Matthew 5

Contributor: Adam Parks

Growing up in Florida I couldn’t help but learn to fish.  I remember going to the lake as a young kid, sitting on the dock catching a bucket full of little bream using bread balls as bait.  The obsession only grew more intense as I got older.  I traded in fishing from the dock for fishing from the boat and the lakes for the ocean.  However, one thing has not changed and that is my constant hope that I will be able to land the the trophy fish that everyone will want to hear about!

Over the years I have collected a wide array of fishing gear: rods, reels, tackle boxes and baits.  I have shirts, hats and sunglasses specifically designed to give any angler an advantage on the open water.  I must say that at first glance I most likely appear able to conquer fight of the most challenging fish (or at least I hope)...

But as I have had the opportunity to gain experience, I have found that every angler, no matter how well prepared is only going to be as successful as the water will allow him.  Even with the latest gear or the best rigs the quality and condition of the water will determine how well the fish will bite on any given day.  The best fishing pole with the latest lure cannot overcome the wrong water clarity, temperature or algae levels. 

In much the same way when Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount to his followers in Matthew chapter five, he shared with a crowd familiar with religious professionals who knew the Law of God so well they had worked their way around it.  But God had taken notice...

When Jesus begins the sermon he describes for his followers the kind of people that are part of God’s Kingdom: “And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...’” (Matthew 5:2-3 ESV). 

He goes on to lay out for his listeners the way they are to live as citizens of that Kingdom taking their relationship with the Father far beyond outward appearance, instead transforming their hearts, everything they are to the likeness and the righteousness of God!

As he ushers in the new covenant, six times in Matthew chapter five Jesus teaches “You have heard that it was said, but I say to you...” making it clear that God’s intention was for his people to be fully devoted followers with surrendered hearts not merely offering good appearances.  Jesus taught that it was not enough to simply refrain from murdering a brother but every effort should be made to be reconciled to him.  Instead of drawing the line at adultery a surrendered heart remains free from lust.  Though the world expects us to hate and despise our enemies Jesus tells us to love them as they are also his children.

In fact, in every way a life devoted to Christ is radically different from the world and that is exactly the way Jesus intended it.  He wants his followers to be the light of the world, sharing the Kingdom of Heaven with those living in the confines of darkness.  He wants those who have the peace and hope that comes from a relationship with God to impact the world starving for truth. 

Just as catching the trophy fish requires more than just the latest gear but the right water conditions, a relationship with God requires more than just an outward adherence to his Law but a sold out devotion and surrendered heart!