesus’ kingdom radically changed your life?