Matthew Chapters 5-6

1) The Beatitudes (see 5:1-12) seem contradictory to the ways of the world.  Why do you think this is the case?  What does this tell you about God’s ways?

2) Jesus said He came to fulfill the law (see 5:17).  He then gives six examples of Old Testament teachings and their New Testament applications (see 5:21-22; 5:27-28; 5:31-32; 5:33-37; 5:38-39; and 5:43-44).  What is the big difference?  How can you live out Jesus’ ways?

3) Giving, praying and fasting (see 6:1-18) are all spiritual disciplines that were being misused by the religious leaders of the day.  How does Jesus want us to approach these activities?

4) It’s been said, “Money makes the world go around.”  While we know money is important, it’s not the most important.  How would you summarize Jesus’ teaching about money found in 6:24?  What are the implications of this teaching found in 6:25-34?

Chapter 5 begins one of the greatest passages of the gospels.  Known as the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew Chapters 5-7 contain Jesus’ teachings about how we are to live in the Kingdom of God.  Jesus’ words stand in stark contrast to the teachings of the world.

Overall, Jesus’ teachings reflect God’s focus on our heart.  We’ve been called to have the right reasons for doing the right things.  That is, we must consider our motivation; not just our action.  The religious leaders of Jesus’ day proved it is possible to go through the motions (giving, praying and fasting) and not be connecting with God.

More than pursuing the things of this world, a focus on God’s kingdom is to be of highest priority in our lives.  When we do this, God promises to take care of the details along the way.