Returning to the GospelsSample

A new way of living

Matthew 5 is the beginning of what we know as the sermon on the mount. On a theological level, this passage is also known as the speech about discipleship, because it focuses on the radically new lifestyle expected of followers of Jesus.

Thousands of years before, Moses, from a mountain, had announced the Old Testament law, but in this passage we see Jesus bringing a new announcement, a new way of life: the gospel.

Again and again we read that Jesus says "You have heard that it was said (...), but now I say to you". Jesus came to establish the kingdom of heaven, he came to challenge us to live a life in the spirit, not only in theory, but also in practice.

Today more than ever it is important to return to the Gospels and understand the foundations of our faith. In this way we will be able to stand firm in a world that is being shaken in different ways.

The sermon on the mount reveals a theological tension: it speaks of a partial blessing that we can experience now, but also of the full blessing that awaits us in eternity.

This is the constant tension between the here and now, and that which we hope for, but which has not yet happened.

Jesus explains that, if we live as he teaches us, we will be blessed in this world and in this time, but we will see the full reward once his kingdom has been established forever.

To be part of God's kingdom is to decide daily that we will live a different and faith-filled life. And this challenge is just as relevant for us today as it was for the audience thousands of years ago.

In his Word, Jesus drew a map for us, a guide for us to reach the destination he has prepared for us. A path that will help us to develop every particle of potential and greatness that he has placed in us. Following this map implies living according to his plans, leaving behind that which distances us from his purpose, and understanding that his way of living is better than ours.

Are you willing to align your life with God's map on a daily basis?

Prayer: Jesus, help me to align my life with the map you have left us in your Word. Help me to strengthen the foundations of my faith and to trust fully in your ways. Amen.