Week One - Day 2
Today's Reading -- Matthew 5:1 to Matthew 6:34
Yesterday we ended chapter 4 with the teaser that "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. . ." (4:23a) without any hint of what this good news was all about. Today, chapter 5 begins with Jesus going up "the mountain" and revealing new teachings, much like Moses going up the mountain to receive God's commandments. The new teachings that Jesus delivered to his disciples go beyond keeping the letter of the law and instead put forth an image of what living a holy life would look like. Jesus touches on issues of faithfulness, anger, fidelity in relationships, making oaths, responding to those who wish us harm, humility in giving, individual spiritual practices, concerns for wealth, and trusting in God. And that's just for starters.
Among the many challenging passages in today's reading is 5:20 "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." John the Baptist had already had a run in with some of the religious leaders of the day, calling them a "brood of vipers!" (see 3:7) Matthew is clearly portraying a problem with the state of religious life, and Jesus is telling his disciples in no uncertain terms that a radical shift in following God is on the horizon. It will not only challenge our understandings of God's law, but our actions towards others as well.
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