Which reward are you living for?

 Matthew 6:1–4 (ESV): 

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 

How do you demonstrate good, godly character? Do you make sure others know about the good things that you do? Or do you do them and not talk about it? This doesn’t mean that you should be secretive, but it does mean that you should consider why you tell people about your attitudes and actions. It may that you share these things because you think it will be helpful for others, or to teach or encourage someone. This is ok. Jesus is not saying that you should live a life that no-one else knows about. What Jesus is saying is that you should consider the reason behind what you share, what is your intention? Do you share stories of your own goodness in ‘order to be seen’ or because actually it is a helpful or encouraging lesson? You know the difference, others might not, but you do. If you talk about what you are doing in order to show off, then you are waiting for the response of people to say how; clever, good, brave, or kind you are. You are living for the praise of man, not living for the reward of God. It is a stark reality that if you share things with others because you desire them to think well of you and praise you, ‘then you will have no reward from your Father in heaven’! Knowing the capacity and love of God, you are definitely much better off aiming to receive His praise than anyone else's. Yet His acknowledgement will not look the same as people’s praise. Plus, you cannot embellish the story when you are talking to God about it as He knows what really happened, and He sees your heart and intent. So, when you next want to share a story about how you have done something well, think about why you want to tell it. Is it for your glory, for the reward of people's praise? If so, keep quiet. Then allow God to reward your goodness when and how He likes, for the promise is that He will reward you. 

Jesus has already spoken in previous verses about how sin can happen in the heart and with unspoken thoughts. So be aware of your natural inclinations and ensure that you behave in a God-honouring, not self-serving manner when you wish to talk about the things you do. Consider, does the person need to know, and do i need to tell this? Am i desiring to share because i want recognition and praise from men? Live for the reward of heaven, not the temporal delight of people pleasing. Boasting about what you do for God or for others does not encourage or build up anyone other than yourself. People can feel intimidated or overwhelmed and feel that they cannot match up when others triumph in their actions, and what they do and do not give, so do not be like that. It does not build the love and acceptance that God desires and it does not reflect well on you. Instead, give generously and behave in a way that God desires - live to please Him.

Do you give to the needy? Jesus expects that you do for he says, ‘when you give to the needy’ - Not if, but when. That carries an expectation that you give to those in need. So, do you? God throughout Scripture says that we should out for, care for and give to those who have less in society. What are you doing in that regard? When you do give, are you doing it quietly and considerately? Do not make a fuss about what you do for others, just get on with it. Jesus is clearly saying that these things, God sees, even if other people are completely unaware, ‘and your Father who sees in secret will reward you’. What. marvellous promise, live for that greater reward.

How should you treat your enemies?

God is concerned with every area of our lives. So far in Matthew, Jesus has taught about the problem of sin being not just outward actions but born in the heart. This means that our thoughts and desires, as well as actions, can be sinful and do the terrible work of separating us from God. Jesus has said how our words can also get us into trouble by promising too much or too little, and by what we say to others. Now, Jesus addresses the problem of how to deal with people who do not like you, or maybe that you don’t like. How you treat your enemies and those who demand things of you reflects on you, and how obedient you are to God. 

Matthew 5:38–48 (ESV): 

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. 

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

During this section, Jesus reflects on the passage in Leviticus 24 (v17-22) when God taught the Israelites that crimes should be justly paid for. If someone steals something, they have to give it back or replace it, if someone kills another’s animal, they must ‘make it good, life for life’. This is the context on which the eye for an eye statement is made. If someone injures ‘their neighbour’ then, ‘whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.’ This would seem like justice, but does it actually deal with the root cause of the issue? Jesus explains that now is the time to not deal with one another, or enemies that way. 

Jesus instructs, “do not resist the one who is evil”. For the Israelites at this time, they would have seen this to mean the Roman empire who were the occupying force over Israel. Romans had no respect for Jewish culture or law, yet they werre those in power over God’s people. Radically, Jesus is instructing his hearers not to resist them. He identifies that the laws of Leviticus apply to God’s people. It cannot be enforced onto people that are not His (like the Romans) - they are living under other rules and regulations. As the Jews living under Roman occupation, there was a culture and rules impressed upon them that they did not like, want or understand and they could not impose their standards and expectations upon their enemies either. Jesus, wisely, is showing that they should not expect the Romans to act as Jews, and in fact, they need to change their attitude to Romans! Instead of encouraging the Jews to fight back and enforce their traditions and retribution, Jesus says that they should not only unjustly suffer what is imposed on them, but to even offer more to their enemies than is asked for or required! They are to retaliate by offering to bless their enemies not retaliate. This looks like offering someone the other side of your face when they have already slapped you, instead of snatching back a garment which is yours, give them another one, and being willing to carry the heavy armour and possessions of a Roman soldier 2 miles when the rule was to go 1. When an enemy forces you to do something that is hard and may be just and unfair, ask them what else you can do for them. Jesus says this is how to manage enemies. Isn’t that a hard thing to do?! 

Yet, is that not exactly what Jesus has done for us?

I think through asking God’s people to demonstrate mercy, grace and forgiveness to others, to be proactive in serving and blessing those who curse or are wicked towards you, you have the great and marvellous privilege of demonstrating a small part of the massive work of forgiveness and mercy Jesus has delivered you. He went far more than a mile! He endured more beatings than a retaliated slapped cheek or stolen possession. His clothes were taken, his life stolen from him, body beaten, bloodied and bruised. Jesus did not fight or argue back. Not once did he complain that it was not fair. He kept on going. He even healed one of the guards ears as they came to arrest him! Jesus loved his enemies. He demonstrated that he was of God by doing so. It cost him. It was painful and unfair, yet he did it anyway. For Jesus does not want people to stay enemies, but for them to have the opportunity to become his family through accepting his forgiveness and love. Jesus was the best example of how not to retaliate, but love enemies instead. You and I were once his enemies, but because of him loving us as we do not deserve, are you not his friend now? 

Jesus does not ask us to do the impossible, although it is hard! He modelled how to live a life like this. You will have to give up your expectations of how people should respond to you and take on those of Jesus. It will feel like you are dying to yourself, but look at the freedom Jesus bought for millions of people through turning the other cheek and going the extra mile.

Jesus loved us even though we were his enemies. We deserved punishment, yet he gives us freedom. We deserve to be thrown out, but Jesus draws us in. We deserve hatred from a pure and holy God, but all we receive is love. Therefore it should not be so hard for us to do the little things of showing kindness, respect, honour, grace, forgiveness and love to those whom are not our friends, whom we might even class as enemies. Think about the life you have now because of Jesus. What would have you been like without him? You now have the opportunity to experience something of Jesus’ love through the way you are with them! 

Integrity

 Matthew 5:33–37 (ESV): 

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. 

God expects those who follow, honour and respect him to live with integrity - to say what they mean and mean what they say, then get on and do it. This is not in a harsh or a cruel way, but honesty is important.

When people make oaths or ‘pinky promises’, they are only made when trying to convince someone else that they will definitely do something. If that is required to guarantee your action or inaction, why wouldn’t your general words be enough? Have you become a person who is unreliable, or is it just the cultural norm to make promises to assure your word? Whichever is true, God says that your response should, “be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’”. There is no need to complicate or over promise things. If you intend to do something say you will, if not, say you won’t, then fulfill your word. Simple! This should give the hearer all the assurance they need. Yet, in a broken and evil world and society, often assurance and promises are sought. People may want a further verbal guarantee “do you promise?”, “pinky swear?”. Do not fall for that, just let your word be enough. As a man or woman of God, you are to not live as the rest of the world does, but as people whose word is their guarantee. People often want a promise because they recognise that people are unreliable and lack integrity. So make sure that your words are trustworthy and true. Then people can grow to rely on you and see that you live to a different standard, one that emulates and demonstrates something of who God is. It is simple, let your yes be yes and your no, no. As you practice not making oaths and still completing your word, over time your reliability and integrity will be demonstrated. People will realise that you are someone that can be trusted without extensive words or swearing on someone’s life etc. Even if you become known as someone who avoids the cultural norms, you will become a person of integrity and trustworthiness, demonstrating something of the God you serve. 

