What was the message of Jesus? (Matthew chpt. 5-7)
The Beatitudes "the blessings, or blessed sayings of Jesus" (Matt. 5:1-16)
The poor in spirit---- the humble and lowly in spirit, contrite. The reward is the spiritual riches of the kingdom of heaven (or God).
Those who mourn ---- those who mourn and grieve over their sins as well as those of the world. The reward is the comfort provided by God's love, grace and mercy.
The meek ---- the humble and submissive towards God and spiritual things. The reward is the inheritance of the new earth.
Those that hunger and thirst for righteousness ---- those who desire Christ and Holy living, doing all possible to learn and live for God.
The merciful ---- those who, having experienced Gods grace and forgiveness, know how to extend mercy and forgiveness to others.
The pure in heart ---- those who have pure motives in serving God. They only love him and want to serve him for saving them, not what he can give them.
The peacemakers ---- those who believe in and work for peace in the world and in the lives of mankind. These people love peace, hate strife and violence, and preach the "Prince of Peace"
Those who are persecuted ---- those who suffer for the word of God and the gospel's sake. They gladly suffer for their faith, and they know God stands by them throughout.
Salt and Light ---- those who witness by their actions and lifestyle, not by their speech. Their faith is real, and those observing see this and receive them with confidence. As the salt of the Earth, we are to "season" it with good deeds and kindness. As the light of the world, we are to shine and reflect God's love, grace, holiness and salvation to all mankind.
New covenant moral teachings (Matt. 5:17-48)
you shall not murder (kill) Þ expands to anger, calling one a fool, and failure to reconcile with a friend or an adversary.
you shall not commit adultery Þ expands to lustful thoughts and attitudes from the heart.
divorce for almost any reason Þ expands to the permanency of marriage and divorce for limited reasons.
Do not swear falsely and perform your oaths Þ expands to saying "yes" and "no" without having to take oaths.
An eye for an eye Þ expands to turning the other cheek and vengeance gives way to mercy and grace and the act of loving and praying for your enemies.
Spiritual Disciplines (Matt. 6:1-7:6)
Alms / Giving ---- cautioned to do your giving in secret and do not announce to all what or when you give.
Prayer ---- cautioned to pray in secret, not loudly or openly attempting to draw attention to yourself.
Fasting ---- cautioned to be done in secret
Possessions ---- not to store (or hoard) them here on earth, but store your "treasures" in heaven by serving God, serving people, and doing good works.
Carefree living ---- urged to live a carefree, worry free life trusting God to meet our needs.
Judging others ---- urged not to judge others or look for faults in others but to apply the same standard of mercy to their lives that you require. God then becomes the only fair, impartial and honest judge for the souls of men and women.