Matthew 5:21-26
Reflect
The passage today finds us in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is delivering quite an amazing sermon to those who have gathered to hear Him. The Scribes and Pharisees followed the law in a way that emphasized their outward appearance and visible actions. Jesus goes a step further in our passage today. He goes for the heart, for the attitudes that come from inside.
Have you ever picked a juicy, perfect looking apple off a tree? Have you taken a big bite only to realize that something isn’t quite right? When you look down at the apple in your hand you see that the inside is rotten. The beauty on the outside conceals the decay on the inside. The outside doesn’t match the inside.
Jesus cares about what is inside. He cares about our inner world. “For the Lord sees not as a man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
As we think about these verses, let’s take a minute to examine ourselves. Does what is on the outside (our actions, choices, behaviours) match what is on the inside (our thoughts, attitudes, motivations)? Do we hunger and thirst for righteousness?
Erin Gibbard
Pray
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor and his family.
- Pray for our Young Adults Pastor, Nathanael Trinh, his ministry, and his family.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Melissa Chaffee and her family.
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.
- Pray for our McKernan Groups Assistant, Noah Okken.
- Pray for all our small group leaders. Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.