When you think about it, making such oaths is just words added to words anyway, so what really is the point of them?! These additional words are meant to guarantee what you say, but what makes them any different than a yes or no? It is just people's emphasis and expectations that different words have different levels of intention. So Jesus says, let your word be enough. Do not worry that people seem dubious or offended if you do not make the promise. Just get on with speaking the simple truth and honour God through carrying out what you have said you will. 

It is also important to maintain integrity when you make an assurance to God. Jesus says, ‘you shall not swear falsely, but perform to the Lord what you have sworn’. God sees and hears everything, remember that! The things said in front of others and the things said in secret. So, if you are convicted to promise God something, be sure to complete your word. Only make a promise to God if it is within your power to do it. Then put in the effort and fulfill your word. Making a promise to God is a bid business, for how can you let a holy, righteous God down? He will keep His word to you always, so ensure you keep your word to Him. 

Making an oath to anyone, God or human in serious. Even if it seems like a simple guarantee. In some ways, living a life of faith is simple, but it does not mean it is easy. So be mindful of what you agree to even in your everyday conversations. Consider your words and assurances to God and to man. Only agree to things you can and will do, and build your reputation as person of integrity, honesty and reliability, just like the God you follow. 

Cut it off!

 Jesus makes it plain what sin is. He challenges people’s misconceptions and self-reasoning that actually they are not really that bad. Jesus shows that sin is not just an outward action, but it starts in the heart and mind first. Just because something is not witnessed by others it does not mean it does not exist or did not happen. Jesus continues to ruthlessly display the level of holiness required through how men and women view each other:

Matthew 5:27–32 (ESV): 

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. 

31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 

The Law of God was plain - no sex before marriage, and then no sex with anyone other than your spouse whilst you are married. This is clear and people understand it. Jesus goes onto say that this is not the complete understanding of adultery though for, “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” If you look at someone with desire, and you are not married to them, then you have sinned. Pretty radical, and some may say harsh. Before any outward action, before any exchange of words, the sin is right there. Sin is birthed in the heart, then the mind, and God knows about it before you actually do anything wrong. 

The level of goodness required by God is not just restraint or self-discipline, but a completely pure heart and mind. One that doesn’t entertain any ungodly thoughts or desires. How on earth can we attain that level of holiness? 

Every person, even those that you admire for their goodness and morality, have sinned. For Jesus explains that sin is birthed not in actions but in thought and desire. Therefore no-one is innocent. For sin begins with a thought or a desire, the problem is right there before any action is performed. A thought is enough to make you unholy. 

Just before these verses Jesus spoke about anger and how just feeling angry with another person or calling them a name leaves you liable to judgement. The level of holiness required to be acceptable to God is extremely high. Some may say it is even unachievable. How can you control your thoughts and feelings to the extent that you never think or feel anything that is sinful? Thankfully that is not the intent of what Jesus is saying. Although Jesus is making it clear what Father God’s expectations are, this is to lead people to repent. If people do not know what they are doing wrong, how can they admit it and fix it? 

The only way to deal with sin is to cut it off. Jesus says if anything causes you to sin, “tear it out and throw it away”. You need to be harsh with sin, it needs to be completely destroyed, cut off, killed, no longer a part pf you. That means that maybe you need to cut off seeing certain people, going to particular places, cut out watching particular content, or cut off unholy thoughts. You know what you need to do to stop sin, but will you? Although these are things we can do to prevent ourselves doing sinful actions again, it does not deal with the root cause or the sin already committed. Jesus had already thought of that too! He did not just tell us all how rotten we are and leave us there, he created a way for you to be sin-free. For Jesus put to death all sin. The spoken, unspoken, seen and unseen sin. Through giving up his perfect, holy life as an atonement for all of it Jesus killed off the sin that you do, and he took the punishment for it all. You do not actually have to tear your eyes out or rip off your limbs, you can so be righteous enough to meet the standard of God requires by accepting that Jesus was perfect and he died in order to cut off sin and throw it away in your life. All you need to do is confess what you have done, decide that you do not want to do it anymore, and accept that Jesus gave his sinless life to forgive you. He did what you couldn’t. Jesus lived the perfect sinless life in thought, desire and action, and he was killed for the sins of the world in order to tear out the power of sin in your life. He did it so that you could be free and learn to live a life of holiness. You can stand before Almighty God as pure and righteous when you accept Jesus.

Are you righteous?

Once Jesus has clarified the role of the disciples - to be salt and light to the world, he then explains what that involves. He covers certain elements that are necessary to demonstrate that those who follow him are indeed following him and honouring God. 

Matthew 5:17–26 (ESV): 

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Those who had been hearing Jesus up to this point may have been rejoicing because they had not heard teaching like this before, so they thought that he was usurping the Law. Therefore Jesus makes it clear to his listeners that this is not the case, he is in fact fulfilling the Law and Prophets. Jesus is embodying and bringing to life the very words of God - the Scriptures the Israelite people were trying to learn and follow. As the Son of God, Jesus was there when the Law and Prophets were written so he knows the intent and purpose of the Law and he taught what they really mean and demonstrated this through the life he lived. Jesus followed both the Law of God, and the law of the land, he paid taxes, took part in Jewish celebrations, and went to synagogue. His teaching rather than radically dismissing the Scriptures, radically explained them. Over the centuries that had passed since the Torah had been written the true understanding of what they meant had weakened, rituals and ceremonies had become commonplace to try to put into action what people thought The Law meant. So Jesus clarified and upheld the intended meaning and purpose of the Law which was to showcase a pure and holy God, and to bring His people to Himself. 

Jesus obeyed The Law, he embodied it. He encourages his hearers to be law abiders, not breakers, too. Yet Jesus does not stop there - he also tells those listening that they have to be more righteous than the Scribes and Pharisees! These were the religious men who; study, debate, and teach Scripture all day and who do their best to obey and enforce every ritual. Jesus is saying that those who honour God have to be more righteous than them! This would have been shocking for those that heard Jesus say this, it is a high bar to attain as these religious men were the holiest people the Jews knew! 

However, Jesus was saying that even these religious men were not righteous enough and they won’t get into heaven. So what hope is there for the rest of humanity?

The Pharisees and Scribes were well educated and revered men, experts at recounting the Law and Prophets, following rituals and teaching others to do the some. They were not very good at understanding that true righteousness is displayed in the relationships that they have both with God and other people. Jesus was explaining to those around him that righteousness is not about knowledge, rituals, rules, or giving sacrifices. This was incredibly radical news, for this is what the Israelites had heard and lived for generations. They knew as Israelites that they were a set apart by God as favoured people. This meant that God had caused them to live differently to surrounding nations, in order to be kept pure and made right with God through different rules and practices. They had certain celebrations and sacrifices to make to honour God and be made right with Him. The Pharisees oversaw and taught these things. They were the ones trying to teach the people The Law and how to follow it, as Jesus is saying, so how can anyone ese match the level of righteousness required to enter the kingdom of heaven? That is the point. No human on Earth could attain pure righteousness. Except one, and that is Jesus. He was the only one capable of living the perfect life of being more righteous than every religious leader because he is the Son of God.

