Scripture: Matthew 5:17-48

I. We Christians should listen to and obey Jesus’ interpretation of the Law.

A. Six times in Matthew 5 Jesus introduces a topic covered in the Old Testament Law by saying, “You have heard that it was said” (vs. 21, 27, 31, 33, 38 and 43). Jesus disagreed with what the Pharisees and scribes said about the Law. So, six times Jesus said, “But I say to you” (vs. 22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44). Jesus is the final interpreter of God’s Law. Jesus never lowers God’s standards for obedience like the Pharisees and scribes attempted to do.

B. Jesus says that anger makes you a murderer (vs. 22). How’s that for raising the bar? Jesus asks in vs. 28, “Have you ever looked at someone who is not your spouse and used your imagination to stir up sexual desire?” If so, you have committed adultery. And Jesus says you can only divorce because of your spouse’s unfaithfulness (vs. 32). If you divorce for any other reason and remarry, you are guilty of adultery. Jesus will not lower the standards for divorce.

C. Jesus says not to take any oaths (vs. 34). Just speak the truth and don’t play games with your oaths so you can get away with lying. Matthew 23:16: “If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.” Jesus says, it is not for you as an individual to take revenge on other individuals when they hurt you (vs. 39). Life in God’s kingdom means loving even those who hate you (vs. 44).

II. We Christians are to strive for God’s perfection.

A. Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:48 is: “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus says God is your standard for everything. God is holy so you be holy. God is love so you love. God is perfect so you be perfect. This is what Jesus commands and demands from everyone who would enter His kingdom. Jesus commands perfection because this is the proper interpretation of the Old Testament Law.

III. We Christians know we need reconciliation with God.

A. Jesus says in vs. 14, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” We are so full of the light of God that we cannot hide what God has done in us and for us. Light is so powerful. Light grows things. Light guides our feet along wherever we walk. And light brings us joy as the darkness is pushed back. When a Christian comes along who is full of God’s light, people notice. They say, “There’s something different about you.” And some of those people who notice your light will be changed. They will want the light of God that they see in you.

Application:
Put your faith in Christ’s blood to save you. Strive for perfection.

Sources:
The Bible
Commentaries by J.C. Ryle, Tom Schreiner, Charles Quarles, D.A. Carson.

Sermon Discussion Questions

~ Is Jesus saying in Matthew 5 that Christians should ignore the Old Testament? Who was Jesus arguing against in Matthew 5? What was Jesus arguing against?
~ Do you ever try to lower God’s standards for your life? But what is God’s standard for you in Matthew 5:48? How is it possible for us to reach this standard?
~ In what way has Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets? What prophecies has Jesus fulfilled so that you can be reconciled to the holy God?