Matthew 5:1-16. Disciples going public in Testimony and Service: Blessings, Salt and Light.
Characteristics of public servants, v.1-11.
- The King and the multitudes: The multitudes were not ready for the beatitudes. There comes a time when those who follow Christ in service for Him must pull out of the mixed multitude. People in general were living in darkness and were neither salt nor light. The multitude does not appreciate the law. God's social order means that we live under God's government. Counter-culture values are not popular with most people. To reverse what is common practice makes people resistant and angry.
- The King and His disciples: The first connection people have with Jesus, is a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, as happened with the disciples a year before the time of this sermon being preached. That relationship goes beyond the Lord Jesus being known as the King. He will become real as our King, to all those believers in Him who want to please Him in their lives. When the time comes that an individual submits to His authority as my King; then we are ready to follow where He leads us or directs us. Each one had to come to Him personally. Each one had to respond to His call personally. Each one had to be willing to serve Him personally.
- The King and characteristics of the kingdom: The called disciples, had to know the characteristics that identified them as members of the kingdom who were loyal to the King. Those who are loyal to the King, are obedient to the King. Those who are obedient to the King, represent the King. Disciples of the King gather to the King and follow Him; they learn from the King and then they go out to speak for the King and represent Him wherever they are found. God's high ideal for those who serve Him was met in our Lord Jesus.
- The King and principles of the kingdom: Kingdom principles of living are very different from worldly living. The principles taught in the sermon on the mount, describe the working of grace that is opened up to those who surrender their lives as children of the kingdom to God's authority and rule. Those who are in the kingdom of heaven, are more conscious of who they are in relation to the King; than where they are or what they do in the kingdom. Those principles begin in us as individuals. Greatness is in people, not in the military power of a nation, not in the success of a nation, or not in the human leadership of a nation. Greatness begins in the character of the people of a nation. The Lord taught on the mountain what He had always taught.
- The Beatitudes: "Blessed," is a condition of contentment, joy, restfulness, and security. Blessings and responsibilities go together. The results of each blessing are given as the person is described. [1] There is a "poor in spirit" consciousness of being in the kingdom of God. A person is happy because he or she is in the kingdom, not necessarily in the environment in which they are found or in which they are called to serve. A person who is "poor in spirit," is one who is subject to the King; has their heart, mind, and life all submitted to the King. They know their spiritual need and acknowledge it. How blessed is the assurance that one with that characteristic is in the kingdom of heaven!
[2] There are many causes for "mourning." We mourn over the loss of loved ones and over the loss of health. We may mourn over our inability, our failures, our unworthiness, and the sin that so easily beset us. We know our spiritual poverty and grieve over evil that happens around us and in us. The Spirit of God comforts us now and gives us a sense of relief over the fact of God's grace that is sufficient for our needs. In the future, there will be the blessed comfort of being in the presence of the Lord and with Him forever.
[3] A "meek" person who is submissive to the King, is one who has their personal power under the control of His divine sovereignty. There is gentleness and yet true humility when personal strengths are under the control of the King. Such people experience the blessing of God, allowing them to be useful for the Lord in the world now; as well as in the future when the full extent of His kingdom is known worldwide.
[4] An earnest desire for what is right and will please God in my own life, is what it is to "hunger and thirst after righteousness." The effect of our own desire may also have a positive effect on others that may prevail and be a benefit to many. Such people will be discontented with everything that displeases God and is unlike God. By His grace, God will satisfy that longing desire to where we can be satisfied, even though nothing around us may change as far as we can see. These first four beatitudes are positive. The next ones are more active.
[5] The "merciful" person gives and serves with kindness and forgiveness when it is not deserved. Christ is merciful to us and that Christ-like attitude and way in us, is a way God shows His mercy to the undeserving. When we show mercy, He shows us more of His mercy by withholding from us that which we deserve and blessing us instead.
[6] "Pure in heart" is characteristic of one who has experienced divine cleansing that is not superficial. God's cleansing brings a wholeness and a loyalty that is fixed on God. When that is real, there will be holiness, integrity, honesty and trust, that will be evident by consistency in life. There will be an openness before God and people showing there are no hidden agendas or secret schemes, we do not want others to know about. There will be spiritual eyesight to see the Lord by faith in all we do now in our daily lives, as well as when we are face to face with Christ our Savior.
[7] "Peacemakers" are not agitators in themselves. They are people who promote peace, pray for peace, and when possible; make peace between those who need to be reconciled. In some way, they seek to arrange for reconciliation between alienated people. God is like that, and our Lord Jesus Christ arranged for peace between us and God through the blood of His cross. Making peace may have a significant personal cost to the peacemaker.
[8] Those who suffer for doing what is right, are often "persecuted" by those who prefer things to remain as they are, in a compromised or sinful condition. Suffering for the sake of our Lord can be for our good now, and it is rewarded in heaven. When we take our eyes off of things on earth that consume the minds of most people, there is no longer a superficial casual attitude toward divine things. Persecution has a way of strengthening faith and it also gives an example to others as to what is really important.
Characteristics of salt and light, v.13-16.
- Salt: The exchange of salt was used as a form of affirming covenants. God had made a salt covenant with Israel which we read in the book of Leviticus. That was symbolic in the meaning of a lasting covenant that was to be preserved. A characteristic of salt is first preserving that which can spoil if left to itself. It also enhances the flavor that is in the food we eat so that it is more palatable and enjoyable. Salt purifies some of those things that are contaminated in themselves or are contaminated by things around them. Adding salt removes potentially poisoning elements. Salt also has the characteristic of being able to reflect and refocus light so it can allow the sunlight to melt ice quicker than it would normally.
It is possible for a Christian to lose their influence and testimony, by allowing sinful and contaminating things to enter our minds and then into our lives. When we do not live up to our calling in Christ, our lives can quickly become useless as far as Christian testimony is concerned.
- Light: The light of spiritual life in a believer in Christ, is a reflection of His Light. Christ is the Source of all light, and in Christian testimony, His Light in the world shines through those He has saved by His grace. We participate with our Lord Jesus in the work of the kingdom of heaven by the light of our testimony in small things as well as the big things. His truth shines like light through His people who know the truth and are made free by the truth.
The accumulation of a lot of small lights, can make the light of a city to be seen from a long way off and can give light to those who live in darkness. The light of a city is not made up of one light but of many small lights seen from a distance and can be seen from the heavens.
Perhaps the most important light is our own personal light as individuals. "Let your light so shine before men," means that we are responsible to let the work of God's grace in us produce spiritual light; glorify God when it becomes obvious to those who know us. When our faith is demonstrated openly by the light that is in us, then people will know it is God who is working in us differently than in them. Believers together, give light that has an impact that can be experienced and observed by those who are living for nothing lasting. When the light of life is seen; people can see the way to God for themselves in dark times.
Don't be quiet when you should speak. Don't compromise with the sinful practices of unbelievers. Don't deny who you are or that you belong to Christ and are in the kingdom of heaven. Don't let anything come into your life that would dim your spiritual light. Don't keep quiet about the light of life God has lit up in your life. Don't ignore the fact that people who are in darkness need the light you can give.