Even though Jesus was tempted and suffered just like the rest of us do, he never sinned. His righteousness truly outstripped that of the Scribes and Pharisees. He lived and understood The Law in a different way than they did, for Jesus knew the Law writer personally. He was with God, his Father as it was written and given. So Jesus could understand, demonstrate and explain righteousness in a way no-one else could. Jesus made it clear that even ordinary people can be made righteous, you do not have to know it all, have it all or follow all the routines and rituals, but still you can be made right with God. Jesus did not just create the problem of righteousness seeming unattainable, but he gave his life so that righteousness can be accessed to anyone and everyone. Jesus was the perfect fulfilment of The Law. He followed and obeyed it perfectly. This was so that he could generously give up his life to make atonement for your sin. Now you too can be made righteous, more righteous than the most righteous people you know! If you trust and believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for all sin, giving you a new life of purity, and you follow him, you can be made righteous. For when you turn and believe in Jesus, God no longer sees you and your wrongdoings, but he sees His perfect son, Jesus. You get to receive his righteousness. You don't deserve it, you haven't earned it and you haven't kept the rules, but you can be righteous and keep being righteous all because of Jesus! 

Following Jesus is the only way that you can be made right with God and become righteous than the Scribes and Pharisees. There is no other way. You cannot try hard enough, follow enough rules, know enough, or be kind and generous enough to earn your way into heaven. It is only through accepting that you can be made righteous through the love, life, death and resurrection of Jesus that you are made right before God. So, do you desire to be right before God? If so, trust in Jesus. He made the impossible possible for those who believe in him. When you accept him and his forgiveness and learn to follow him, then you become more righteous than the Scribes and Pharisees and able to enter the kingdom of heaven!

Stand out and be distinctive

After the Beatitudes, these words of Jesus are recorded. I wonder if they are said as an encouragement to bolster faith and enthusiasm to keep going in doing the hard things Jesus has been teaching. To show the purpose of developing the kind of character that Jesus has been encouraging the disciples to develop. 

Matthew 5:13–16 (ESV): 

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

Disciples of Jesus are meant to stand out, not be hidden. The verses just before this are Jesus explaining the benefits of being; hungry for faith, mourning, being meek, humble, kind, merciful, forgiving, not giving payback, being honest and having integrity. These are the character traits that God rewards, they take time and effort to develop and they also cause people to stand out. How many people do you know who are meek or merciful, or any of the other characteristics? Probably not many, but i would expect that those you do know are people that you admire and respect because of these attributes. Those who believe in and follow Jesus should display these characteristics as they are salt and light to the world - they are born to stand out and be distinctive.

Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world”. It is not an option. This is what disciples of Jesus are. This is your identity when you trust and believe in Jesus, you become salt and light. So what does Jesus mean when he says this?

"You are the salt of the earth" - Salt preserves and gives taste, improving the eating experience and keeping things fresh and usable. It can also be used to promote healing. Salt has good properties that are used and appreciated by everyone. It is commonly used, and nowadays is used in many products from food items to cleaning and gardening products. Salt is effective. As people of God you are called to be effective too. Not by doing lots of incredible, mighty deeds, but by standing out as different where you are and in what you are doing. You can tell when salt is present. People should be able to detect that there is something different about you and that you are present because of the goodness and freshness you bring due to your character developed in faith. Also, you are to remain salty. It is not enough to have a go at being meek or honest, but you are to keep on being so, the same for being forgiving and kind and being passionate for God. Do not let the concerns and distractions around you prevent you from being who God created you to be and displaying righteousness. The world needs salt, so keep being salty. This is what Jesus has said you are. Keep demonstrating godliness, meekness, integrity, forgiveness and mercy even when people do not like or want it. Salt in a wound stings, but it also heals, so trust that God will heal the hurting through the character being developed in you. Do not try to tone down who you are in God, you can't tone down salt - you either have salt or you don’t, and if you lose your flavour Jesus says you become good for nothing, fit to be “thrown out and trampled under people’s feet”. You don't want that, so keep being salty! Sometimes fear and despondency cause people to lose their distinctiveness. So make sure you remind yourself of the goodness of God and avoid the fear of man’s disapproval. Later on in the book of Matthew Jesus is recorded as saying, “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28). Do not be put off by hardship or persecution, not everyone likes salt. If something is too salty for them, they spit it out. Let them do that without it upsetting or offending you. For they are rejecting Christ in you, but they cannot take away your love and reverence for Him unless you let them. People have not got power to defeat you, but God has the the power to determine your eternal future. So live a life of saltiness.

As a follower of Jesus, you are also the light of the world. You can illuminate the world - what a great privilege and responsibility! Do not dull the personality that God has formed in you, dumb down your faith, or fail to shine in dark situations. Instead allow the Holy Spirit show you how to bring your light in every situation. By displaying the character Jesus has outlined, you can show people what the Kingdom of God is like. You shed light onto the fact that God is real, living and active today. People see that you are different, they see goodness and beauty in who you are and what you are doing because you are the light of the world. This also means that even in the darkest times and places you can see - you have hope. You know in difficult situations that there is an eternal future, so you can keep shining and keep trusting.  Sometimes it may be that you can keep smiling at times when others aren't, that you trust a situation is going to work out or that you are not panicking when bad things happen. Do not be afraid to be that light, and do not hide it. Continue to be the light of the world, how will people know there is a God otherwise?  A light does not choose when it comes on. Once the switch is pressed, it shines. Your light is turned on when you turn and believe in Jesus and choose to follow him.You cannot turn the light within you off, do not try to dim it or cover it up either. Remember that when you are around people ‘see your good works and give glory glory to your Father in heaven’. As you continue in good, godly character, and persist in situations others cannot stand, you are displaying something of God. So, make sure you are pointing out that it is your Father in heaven that equips and inspires you to be the light.

You are salt - you are different and you stand out. Plus you are light - you can see and illuminate the darkness. Do not hide who you are. Thank God that he has made you to be salt and light to the world. By being so, you are showing the world that there is a God who loves and cares for them and can give them a life that is different too - a life of distinctiveness.

Are you blessed?

Matthew 5:1–12 (ESV): 

5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 

The Beatitudes

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Jesus had something particular that he wanted the disciples to know, so he drew them close to him, making sure that they could see and hear him. Through this teaching, Jesus helped to reframe their thinking by showing them that God sees, cares about, and honours different things than what the average human does. 

God cares about not just the poor in a financial sense, but the poor in spirit. Those who recognise their need of God and live in humility before him - they are blessed. Those who mourn, grieve, are sad for a time (mourning should not last forever), are promised comfort. A sad demeanour should not be constant for anyone. The promise is that ‘they shall be comforted’. God will bring comfort, and when He does, accept it. 

The meek - gentle, humble and submissive, ‘shall inherit the earth’! Those who will not put themselves forward, who recognise their limits, who allow others to go first and treat them with kindness, these are the ones who get everything. Meekness is not admired, fostered or appreciated by the majority of the world, but God admires it. It is a quality that is rare, but is valued when it is seen. Can you develop meekness in your own life? 

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness promises satisfaction. There are many things you can hunger and thirst for; food, money, possessions, promotion, a particular standard of life. These things do not offer satisfaction, only hungering and thirsting for God does. If you want to be really fulfilled, seek God. he provides all you need, and more. 

The merciful shall receive mercy - that makes sense. We like to feel that you get what you deserve. This promise is that you do by not treating others as they deserve! When you show forgiveness and leniency to those who have wronged you, you too are dealt with leniently and can know forgiveness as you are afforded mercy by God. 

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God’ - being sincere and living with integrity means that you shall see God - how incredible! Are your motives and thoughts pure? Are you concerned about material matters or spiritual ones? Only one kingdom will last forever, so make sure you are aligning your thoughts, motives and behaviour with what God desires, then you shall see Him.

The peacemakers, those who strive to bring peaceful resolution and not riots, fall-outs, complications or arguments, are living like sons of God. It is easy to argue with someone, or cause strife between people, harder to get different people with different opinions, perspectives, and desires working together. Yet, is that not exactly what God does? He calls everyone to be part of His family, from every class, situation and nation. So, by drawing others into unity of purpose, you can demonstrate that you are indeed acting like God’s child. 

