August 4, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 5
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
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.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: 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 hell fire.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
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.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
Matthew Chapter 5, also known as the Sermon on the Mount, is a central passage in the teachings of Jesus. Here, Jesus presents the way to a life focused on the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Beginning with the Beatitudes, He offers profound teachings on the true nature of happiness and fulfillment, which are found not in material things, but in spiritual virtues and right relationships with God and others. The Sermon on the Mount challenges listeners to examine their hearts and strive for a higher righteousness that goes beyond mere legal compliance.
Commentary:
In Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus lays the foundation for a way of life that is radically different from worldly norms. The Beatitudes represent a reversal of worldly values, promising the Kingdom of Heaven and comfort to the spiritually poor, the mourners, the meek, and the persecuted. Jesus calls His disciples to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” to live as examples of God’s grace and truth.
Jesus does not abolish the law but fulfills and expands it by pointing to the deeper intent behind the commandments. For example, He teaches that the roots of murder lie in anger and that adultery begins with a lustful look. These teachings emphasize that true righteousness begins in the heart, not just in outward actions.
A central point of this teaching is the love of enemies, which stands in stark contrast to typical human reactions. Jesus calls for loving not only one’s neighbors but also one’s enemies, doing good instead of repaying evil, and praying for those who persecute us. This attitude reflects the perfection that Jesus calls His followers to—a perfection that aligns with the character of God.
Summary:
Matthew Chapter 5 reveals the ethical and moral principles of the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus teaches His followers. The Beatitudes extol spiritual virtues and promise eternal rewards for those who follow God’s path. Jesus urges believers to act as light and salt in the world and to live a righteousness that goes deeper than mere adherence to laws. Through teachings on anger, adultery, retaliation, and love for enemies, He calls us to examine our hearts and align our lives with God’s perfect standards. These teachings are an invitation to live in a way that reflects the character of God and prepares us for eternal life.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 52: The Divine Shepherd
This chapter is based on John 10:1-30.
Read online here
Commentary
In John 10:1-30, Jesus Christ reveals Himself as the “Good Shepherd,” a metaphor deeply rooted in the culture and hearts of the people of His time. This familiar image of a shepherd lovingly and protectively watching over his flock serves as a powerful parable for the close, personal relationship that Jesus maintains with His believers. He is not just a shepherd, but the Shepherd who is willing to lay down His life for His sheep—an expression of the highest form of love and devotion.
The promise that the Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name highlights the deep personal bond that Jesus has with each individual believer. He knows our worries, our fears, and our struggles. In a world full of uncertainties, the Good Shepherd offers security, guidance, and comfort. Jesus contrasts Himself sharply with the false shepherds of His time, who led the people astray and neglected their responsibility to the flock.
Through the image of the shepherd who goes ahead and leads his sheep to safe pastures, Jesus illustrates that the way to God cannot be reached through human wisdom or religious systems, but only through Him. He is the door to life, and only through Him can we find true fulfillment and peace. This image of the Shepherd who fights for and protects His sheep conveys the deep comfort and security found in following Jesus.
The Good Shepherd not only lays down His life for the sheep but also takes it up again to grant them eternal life. This willingness to sacrifice Himself shows the deep love of Jesus, a love that knows no bounds. It is a love that follows us into our darkest moments, rescues us from lostness, and leads us into fellowship with God.
Jesus’ call to follow His voice is an invitation to a life of abundance—a life characterized by His guidance and care. In Him, we find not only protection and provision but also the assurance that He will never abandon us. This Shepherd, who leads us through life, will ultimately bring us to our eternal home, where we will find complete security and joy in His presence.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 53: The Last Journey From Galilee
This chapter is based on Luke 9:51-56; Luke 10:1-24.
Read online here
Commentary
In Chapter 53 the final journey of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem is depicted, a journey marked by both internal and external challenges. With the foreknowledge of His impending suffering and death, Jesus altered His approach, deliberately turning toward the cross. Whereas He had previously avoided the attention of the masses, He now openly presented Himself, preparing the people for the impending climax of His earthly mission.
On this last journey through Galilee, Jesus taught intensively, using many parables to convey His message and prepare His disciples for the coming events. Despite the growing hostility from the religious leaders, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, resolutely setting His face toward Jerusalem, fully aware that His sacrifice was necessary to save humanity.
The people’s reactions to Jesus’ final journey were mixed. While some readily accepted His teachings, others met Him with rejection and hostility. The Samaritans, who did not receive His message, and the cities that ignored His works and teachings, became cautionary examples of the danger of rejecting God’s offer of salvation.
This chapter highlights Jesus’ determination and obedience to the will of His Father, as well as His deep love and care for humanity. It shows us that the path of obedience and devotion is not always easy, but it ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. The words and actions of Jesus on this final journey remind us that the true treasure lies in heaven and that if we set our hearts on God, we can become part of His eternal kingdom.
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