Note Before Reading: This is commentary of one person. Think of it more as a bible study where each person might see something that someone else didn’t see. God’s word is multifaceted and alive. We will be learning about Jesus, from His Word, through all Eternity. This is just a peek, a few gems, there are many more. I pray that each of you can draw from the well of the Lord’s word, be fed your daily bread and that this might serve as salt to flavor some things you may not have noticed before. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you into all truth.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing,
but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. v13
How can someone lose their savour? Perhaps a lack of love, when His Word is delivered in pride, with feelings of self-righteousness?
Without the beauty of the Lord and His love,
we risk not accomplishing all that He has given us to do or say.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. v14
The light of the world. That is an incredible honor. If we are unashamed of our Lord Jesus, we will be as if on a hill and those who know us will notice.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. v15
Share the gospel with all those whom you have the opportunity to do so.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven. v16
Good works are those we do for the Father and to glorify Jesus. They are not for us to be rewarded or honored. God gets honored and that is our reward. If we seek an earthly reward, that is, any sort of honor that elevates us, we will lose
our heavenly reward.
Jesus Fulfills the Law
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. v17
The New Testament ties all the loose ends. Jesus is the sacrifice to bring peace between God and man. While God is merciful in the Old Testament, the mercy is more clearly defined in the New Testament and the gift of the Holy Spirit is around all humans and is available, unlike the Old Testament where only some heard from the Lord.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass,
one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. v18
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8
God does not change. Jesus was in the Old Testament and His sacrifice reflects the shed blood to reconcile us to God in the New Testament.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them,
the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. v19
If we obey and teach His commandments, we are doing the whole law
and will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
We never want to serve the Lord for reward,
but instead, because we want to do what is right to do
and help others to follow the Way, which is Jesus.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed
the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees,
ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. v20
What was the righteousness of the Scribes and the Pharisees?
The leaven, the puffy attitudes and religious deeds,
the efforts that gave them position and worldly honor.
Those things are not honorable to the Lord Jesus.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: v21
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:
and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. v22
Let’s see, in danger of Judgment; the Council and in danger of Hell Fire.
God does not want us to ought in our heart toward anyone. Forgive. Let it go.
Be kind and gracious. Love. Even love those who hate you.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:
that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:25
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar,
and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; v23
Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way;
first be reconciled to thy brother,
and then come and offer thy gift. v24
God does not want your wretched heart, filled with guile,
coming before His throne.
He does not want us to act like it’s no big deal
when hatred in the heart is offensive to God.
Reconcile to your brother and then, come and commune with God.
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him;
lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge,
and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. v25
Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence,
till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. v26
Things can get out of hand quickly.
As much as it is possible, keep peace with all.
Pray for God’s reconciliation even with your enemies,
even when they are in the wrong,
and let Him help you to continually love and forgive.