These are the things Jesus taught his disciples as he went up the mountain. These lessons were for the disciples, those closest to him, those he had called to himself. Yet others would have heard as it mentions that there were crowds. The real cost of discipleship is not what job you have, where you live, how much you do or give, but it is developing the character that displays the Kingdom of God. I am sure you admire and appreciate people who demonstrate these attributes, but do you also have them? 

His fame spread...

 Matthew 4:23–25 (ESV): 

23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. 

Reading this, i thought that it was interesting that Jesus ‘fame spread throughout all Syria’, should it not have read throughout all Israel? Syria is not a part of the Israelite nation, so why does Matthew write that Jesus fame is throughout Syria and not throughout Israel?

Jesus had moved to Capernaum after John’s arrest. This busy, trading village sat right on the northern cusp of Israel and Syria on the Sea of Galilee (see map below). Known to be a place of trade with all sorts of people coming and going, it seems that Jesus’ message was more popular with foreigners than his own people. Both Jews and Gentiles would have had the opportunity to hear the message that the Kingdom of God is at hand, yet it seems that predominantly the Syrians were the ones most eager to respond. 

Jesus taught, proclaimed and healed - ‘every disease and every affliction amongst the people’. His ministry was not just words, although the words he spoke were profound and powerful, but he also had the power of God through the Holy Spirit to banish every affliction, pain and disease - No wonder people listened! This was unlike anything they had experienced before, nothing was too big or small for Jesus. He could answer any question effectively, and heal everyone completely. The first to accept and become excited about this were those from Syria. They saw and heard Jesus, and then brought everyone they knew to him to be healed. Those with seizures, troubled by demons and those paralysed were freed. What an incredible thing to have witnessed - seeing many people living in freedom because of Jesus words and power! No wonder he drew crowds from all over the place and his fame spread. I am sure if you had a friend telling you about this man who is preaching that God is near and then he heals people of deadly and life-limiting conditions, then you would be curious to meet them for yourself. Thus is how Jesus’ notoriety spread. People told people, all kinds of people, and they came from all over Syria to see and follow him. His fame was throughout that land, so if you met someone from there at that time, they would have been able to tell you something about this man Jesus. That is not to say that other people did not hear or know of him, for 'great crowds followed him' from Galilee, his popularity also spread to the southern areas of Israel (Jerusalem and Judea) and the Decapolis as well as ‘beyond the Jordan’. Far and wide the news about Jesus spread, and he himself went to various places (throughout all Galilee). He was listened to in the synagogues, and in the streets. 

I wonder what Simon, Andrew, James and John made of it all, they had just become Jesus’ disciples, now they were seeing and hearing things they had never experienced, amongst people who were quite different to them. Jesus certainly was someone worth following, every day must have been an adventure! 

What is your expectation of what Jesus can do? He is willing and able to meet with all people from all places, from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences, to free them and do amazing life-changing work with them. Jesus spoke and people came and listened, Jesus healed and people came and received new life. Have you received his new life? If so, who are you inviting to meet Jesus? He can and will meet with people where they are and begin a life changing work in them if they come and see. Are you giving others, no matter how near or far, how similar or different they are, the opportunity to meet him? 

Follow Me

Matthew 4:18–22 (ESV): 

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. 

These men immediately left their work and family to follow Jesus. This shows me that they must have experienced Jesus before, otherwise why would they follow him if they knew nothing of him and had never met him? Jesus did not offer money, prestige, authority or power, he just asked these young, average, working men to follow him. They already had their vocations laid out for them - they were fishermen - capable, hardworking men. 

The 4 of them probably knew each other as they were fishing in the same area, so it is likely that they grew up together, and went to synagogue together. Maybe they were even in the same lessons that are taught to Jewish boys in childhood. Yet, they did not know Jesus in the same way. He was a new rabbi in the area, teaching new, incredible things, so amazing that they were willing to leave their lives and livelihoods and bet their future on him. So, they must have encountered him before because it is a big deal to give up your job, family and community in order to follow something or someone.

Those Jesus called were all young men, especially James and John as they are working with their Dad. So it is likely that they were young teenagers (from 13 years old) being apprenticed into their father’s trade. Simon and Andrew are not mentioned as having anyone else present and so are likely a bit older as they are able to do the work themselves, plus Simon is married, so he could be mid teens up to early 20s. All of them we would still consider to be young men who were trying to make a life for themselves and provide for their families. Then they heard Jesus call out to them and they gave it all up. 

In the Israelite culture, a rabbi gathered disciples when they were considered as having enough authority to do so, at the age of 30. They would call younger men to follow them, so this indicates that most if not all of the disciples, were younger than Jesus. Being chosen to follow a rabbi was a big deal. It was unlikely to happen for anyone who had not taken extended training in the Scriptures (parents would have to pay for this). Plus those chosen would have been smart, intelligent teenagers who showed an aptitude for religion. It is unlikely that these young fisherman fit either criteria, this is why they were learning their family trade. Later on in Scripture they are referred to ‘uneducated and common’ (Acts 4:13) so it is probable that Simon, Andrew, James and John had not had this extra education, but had gone straight into work. Maybe they had not shown much aptitude or enthusiasm in study, or their parents could not afford it and so instructed them in the family business. It was these overlooked, everyday, common, uneducated young men that Jesus called to follow him. 

Jesus had a different criteria to the norm. He desired faithful followers, not necessarily clever, scholarly or rich people. These young men had been overlooked by other rabbis but he saw something in them that showed him they would make good disciples. He saw minds and lives that could be moulded and developed to make an impact and carry the message of who he is after he was gone. Jesus saw potential where others had not. He still does. Maybe you do not feel smart enough, experienced enough, overlooked, too young, too old, or that your life situation makes things difficult. Still Jesus calls you to follow him. These young men did not know what it would look like but they knew the honour it was to be called to follow a rabbi. Their families would have been overjoyed and maybe slightly confused at having their sons chosen as this was not the norm, these students were not the ones others have chosen. They were overlooked, not educated and possibly not religious enough! 

The disciples were brave in saying ‘yes’ to follow Jesus, but they also knew they were privileged and would have been excited by this new adventure. Are you? Following Jesus does not look like what you expect it to, these disciples found that out. He is not like any other rabbi - Jesus teaches radical things, performs miracles, and gets in trouble with religious and political leaders. So these young disciples were not fully sure what they were saying yes to, but they did know that it was an unexpected honour to be called. They were up for an adventure, and they trusted and believed in what Jesus said and stood for. So they left behind everything else, they gave up their lives to follow him. Have you done the same? It will be an unexpected adventure that changes the trajectory of life if you do. 

The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand

Jesus, after having had an intense emotional, physical and spiritual experience whilst being in the wilderness goes back home. Although he is not the same as he once was. He was baptised, affirmed by God, then tempted and pressed by Satan, now the intensity of that personal period of trial has stopped. What next?

Matthew 4:12–17 (ESV):  

Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 

 15  “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, 

the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 

 16  the people dwelling in darkness 

have seen a great light, 

  and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, 

on them a light has dawned.” 

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

Jesus is having a confusing time. He has experienced the high of being baptised by John and being affirmed publicly by God. Straight after that the Spirit led him into the wilderness to suffer and be tried by Satan. Now, Jesus has discovered that his relative and the one who baptised him, John, is arrested. The same one who was preparing the way for him, who crowds followed, and who pointed towards Jesus as The Son of God, is now in captivity. After such a time of suffering, it would not be surprising if Jesus went back home, broke down, or went into hiding. I am sure some people at the time would have expected that Jesus would take John’s place and tell those waiting crowds, ‘Here I am, the one John told you about’. It seemed like a good time to do that as there were people ready and waiting for The Messiah to be revealed. Yet, Jesus doesn’t do any of that.

instead when Jesus hears about John’s arrest, ‘he withdrew into Galilee… and lived in Capernaum by the sea’. Jesus went somewhere else. Capernaum was a much more populated place than Nazareth, and it was well connected with other nations and people groups due to being in prime position for trading. So, when Jesus started his public ministry and began to preach, a mixture of people heard his message, and most of them were probably people that never heard the message of John. The rich, poor, traders, labourers, young, old, Jews, Gentiles, and even Romans would have had the opportunity to hear Jesus speak in Capernaum whereas John’s message had been primarily for the Jews. Jesus as soon as he starts his public ministry, is preaching to all people.  

