The Book of MatthewSample

Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?

(Matthew 7:7-11, The Message) 

This week we read Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. The message was not Christian life instructions, but instead, an announcement that life was about to change. God’s new covenant arrived, alive before them. Jesus turned everything these people knew (especially Israel) on its head. The Kingdom of God commenced its outworking on earth, as it is in Heaven, through Jesus. It was what the Jewish people had long awaited. 

At our church, we often say that we are not after behavior modification, but rather, soul transformation. That message is the essence of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Through this new covenant, God can reveal himself on earth, transforming the hearts and minds of those who love Him. 

In chapter 5, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt was primarily used as a preservative in the ancient world to keep things from going bad. God called Israel, and now all of Jesus' followers, to be the salt of the world, to show a different way of life. Jesus continues in verse 14 to say, “You are the light of the world.” He is imploring them to light up the dark places and also offer light to those in darkness. 

Where do our cities need salt and light right now? We live in a world desperately in need of refreshment and light. How are we going to provide it? What will our lives say? What light can we extend? 

Jumping forward to chapter 7, we read, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened for you.” This promise is powerful. Jesus reminds us that God is our Father, and we are his children. He not only expects us to ask things of Him, but He delights in it. As we mature in our faith, our prayers and our desires become more and more aligned with His. Keep God in the loop and tell him what you are seeking. He is YOUR Father, and He will not let you down. 

Discussion Questions for Leader

What about this passage contradicts popular beliefs today? 

In what ways can you provide salt and light to your world? 

How comfortable are you in asking God for your desires?