Matthew 5-7

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Everyone Who Hears These Words of Mine and Acts on Them

What does a follower of Jesus look like? Jesus Himself gives us the answer in His sermon on the Mount. Followers of Jesus are meek, gentle, pure in heart and peacemakers. Followers of Jesus hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus tells His followers that they may be persecuted for the sake of righteousness – but to rejoice, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tells his followers to let the world see their good works and to keep and teach the Law. In fact, followers of Jesus are to go beyond the mere letter of the law and keep the intent of the Law which is to love God and treat people the same way you want them to treat you, “for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus instructs His followers how to give, how to pray and how to fast. He exhorts His followers not to stress and worry, but to trust in God. And He warns His followers against judging others – “for in the way you judge, you will be judged”. How blessed we are to have this instruction from Jesus! To walk in this way is not easy though. Jesus said that His followers must enter through the narrow gate – for it is the one that leads to life. However, there are few who find it. Dear Father, thank You for preserving the teachings of Your Son. May I hear His words and act on them. And may I follow Your Son through the narrow gate and into the glorious kingdom that awaits Your children.