So, what did Jesus preach? He spoke the same message John did - “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus picks up the same message, to different people in a different town. Yet, it was the same. The reality of God is true no matter which city, village or country you are in and people need to hear the same thing; There is a God, His Kingdom reigns and is being revealed, and He wants you to be a part of it. Yet there is a problem called sin that separates everyone from God, so there is a need for you to repent and be washed clean from all wrongdoing, so that you can turn your life around and become one of God’s people. Jesus and John taught the same thing, because it is true and people needed to know. People from every position, class, background and location still need to know. 

No matter the highs and lows of life, John and Jesus still presented the truth to people. They both had times of great encouragement and joy, but also of struggle, deep hurt and pain. John’s message remained the same whether he was in prison, at home or in the wilderness for he knew the truth and gave whoever would listen the opportunity to hear about God. Jesus continued this message, he boldly proclaimed that the ‘kingdom of heaven is at hand’ even though his ministry started out of confusion, joy and pain plus John had just been arrested for doing the same. Neither of these men allowed the truth of God to be hidden or muted. Is your life the same? 

Does your life reflect God’s Kingdom no matter what you are going through? God gives you opportunities to tell people about Him in every circumstance, in different locations and situations. John was in prison because of the message he brought, Jesus was in a different area having to deal with conflicting and confusing emotions, yet they both were still faithful to God and still carried on the mission God had given them. Are you?

Surviving the Wilderness

After Jesus’ baptism where he was affirmed by Father God as His pleasing Son, Jesus then enters the wilderness. From a moment of recognition, power, pouring out of the Holy Spirit comes desolation.  

When you have great times with God, breakthrough, affirmation, joy, when the Holy Spirit is tangibly present and affects you, it can be after such times that a wilderness season comes. From a high moment you can experience a low time. This happened for Jesus, so you should not be surprised when it also happens to you. We read in Matthew that, ‘Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.’ This sounds odd, doesn't it?! That Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. Jesus was purposefully led to undergo temptation. From being affirmed by Father God, he then had to go through significant hardship and temptation. Do you ever feel that this happens to you, that something difficult occurs when you have had an encounter with God or taken a step of faith and obedience? Next time, do not be surprised. The enemy wishes to undo the great work and affirmation that God has given, and God allows it. Do not lose your salvation, hope, promises, deliverance, breakthrough, or recognition of the love and grace of God, because the enemy wants to distract you. God allows you to experience such wilderness times to give you opportunity to exercise the faith you have and to grow in it. Satan will also use this time to get you off track by offering you enticing promises that will compromise your faith and disrupt the plan of God in your life, so learn to hold strong as Jesus did. 

Matthew 4:1–11 (ESV): 

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, 

  “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, 

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” 

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 

  “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ 

and 

  “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, 

lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 

  “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God 

and him only shall you serve.’ ” 

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. 

This must have been incredibly hard for Jesus. Think of the conflicting emotions, as well as the temptations on a worn out body and mind. When you are tired, hungry and emotionally drained it is harder to resist temptation. Whether it is the temptation to respond in an unholy way, eat what you shouldn’t, pick up bad habits, get angry, lazy or distant. When your body and mind are stressed, it is harder to think clearly and behave well. It is harder, but not impossible as Jesus proves. Jesus saw this for what it was, he was not fooled or deceived. He knew that this was the devil’s work trying to disrupt his sense of identity, and to use his God-given power and authority to fulfill his own selfish desires. Like having some bread because he was ‘hungry’ - i think that is an understatement after 40 days! When you are next tempted to sin, to cut corners, to behave in a way not consistent with the faith you possess, stop. Think about who is really trying to be in control here. Is this the enemy trying to take you out? Can you even imagine if Jesus gave in to even one of those temptations? He would have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God like the rest of us, he would not have proved that he is indeed the Son of God, pure, holy and completely good. So, how does Jesus do it? 

Jesus had the great advantage of knowing God, really knowing Him. Jesus had lived with and loved God in heaven, so he really knows the Father’s character, His power, His expectations, His words. Jesus also knew and accepted who he was in relation to God. Jesus is His Son, and also human. Therefore his life was to be lived in submission to God. Jesus knew that this was the best for him and for the whole of creation. Due to his obedience in his life, death and resurrection, you too can know that closeness with God the Father, and have the same identity as His son or daughter. Invest in your relationship with Him. Spend your life listening, speaking and thinking of God. Consider His words and guidance. Invest in honouring God with your life, then you will know the kind of things that you can and should say yes or no to. 

You can see that Jesus also uses Scripture to combat the devil’s temptations. So, read and understand what is written. Every word in the Bible is true and written by God himself, so use it to help you. Jesus did. he did not feel like saying no to having some bread or power, so he could not rely on his own understanding or emotions. Instead, he trusted in what is always good and true - the Word of God. Although Satan gets wise to this and also tries to use Scripture to persuade Jesus to give into his schemes (v6). So, be warned. The enemy can twist and distort the truth to make sin sound good for Satan knows the Bible too. It is not enough to be able to recite verses, for that is what Satan did, you also need to know what they mean and the God behind the words. When you hear someone quoted and you know the person behind those words, you know if the quote is giving a true reflection of what they are like or is taking things out of context. Jesus could see that this is what Satan was doing. He was taking the words of God and using them to imply something that God did not intend. Jesus knows God better. He knows the content, context and character behind Scripture and stands firm based on his knowledge of God. This is how Jesus overcame temptation, and this is how you can too. Find out about God. Learn what the Bible says and what it means, understand the God behind the words, get to know Him, and hold onto what is true. Then you will be victorious when temptation comes. You can resist temptation, you can overcome sin. It is hard, but you can do it. 

Allow Jesus, The Word of God and the character of God give you strength and show you how. Be prepared and ‘Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.’ (1 Peter 5;8). The devil will wait, he is patient. He will seek to get you in a weak, despondent, distracted moment or when you are having such fun you are off-guard. You need to live as if there is always a hungry lion in wait. If you do, you’ll be watchful, armed and prepared and would create a strategy. The strategy is to learn about God, obey Him, and know His words and promises. Be armed and dangerous with your understanding of Scripture then the devil will leave (v11). 

Jesus revealed

 John has an established ministry, he is known, has a nickname (The Baptist), and a following. John is even know (and disliked) by Herod, so the leaders of the area know about him. You could say that John is pretty famous. People certainly flock to see and hear him. Then, during one of John’s teaching and baptising sessions, Jesus turns up. He seems like he is just one of the crowd, also listening and responding to John. Yet John knows who Jesus really is.

Matthew 3:13–15 (ESV): 

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 

What an honour for John to baptise Jesus, i am sure the privilege of doing that would have never been forgotten by him. John knew Jesus was The Son of God - he had known that before he was born! Now, here is Jesus waiting to be re-birthed through the water of repentance, although no wrong could ever have been found in him. Through being baptised, Jesus honoured and affirmed John and his ministry. This must have been the highlight for John out of all the things he had said, seen and done, all of the people he had spoken to and all the lives that had been transformed through hearing about God’s kingdom. Baptising Jesus and the experience that followed must have given him great joy. What John had always known about Jesus was being revealed now to others. 

