Matthew Chapter 5

Are we coming to the Lord today looking for advice and instruction? As Jesus began His public ministry, crowds began to follow Him. The life-lessons He taught covered huge areas of our life experiences — the blessed attitudes, being salt and light, obedience to the law of God, dealing with enemies and anger, adultery, divorce, and revenge — it’s all in there.

Reading chapter 5, where should we focus our attention? So many of the messages preached draw out specific principles and approaches to godly living. Have we ever sat in churches and felt condemnation or judgment flowing from the pulpit? Don’t confuse conviction with condemnation. What are we looking for as we open the word of God today?

“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.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Often in ministry we confuse our focus. Nothing makes us happier than a full house on Sunday morning. Do we ever get lost playing to the crowd? I’m so glad Jesus never got lost playing to the crowd. What was His purpose? How has that purpose been passed to us? Are we faithfully answering the call to be and make disciples?

Jesus’ focus was the disciples. What do you think our focus should be and why?