Introduction
Matthew 5:13–26: In today’s reading, Jesus tells his followers to be like “salt” and “light.” He teaches them about the Law and to do what God requires.
Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 5:16 GNT
[Jesus said:] “In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
Read
13 “You are like salt for the whole human race. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it.
14 “You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
17 “Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. 18 Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with—not until the end of all things. 19 So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. 20 I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires.
21 “You have heard that people were told in the past, ‘Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.’ 22 But now I tell you: if you are angry with your brother you will be brought to trial, if you call your brother ‘You good-for-nothing!’ you will be brought before the Council, and if you call your brother a worthless fool you will be in danger of going to the fire of hell. 23 So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.
25 “If someone brings a lawsuit against you and takes you to court, settle the dispute while there is time, before you get to court. Once you are there, you will be turned over to the judge, who will hand you over to the police, and you will be put in jail. 26 There you will stay, I tell you, until you pay the last penny of your fine.
Reflect
What does it mean to be “salt for the whole human race” (verse 13) and “light for the whole world” (verse 14)? In verse 17, Jesus says that he has come to make the teachings of the Law come true. Based on yesterday’s reading (verses 1–12) and today’s, how has Jesus shed new light on the teachings of the Law?
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching me about God’s love and commands. Help me to follow you as salt and light so that others will come to know you. May my actions reflect your teachings and give glory to God. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Matthew 5:33–48: Jesus teaches about life in community.