Matthew 3:16–17 (ESV): 

‘when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”’

Can you imagine that? John has probably baptised thousands of people by this point, none ever had a response like this. ‘The heavens were opened’ - what does that mean? What did that look like to the other people there? Then, ‘a voice form heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”’ Can you imagine being there? What would you have made of that? I wonder if John got to baptise any more people that day after that experience. It seems like no more words need to be said! John’s belief and understanding of who Jesus is, was confirmed in a mighty way. John must have celebrated! He had lived his life knowing this truth that seemed like a big secret, and he could only talk about the Messiah to come in a way that did not point directly to Jesus until it was God’s time to reveal it. The time was now! Have you ever waited a long time for something great, and when it finally happens - oh what joy! Relief, joy, contentment, satisfaction, i am sure John felt them all. He was living on the Earth at the same time as The Messiah, and not only that, he already knew and loved him! John had been waiting for this revelation, and he had seen it. Jesus time of ministry has come. 

The experience of Jesus baptism is a lovely moment, Jesus affirms John and God affirms Jesus. God reveals who Jesus is, and that He is pleased with him. I wonder what people made of it, and if people at that moment then started following Jesus. I am sure this would have been talked about amongst friends and families, the news spreading about John and Jesus. What is your response to the revelation of Jesus? 

Have you followed him into the waters of baptism? Do you acknowledge that he is the Son of God? Are you waiting for him to reveal himself in your life? For, he already has. John knew who Jesus was before this moment. Jesus has already shown up in your life too and has been revealing who he is - have you seen him and accepted him for who he is yet? John did, and his life was dedicated to preparing people to meet, hear and respond to Jesus. What is your response to Jesus being revealed to you as the Son of God?

Brood of vipers!

John has been baptising people in water, they are flocking to him to see the strange prophet in the wilderness, and to hear what he has to say. No wonder the religious leaders were curious and thought they would check out what this man is preaching. He is leading people to God and telling them to repent from their sins. It is no wonder that the Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to see what he was up to, as it was their job to teach about God and how to follow Him. Yet they do not get a very warm reception from John….

Matthew 3:7–12 (ESV): 

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 

What a greeting, ‘you brood of vipers!’ John referred to the religious leaders of his time as venomous snakes, implying that they were poisonous, evil and deceitful. Jesus later refers to them in like manner (Matthew 12:34, ‘You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.’). John saw what many of the Pharisees and Sadducees were like, they were not interested in people honestly following God, they were more concerned about what they could get out of their service to the people. John realises that these men do not believe in what he is saying, they are pretending to be godly, and making a good show of it, but they are not bearing good fruit. Therefore there is only one destination for them - being thrown into the fire. John uses two different examples which emphasise the same thing; the unfruitful and the wicked will be cut down and ‘burn with unquenchable fire’. There is one destination for those who do not follow and honour God with their lives, wrath and eternal fire. Are you heading there?

Listening to and understanding God’s Word is not enough, nor is being baptised with water. John makes this clear. An outward symbol and internal knowledge are not the markers of a transformed or godly life. Repentance, fleeing from sin, is what God requires and this leads to fruitfulness. A changed life, one without scheming or deceit, demonstrating the fruitfulness of living in right relationship with God, this is what is required. Everyday people can achieve it, from the young to the old, rich to the poor, it is possible for all. However it seems that it is harder for religious people. 

John saw the religious men approach, and he saw their desire - they wanted to make an outward show of being made right with God, they had no intention of doing anything about sin, wrongdoing or changing their lives. They just wanted to do the minimum to ‘flee from the wrath to come’.  Everyone else was going out to be baptised by John, maybe they could do it too. It was not through a genuine interest in becoming more godly or repenting of sin that they came. Maybe they were curious as to what the fuss was about. They were probably losing attendees in the synagogue because the people were coming to hear John instead, so they were checking out their competition. Plus they were responsible for the religious direction of Israel so they want to ensure that the people are not being taught something unbiblical. It makes sense that they would go to hear John and consider his teaching. So it can seem harsh John’s response to call them vipers. However, we know that John was empowered by the Holy Spirit, and Jesus made the same judgement upon them, so he clearly saw something about the heart and purpose of these men, and it was not ‘in keeping with repentance’. 

The way to become more righteous is not through attendance of meetings, routines or gaining knowledge. It is through understanding the words of God, and allowing them to impact and transform your life. Righteousness begins with recognising that you are not righteous, but desire to be. Repentance is a turning away from sin and temptation, letting that be washed away through baptism. It means your heart and mind need changing through recognising who God is and what that means for the rest of your life. There are no short-cuts. John led and supported people in knowing how and why they should change their sinful lives so that they could escape the burning hell that is the destiny of the sinful. 

Some people hear the message of repentance and the kingdom of God, and can even teach it, but do nothing about it in their own lives. Yet they can mistakenly think that because they know, they will be welcomed into heaven. Jesus and John teach that this is false. That was the position of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Do not be like them, they are heading for a place of, 'unquenchable fire'. Instead, recognise your unrighteousness, repent, accept God's forgiveness, and learn to live a different life. Then you will be like wheat gathered into the safety of a barn (v12) for living a righteous and fruitful life for the kingdom of God. God wants you in His kingdom, he invites and welcomes you. Listen to His words and let them change your life. 

Purpose and Limitations

The next section of the book of Matthew introduces John, John the Baptist as he is known. His birth was also miraculous, he was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, ‘they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were well advanced in years’ (Luke1:7). Yet The Lord sent an angel to Zechariah to tell him the news, and it was promised that this child, ‘will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb’ (Luke 1:15). Another incredible promise to an unlikely, faithful, God-fearing couple. God told them their child was to prepare people for the coming Messiah. John was only 6 months older than Jesus, yet his ministry started much earlier. Before Jesus’ ministry became public, John spent years teaching and preaching. He had grown a reputation as an unusual man of God and was anointed to speak about the kingdom of God coming to those who would listen;

Matthew 3:1–6 (ESV): 

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, 

  “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 

  ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; 

make his paths straight.’ ” 

4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 

John was preaching to people and became so well known that people had given him a nickname ‘the Baptist’. He was so intriguing that people even went out to the wilderness to hear him, a barren place with nothing to entice anyone. He was a popular speaker who also fulfilled prophecy through his life. Some people may have begun to believe that he was the promised one, the Messiah, yet John knew his mission and was clear with people that the Messiah was to come. He never claimed to be something he wasn’t. He was certain of his role to be the one to ‘prepare the way of the Lord’ and he fulfilled it no matter the cost. 

John was anointed by God to call people to Him, and they followed. He told people to repent, they did. Yet there was not much about him to attract people. He was in the wilderness for a start, he wore rough, animal clothing, and you wouldn’t want to have dinner with him as he was known to eat ‘locusts and wild honey’. It was his character and his anointing to preach God’s word that attracted people. John was an unusually gifted man. Like many prophets in the Old Testament, he lived a life most did not understand, and he spoke truth. John knew his role to ‘prepare the way of the Lord’. He did not overstep or diminsh his God-given mission. He helped people to straighten out their lives in preparation to meet the promised Messiah who was already walking the Earth. John was anointed by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He instructed thousands of people to turn from their wickedness and live God-honouring lives, and they did. People sought him, heard him, liked him, followed him and spoke about him. Yet John knew though that he was only preparing the way, and he was confident and capable in this. He knew Jesus before most other people did, and he lived his life pointing others to him, getting them ready to meet him, as he knew when they did, they were meeting God himself! 

John didn’t seem to mind that this would mean his followers would one day beome Jesus followers. He didn’t even seem to mind that he had to eat bugs and whatever else he could lay his hands on. Or wear what i imagine must have been itchy clothing to cover his body, and spend a lot of time in the wilderness. John knew what he was called to do and what he was not called to be, and he got on with it. 

Are you the same; Are you doing what you know you are meant to do, and are you content with that and know your limitations?

