Key Passage
Jesus saw the many people that were there. So Jesus went up on a hill and sat down. His followers came to him. Jesus taught the people. He said:
— Matthew 5:1-2 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
A certain characteristic can define a family. Many members of the family can be distinguished by this special characteristic. It may be a physically prominent feature. It may be a phrase or a way of saying things. It may be certain traditions. It may be a similar nervous tic. The Sermon on the Mount (which begins with the next few verses) is about the Kingdom Family of God. Those who live in it—or better yet—live it, share a common character that shows that the Father in Heaven reigns over their hearts. Those who hear the Sermon on the Mount are the crowds, but those who listen, those who are defined by it, are the disciples. They are the ones who put into practice the ethic and character of Jesus, not because it is some law they must keep, but because it reflects the character of a Father whom they love.
Prayer
O gracious and Almighty God, thank you for bringing me into your family. May my life reflect the light of your glory and the character of your holiness. I want your righteousness to be the dominant feature in my life, so I come and sit at the feet of Jesus to learn how to live in a way that honors and reflects you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
From that time Jesus began to tell people {what God wanted}. This is what he said: "Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is coming soon."
— Matthew 4:17
Jesus said, "Come follow me. I will make you {a different kind of} fishermen. You will work to gather people, {not fish}." Simon and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus.
— Matthew 4:19-20
Jesus answered, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then Jesus pointed to his followers and said, "See! These people are my mother and my brothers. My true brother and sister and mother is any person that does the things my Father in heaven wants."
— Matthew 12:48-50
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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