Verse 13 If we mix too much with the world, then we lose our Christian values that are our ‘saltiness’, our flavor, on this earth.

Verse 14 We are called to be the light in this dark world by sharing Jesus, living out the values of Jesus, with others. We are not private Christians. Those around us (family, work, grocery store, community) should be able to see the light of Jesus in us. Hiding the light of Jesus in us goes against the purpose of what light is meant for. It’s not meant to be hidden.

Verse 16 Even non-Christians are capable of doing good things. So we are called to let the light of Jesus shine by doing good things that benefit others and give glory to God in heaven by giving Him the credit for it. We highlight His provision, His hand, His goodness behind our actions.

Verses 17-20 The entire Old Testament points to Christ. Jesus submitted Himself to the law and followed it perfectly. He became righteousness and now gives it to us through the power of His Holy Spirit when we believe in Him. Jesus calls us to follow him and obey the law, not because this is what ‘saves’ us but because this is what sanctifies or cleanses us of evil, impurities, darkness, sin, the world. Then we can experience the amazing rule of God in our lives.

There are some misunderstandings with the law and Jesus corrects six of them in the rest of this chapter. We want to show that the law is not just physical, but is spiritual.

Verses 21-22 In the Ten Commandments, a set of laws that God gave Moses, (Exodus 20:2–17, Deuteronomy 5:6–21) the sixth law says “You shall not murder.” Jesus goes to the root of murder and addresses anger. He says the boundary for this law isn’t just the physical act of murder but the internal heart condition of anger. If we use vicious words toward others or get angry with people then we are guilty of breaking the law. God considers not just our actions but our thoughts and words. He cares about the motives of our hearts.

Verses 23-26 If we come to church or are worshipping God and remember that we are at odds with someone, we should go and be reconciled (restore the friendship) with them. In order for us to have a healthy relationship of intimacy and fellowship with God then we must make peace with our relationships on earth (as much as we can). Do this before things get worse.

Verses 27-30 The seventh law in the Ten Commandments is “You shall not commit adultery.” Here Jesus is saying that adultery starts at the heart. Even looking at a woman/man lustfully is committing the act of adultery. Do you see how incredibly powerful our thoughts are? A former pastor once said, “if all you need is the opportunity to commit the act, then you’re already there.” Meaning if you’ve thought about committing the act, fantasized about it, rolled it over in your mind, then you’ve already done it. If all we need is the opportunity to be alone with that person, if that’s the only thing now holding our physical actions back, then we’ve already committed the crime. Immoral actions begin with immoral thoughts. We need to address the heart. There are a million stumbling blocks (pornography, Rated R movies, books, reality tv shows, music, celebrities, places we spend our time in). Jesus wants us to be so radical about staying pure that we would cut off anything that’s causing us to sin with our thoughts. We can avoid the sin of lust by rooting out the things that lead to adulterous thoughts. If it’s movies or shows, make a commitment to shut them off. Find new music or new places to spend your time.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank you for helping me understand the word of God through these teachings by Jesus. Thank you for speaking to my heart with conviction and gentle correction so that I might live a more sanctified life. I want to be the salt of the earth and the light in this world. Help me not become contaminated by the things around me. Help me to keep out entertainment that is numbing my spirit to your Truth. I want to hold onto these Christian values and share You, Jesus, in this dark world. I don’t want to hide my light or be a private Christian to those around me. When they see me, I hope they see Jesus. When they ask, I want to be bold enough to give You the glory and credit for anything good in me. I want to be committed to growing in holiness and righteousness so that I might see Your kingdom come down to earth and supernaturally change my world. Thank you, Jesus, for your perfect obedience to the law. Thank you for Your Spirit that strengthens my stance in Your Truth and extends that righteousness to me when I believe. I have the power through you, Jesus, to make better decisions, to take the narrow path (Matthew 7:14). I desire to obey the law not because it will save me. You’ve already done that, Jesus. I obey the law because it cleanses me and keeps me from the darkness and dirtiness, the sin in this world. I want to see your amazing rule in my life, Jesus. Show me where my words and thoughts are clouded with sin. Examine the motives of my heart (Psalm 26:2) and convict me where I need to confess the sin and restore my relationship with you and with others. I want to be radical about staying pure. Show me what I need to cut out of my life. Give me the courage and strength to follow through, Jesus, so that my heart remains free and pure, devoted to filling up with Your goodness in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.