You cannot be everything to everyone, so learn to be content with the God-given role that you do have. You have a purpose and limitations like John. God has designed you, He orchestrated your birth and life like he did Jesus and John. He has a plan and purpose for your life, are you seeking God to find out what it is? Are you trying to do too much and take on things that you are not built to deal with? It is ok to not do some things, because other people have been created and developed to do them. Do not worry if things seem unfinished or not ready, there is another coming who can finish the work, just do what God has given you to do and trust God with the rest, John did. He knew his role, the power of it and the limits of it. He knew God wanted him to prepare the way for someone else to come. John trusted God and got on with his job for years before Jesus became known, and look at the impact he had - people from ‘Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him’! He had no small ministry, but it was nothing when compared to the eternal ministry of Jesus! Yet John knew his purpose, and his limitations, he got on with it and trusted God, do you?

Do not overthink it

 Matthew 2:19–23 (ESV): 

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. 

What a journey Jesus has been on already as a child, and Joseph and Mary as a married couple and new parents! First they both had to go to Bethlehem for a census where Jesus was born, next God told them to go to Egypt, and then a few years later, they headed back to Israel to the area of Galilee. This family were displaced foreigners, having to do their best to survive in difficult and scary circumstances. 

I wonder how Joseph and Mary managed to communicate in Egyot, did Jesus grow up learning Arabic as well as Hebrew in his early years? For Joseph and Mary, turning up in this strange country one day, it must have been pretty overwhelming and scary, having traveled for days to get there. Then, they were told by God they could return to their own country. It must have been a relief to them both to end up in Nazareth, the town where they had grown up, met and married. After so many years away, to return to a familiar place, with some familiar people must have been comforting. Yet, when they were first told to go back to Israel, they were not sure where to go. They initially considered going back to Judea, maybe even back to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. They did not know where exactly they were going, just that God had said to return to Israel. Even on the journey and when they arrived they were not quite sure where to go. God seems to have revealed to them in part, and they obeyed even though they did not know what the fullness of God’s plan looked like. They trusted God would look after them, lead them, and provide them a home, and He did. 

As Mary and Joseph return to Israel, this is the first time we read about any emotions of Joseph. The text says ‘he was afraid to go there’ (to Judea). Jospeh would have heard about the ‘weeping and loud lamentation’ that had occurred in Judea, the couple would have probably known people who had suffered the tragedy of their children being murdered. I am sure Joseph’s concern grew as they got nearer - if they go back to Bethlehem, Jesus would likely be one of the only boys of his age in the area due to what Herod had decreed, plus Herod’s son was in power, so would he now re-birth the decree? No wonder Joseph was afraid. It would not have been difficult for this young family to have been found out, reported, and all be put to death. God saw Jospeh’s reasonable fear, and He spoke to him and directed the family to live in Galilee. This is how they ended up residing in Nazareth, a small, relatively unknown rural village. This must have been a relief for a couple whose child’s life had been sought, and who had spent years surrounded by unfamiliar and foreign things and people. They could now live in quietude, able to work and do family life in a familiar community. Yet they only returned there because they obeyed God.

In all this God was fulfilling His plan. The Messiah had been prophesied to be; born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and ‘out of Egypt I called my son’ (Hosea 11:1), so even before Jesus was 5, he was fulfilling the promises of God - Just by being a child, going where his parents were going and breathing! It is not coincidence, but God-ordained purpose that circumstances caused the movement of this family. God was in control. He planned, listened and cared about this one family, just like He cares for you and your life. Things will happen that don’t seem to make sense, there are terrible tragedies, times when you have to move on, go into places of busy-ness and quietness. Do not overthink it. Instead, trust that God is fulfilling His purposes for your life and His kingdom as He did for Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Jesus was clearly being taught about the importance of hearing and obeying God from his parents. It was not easy for them, but when God spoke, they did what He asked, even when they did not understand or see the full picture. Unknowingly, they were preparing their son for the biggest sacrifice and step of obedience that he would have to make for the sins of the world. So, whatever you are facing today, tomorrow or in the future, listen to God and obey Him. Do not focus on the circumstances as much as the One who is using all things to fulfill His purposes and plans. Allow God to guard and direct your steps as he did for this small, young, refugee family and see what God can do in and through your life.

Listen and Obey

 When Jesus was born he was honoured by wise men from another land, the Roman governor hears this baby being referred to as ‘king of the Jews’, angels and divine dreams were involved - not many other births have been heralded in this way! It is amazing how the heavenly realms were so involved in letting the people of Earth know who this child was even before he was born. It isn’t just at Jesus birth that supernatural and heavenly things happen. The next passage continues to explain another intervention of God into Jesus’ life when he was still young, and we shall consider the impact this has on Joseph, Mary and Jesus;

 2:13–18 (ESV): 

13 Now when they (the wise men) had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 

 18  “A voice was heard in Ramah, 

weeping and loud lamentation, 

  Rachel weeping for her children; 

she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” 

The wise men had obeyed God by not telling Herod about where Jesus was and heading home in a different direction. This made Herod furious as he had to think of a plan to not be usurped by this ‘king of the Jews’ that had been born. God knows the hearts, minds and plans of all, so he knew what Herod’s next move would be. God then warns Joseph and gives him clear instructions to run away to Egypt. This would have been confusing and difficult for Joseph and Mary. They would probably just be getting used to bringing up their son by then, settled into navigating newly married life and becoming parents, and God says go. Joseph did not delay, he did not understand why, but he obeyed God straight away. Joseph trusted that God’s way was right, even though i am sure the last thing Jospeh wanted to do was upheave his small, young family and head off to another nation. It does not always seem convenient when God speaks and tells you to do something, but do you obey anyway like Joseph did? 

Jospeh heard God, and got ready to leave without knowing what was going to occur in the area. Joseph went ‘by night’ to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. I wonder what she made of the decision. I wonder if she just followed her husband because she knew how Joseph had been obedient and faithful before through a dream. She knew the character of Joseph, so did she just compliantly go? Mary and Joseph are a great example of a God-fearing couple. Upheaving their lives because God says so, saying “yes” to God seems to be their motivation, and look at the impact they have had on the World! They even went to Egypt, the place God has commanded His people not to go to, ‘The Lord has said to you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for a certainty that I have warned you this day’ (Jeremiah 42:19). Joseph would have known this command of God from the Old Testament. Joseph was clearly a devout Jew, so would have been aware of what the Scriptures taught. ‘Do not go to Egypt’ is clear, and God says it is a warning, yet now God is commanding this newly formed family to go to a place they have no community support, to a place they are not meant to be as God’s people. Maybe Joseph obeyed because he knew God had spoken and he had already seen God do some unusual things like make a virgin pregnant and send foreign men to give gifts to Jesus. So, maybe Joseph didn’t overthink too much and just knew he had to do what God said to do now. Sometimes we can over complicate things and persuade ourselves that maybe God didn’t really mean…. maybe he meant i should do that sometime…or maybe i just didn’t hear right. Joseph did not allow his own thoughts, concerns or history dictate what God could do now. He listened and obeyed, Mary trusted and followed, Do you?

Look at the pain and grief Mary and Joseph were spared because they were obedient to God’s voice. Have you ever thought, that when you obey God’s Word it can save you from pain and distress? When you hear God speak, maybe through; angels, dreams, visions, stirring in your Spirit, other people, an audible voice, reading the Bible, through natural things or events, do you realise that His commands and words are for your benefit? It may be hard, you probably won’t really want to do it, but do you realise that through your obedience you can escape some of the hurt that is coming. Mary and Joseph in the moment would have realised the inconvenience and disruption, they even left at night which would have been scary and felt sneaky. They would have felt uncomfortable going to Egypt, a place where God had previously said he didn’t want His people going, they had no idea where they could stay, they could only take with them what they could carry on the long journey (at least a week), plus they had a small child with them!  Yet, even though they likely had all of these thoughts and concerns they trusted and followed God. The outcome was that although all of the nation then suffered immense grief as all of the male children under 2 were killed, Jesus was safe. Joseph and Mary were spared the pain of losing the child given to them because they  did what God had told them. 

