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The Beatitudes: Light of the World
June 1, 2019

Last week we began a look at the beatitudes and saw that meek inherit the earth, and that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. The link to the study on the Book of Revelation showed us the Kingdom of Heaven will be here on earth. Continuing with the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt not only adds flavor to a bland meal, at one time it was a valuable trade commodity. Cities and empires rose to power over the control of salt. Believers of Jesus are the Salt of the earth, and the kingdom of heaven comes into power on earth in part because through Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven controls the salt of the world. We are the light of the world, and in a world of darkness, even the smallest light is a bright testament to the Kingdom of Heaven. All that we do glorifies our Father who is in heaven, no matter how miniscule our light is, no matter how dark it is.

Matthew 5:13-16
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

In the midst of the beatitudes, Jesus reminds us he did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill. Christianity does not negate the law of God; Jesus shows us the righteousness of Christianity is well beyond what was expected in the Old Testament.

Matthew 5:17-20
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus tells us to forgive, to not hold grudges against others. We are told to reconcile ourselves first before seeking to please God, and to avoid civil matters.

Matthew 5:21-26
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

The beatitudes provide an extension of the commandments of Jesus and begin to define our path to perfection and the Kingdom of Heaven. Next week we will continue the beatitudes.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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