The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for June 30-July 5, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26 MOT & NLT
[Jesus said,] “21You heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders shall be liable to the judgment.’ 22But I (myself) say to you that all the ones being angry with their brothers shall be liable to the judgment; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’ (or “Empty Head”) shall be liable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, ‘Fool!’ shall be liable to the Gehenna of fire (Hell).” 23Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave the gift there before the altar and go first be reconciled to your brother, and then returning offer your gift. 25Be well disposed to your opponent quickly while you are with him in the way (road); otherwise he may deliver you (the opponent) to the judge and the judge to the attendant, and you will be cast into prison. 26Truly, I say to you, by no means will you come out from there until you have repaid the last quadrans. ( a copper coin worth 1/64 of a denarius) MOT
[Jesus said,] 21“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 23“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for a new day and a new week to love and serve You! I praise You for sending Jesus to teach us Your ways with a clarity and effectiveness we would never have known without Him. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit that I may live out Your command not to “murder,” not only in the letter of the Law, but also in the Spirit of it taught us by Jesus. This I pray in His most holy name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said,] “21You heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders shall be liable to the judgment.’ 22But I (myself) say to you that all the ones being angry with their brothers shall be liable to the judgment; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’ (or “Empty Head”) shall be liable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, ‘Fool!’ shall be liable to the Gehenna of fire (Hell).” MOT
As we shall see in this and coming weeks, Jesus calls us to far more than the “letter” of the Law. He calls us to live out the heart intent of it as well. As you look at Matthew 5:21-22 what is one area in your life where you most need to call on the power of Jesus for you to overcome and not “murder” anyone (that is not call anyone an “Empty Head” or a fool, as well as the literal command)?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit so that my thoughts and actions will reflect the life and love of Jesus in everything!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for making it clear to me that You want more from me than an outward observance of Your commands. You call me to a pure heart. I pray again today that You will fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may live with the purity of heart that You desire, and that through Your Spirit living in me, my life may bring You glory, honor and praise. This I pray in the strong name of Jesus, my risen Lord. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said,] 21“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. NLT
Notice the increasing degrees of punishment for the seemingly decrease degrees of offense. What was Jesus telling us through this?
What actions must you take today to eliminate “murder” (as Jesus defined it) from your life?
Today’s Challenge: I will call on Jesus for strength in every situation that I find myself tempted to “murder” another with my thoughts or words!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, without a doubt there are others who have something against me in my life. I pray that You will bring them to my awareness and give me the courage to go to them, to ask forgiveness when it’s been my fault, and to seek to reconcile every relationship where the person is willing to reconcile. This I ask in Jesus name and for the sake of His coming Kingdom. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
23Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave the gift there before the altar and go first be reconciled to your brother, and then returning offer your gift. MOT
Has Jesus worded this teaching to address those who have offended you? Why do you think Jesus worded the teaching this way?
Why is it so important to be reconciled with others before we give our tithes and offerings to the Lord?
Today’s Challenge: In so far as it lies with me, I will reconcile with the people I know have something against me. In cases where folks are unwilling to reconcile, I will move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for making it clear in Your word that relationships with brothers and sisters are important to You, so important that You call me to reconciliation with others, before I bring my gifts to You. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live in such a way as to offend people only with Your Good News, and not with any sin in my life. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
23“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. NLT
What is the practical application of this teaching in life today, give that we don’t offer “sacrifices” in the “Temple”?
What does the word “reconciliation” mean to you?
Today’s Challenge: I will abide in Jesus today, so that I may reach out to others with His love and grace in every relationship!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I would like to think that I don’t have any “opponents,” but I know that I have not lived in perfection toward others, whether family members, friends, co-workers or acquaintances. Forgive me for not living with love for You first and others second in my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live as you command. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
25Be well disposed to your opponent quickly while you are with him in the way (road); otherwise he may deliver you (the opponent) to the judge and the judge to the attendant, and you will be cast into prison. 26Truly, I say to you, by no means will you come out from there until you have repaid the last quadrans. ( a copper coin worth 1/64 of a denarius) MOT
A denarius was a day’s wages, so a “quadrans” wasn’t worth a lot. What is Jesus point in stating that once a person has been placed in prison, he would remain there until paying such a small amount?
What is the everyday application of this Scripture for your life right now?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in such a way that my “opponents” will reconcile with me “in the way”!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father as another week comes to a close, I thank You for Your presence in my life, and for giving me the strength of Your Spirit to live more and more in the ways of Jesus. I pray that You will examine my heart right now, and show me any areas where I need to repent, and to receive Your forgiveness. Restore me to Your favor, that I may worship You rightly today, tomorrow and each day You give me. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
25“When you are on the way to court with your adversary settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. NLT
Put yourself in the position of the “adversary.” How would Jesus call you to respond if it was someone else who had offended you?
What is one thing you need to do today, to make Matthew 5:21-26 more a part of your life?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit that I may settle differences quickly, and show others Jesus’ grace and goodness in my life!