When God tells you to do or not to do something, do you realise that it is for yuor benefit, more for your benefit than what you want to do or are already doing? God knows best. He sees the future and He cares about you, that is why He speaks to you, ignore Him at your peril! God wants your best, are you iiving your best life - one that is in humble submission and obedience to God? Joseph and Mary had trouble and disruption, confusion and promise in their lives. They continually trusted and followed God whatever He said next, even when it seemed ridiculous and strange. Will you do the same?

Are you looking for Jesus?

 Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV): 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 

 6  “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, 

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; 

  for from you shall come a ruler 

who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 

‘Wise men came from the east came to Jerusalem’. These men are often referred to as the Magi or Three Kings (although there’s no evidence to suggest there were 3 or that they were kings). All we really know about them is that they were intelligent, foreign men who must have had money to travel such a long distance. Also, they understood something about the promises of God to the Israelites, and recognised that the God of Israel was important. Why else would they travel so far, leave their lives, family and work behind to see an unknown child in an unknown nation? 

These wise men were utterly convinced that someone of great significance was born in this area, so they went to the main city, and the leader of the area. For if a king is to be born, surely the chief person in the main city would know about it. So, they went to see the Roman appointed governor of the area, Herod. It was a sensible decision as surely one in charge would know about the ‘king of the Jews’ being born, and hopefully they would receive welcome and favour in their task of worshipping the new king. 

Herod did indeed welcome these visitors, and didn't keep their visit quiet as soon the whole of Jerusalem heard about it! Herod invited these men to share their knowledge with him about this 'king' and soon became worried about what he heard as he would have understood something of the Jewish faith. He had grown up in this area with his father as the governor before him so he would have been familiar with the history of the Israelites, their religion, and the promises of their God. So, when these wise men turned up, looking for a promised child, ‘he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him’. He came to realise that these promises were for now, not some future point. This meant that his rulership and that of the Roman empire was in jeopardy, so he was terrified.

Therefore Herod summoned the religious experts to see what they could make of what the wise men were saying. They confirmed the prophecies and could even tell them that Bethlehem would be the place. Yet, they were unprepared for the messiah to come, they believed God, were faithful followers, dedicated to studying Scripture, yet they did not know that the time for The Messiah to be born was now. They were so close to God it seems, yet they had not seen or heard. It seems that these wise men from the east, these unknown outsiders knew more about what God was planning than those in the central city of faith, Jerusalem. The place of the temple, the centre of festivals and faith for the Israelites, yet oblivious of God’s plans. Instead, the city reacted in fear, not joy, just like Herod. 

The wise men had received revelation and so they followed a star, and had somehow picked up that a child ‘has been born king of the Jews’. A very unusual title, and the same one that hung over Jesus’ head at his crucifixion. It was particularly strange to give a Jewish child at this time of Roman occupation such a name, when the rulership of Israelite kings was no longer in force. How did these wise men know what the Israelites and Roman citizens living in the area didn’t? Although Herod knew more about the Jewish tradition and religion, he did not know enough. Nor did the religious experts. They were waiting for The Messiah, but they weren't prepared. On the other hand, the wise men had prepared, planned and researched for this moment. They had searched, travelled, spent money on expenses, resources and gifts. They discovered and heard enough of this God to know that this journey to this unfamiliar place was worth the effort and expense. They desired to find out about the birth of this child, this promised ruler of the nation of Israel, and they left all their home comforts to seek him. 

The Roman empire hear about it and are afraid and concerned. Even those living in Jerusalem are panicked, the chief priests and scribes are intrigued and research Scripture - isn’t it interesting the different responses to the promises of God being fulfilled? Those far off gave up their lives for something they did not really understand, but knew the cost was worth it. Those close by trembled in fear. The religious experts were intrigued and studied. What is your response when you hear of the things God has spoken? And what is your response to who Jesus is? Are you; intrigued, invested, scared, searching, giving up your life to find out the truth? 

Finding Jesus will always be worth the cost, are you making it?

The character of Joseph

Having set the genealogy of Jesus, Matthew goes onto speak about his conception and birth. For the circumstances of the pregnancy and birth of this child were most unusual and miraculous:

Matthew 1:18–25 (ESV):

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 

 23  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, 

and they shall call his name Immanuel” 

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. 

This passage of Scripture shows a humble and righteous man in Joseph. He had probably waited for quite some time before getting to officially marry Mary, the betrothal process taking up to 2 years. In Israel at this time betrothal was a long period to allow for negotiations about bride price and arrangements for the marriage to be made. It was not a private agreement between two people either, families and the wider community would be aware when a man and woman were joined together in this way. During betrothal the couple were considered legally bound to one another already, it is much more than what we may understand an engagement to be. Betrothal is an official agreement, already binding two people together that can only be broken through divorce. It is a serious commitment, and this is what Joseph and Mary had entered into. This makes the circumstances of Mary becoming pregnant so serious and devastating for them both.

During this process of betrothal Joseph finds that his promised wife is pregnant. Not only that, but she has a most unusual story as to how! No wonder he initially thought about divorcing her, she not only has been unfaithful, but is lying about it. However, Joseph did not act rashly, he considered what to do. He clearly loved Mary as he was ‘unwilling to put her to shame’, he knew what treatment would befall her as an unmarried mother. Joseph, simply referred to as a ‘just man’ acted in a respectful and honourable manner towards Mary when he did not need to. Society would likely have responded in a very different way. If she wasn’t stoned to death, Mary would at least have been ostracised. Joseph did not want that for her. Instead, he chose to love her even in the way he ‘resolved’ what action to take. He could have humiliated and shamed Mary in front of her family and the whole community, yet he honours her instead. Even though Joseph must have been heartbroken; the promise of a wife, the awaited union, the hope of family to come, all shattered as he finds out his betrothed is pregnant and he had nothing to do with it. Yet Joseph did not act out of anger or fear, or even in concern for his reputation. Instead he considered and determined his course of action. This shows he was an honourable and considerate man, sensible, not prone to anger, and he didn’t just go along with cultural norms. Joseph desired to do the right thing by himself, Mary, and his community. Even before the angel appeared to him, we can see Joseph is a kind, generous and considered man who is slow to anger. He would make a good husband and father with those qualities, no wonder God chose him.

Then, the angel comes. The circumstances of the pregnancy are revealed, and Joseph, despite his own reservations, concerns and the likely whisperings of society, is obedient to God. He did as the angel told him as soon as he woke up! He had considered and delayed his course of action before then, but as soon as he knew God had spoken, he acted. What faith and faithfulness! He did the unthinkable really, he married a pregnant young woman who was not carrying his child! Yet he did it because God said so. It would not have been easy for Joseph. He would have had awkward conversations as Mary’s pregnancy became more obvious, there would be rumours, his reputation would be called into question as well as Mary’s. It must have been difficult for them both. However, both Joseph and Mary knew what had happened and were obedient to God, even though it was scary and they didn’t know who would believe them. 

Not only was Joseph obedient in marrying Mary, but even after the official wedding ceremony is complete, Joseph chooses not to consummate their marriage until after Jesus is born. He respects God so much that he puts aside himself, his rights and desires, in order to honour both God and Mary. What a humble, sacrificial man. Joseph shows himself to be a man committed to God and doing the right thing, even at his own expense. Kind, generous and faith-filled, obedient, slow to anger, considered and considerate. It is not surprising that God chose him to be the earthly father to His son. Out of painful and difficult circumstances, Joseph got to help mould and develop the Son of God. We can see that as a great privilege, which i am sure it was, but it did not come without pain and difficulty. Joseph was willing to deny himself in order to honour God and others. If you want to make an impact in the World for God’s Kingdom, are you willing to do the same; to be obedient to God even when it is inconvenient, painful and cross-cultural? God can call you to do some amazing things, but do you have the right character for it? Joseph did.