UncommonSample

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him when he sat down. And he opened his mouth and taught them….” Matthew 5:1 ESV

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus challenges the status quo of the Pharisees with great force. He speaks directly to them about how they have been dealing with anger, lust, retaliation, and their view of other people. Let’s see how Jesus further uncovers and expands the status quo from the days “of old” to the now.

Check out Matthew 5, and you’ll see what I mean.

He doesn’t change the old law; he reveals more of it and raises the standard of how we should live. Jesus presents us with a 3D view of Old Testament laws, making them more robust.

For example, it’s pretty “easy” for most of us not to commit homicide. But what Jesus shows is that law is about more than murder; it’s about hate towards an individual. He called out the murder of the heart. Now, that’s something I resonate with. I realize this is an extreme example, but we can feel the heavy weight of what Jesus wants us to learn. Living in the newness of Christ is not just about committing the physical act of adultery; it’s the posture of the heart when you interact with that one co-worker or friend.

Jesus doesn’t want us to settle with the old law and the old life. He wants us to experience the fullness of Christ fulfilling the law and living in the new life ahead abundantly.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do you believe Jesus’ most counter-cultural statement is in Chapter 5 and why?
2. What area of Matthew 5 challenges you the most?
3. How could you partner with the Lord and your small group to grow in this area?