Gospel
17 "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18 For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. 27 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust 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. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. 31 “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. 32 But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” 33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all. 37 Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”
Introduction
Matthew 5 contains some of the most profound teachings of Jesus Christ, calling His followers to a higher standard of righteousness, integrity, and personal holiness. This devotional explores Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28, 33-34, and 37, seeking to understand their meaning and how they apply to our daily lives. The purpose is to encourage believers to examine their hearts and live with sincerity and devotion to Christ.
Historical Background
Matthew’s Gospel was written to a Jewish audience and presents Jesus as the promised Messiah. In chapter 5, we find the Sermon on the Mount, delivered on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee. During this time, Jewish leaders emphasized outward obedience to the Law. Jesus, however, challenged this approach by focusing on the inner motivations and attitudes of the heart. His teachings reveal a new depth to the Law, going beyond tradition and ritual.
Theological Context
The verses in Matthew 5 highlight several themes: righteousness that exceeds mere legalism, the seriousness of anger and lust, truthful speech, and unwavering integrity. Jesus declares that outward observance is not enough; what matters is the condition of one's heart. For example, He equates anger with murder and lust with adultery, shifting the focus from external actions to internal intentions. The call to let "your 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no,' 'no'" speaks to honesty and trustworthiness, reminding us that our words should reflect truth without the need for oaths.
Lessons Learned
These passages teach us that discipleship involves transformation from within. Jesus invites us to reject bitterness, resist temptation, embrace honesty, and pursue genuine righteousness. He urges us to seek reconciliation, guard our thoughts, and let our speech be marked by integrity. By living out these principles, we honor God and reflect His character in our daily interactions.
Reflection for the Day
Today, consider how easy it is to focus on external actions and miss the heart’s condition. Jesus wants us to be honest, pure, and peace-loving, not just in what we do but in what we think and say. Ask yourself: Where do I struggle with anger or impurity? Am I truthful in my words? Invite Christ to transform these areas and lead you toward deeper righteousness.
Poem
The Inner Path
On quiet hills, Your voice calls me,
Beyond the law, beyond what I see.
To search my thoughts, to yield my heart,
To walk with truth, set far apart.
Forgive my anger, cleanse desire,
Let honesty and peace inspire.
O Christ, my guide, my path reveal,
Make righteousness within me real.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You have shown us that true righteousness starts within. Help me to surrender anger, to guard my mind against temptation, and to speak with honesty and kindness. Transform my heart so that I may live according to Your teachings. Give me courage to reconcile, purity to resist, and wisdom to speak truth. May Your Spirit lead me each day, and may Your life in me always reflect Your love and holiness.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
TEACHING ABOUT THE LAW / ANGER / ADULTERY / DIVORCE
Matthew 5:17-37
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
