One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.
—Matthew 5:1-2 NLT
A certain characteristic can define a family. Many members of the family can be distinguished by this special characteristic. It may be a physically prominent feature. It may be a phrase or a way of saying things. It may be certain traditions. It may be a similar nervous tic. The Sermon on the Mount (which begins with the next verse) is about the Kingdom family of God. Those who live in it — or better yet, live it — share a common character that shows that the Father in heaven reigns over their hearts. Those who hear the Sermon on the Mount are the crowds, but those who listen, those who are defined by it, are the disciples. They are the ones who put into practice the ethic and character of Jesus, not because it is some law they must keep, but because it reflects the character of a Father whom they love.
O gracious and Almighty God, thank you for bringing me into your family. May my life reflect the light of your glory and the character of your holiness. I want your righteousness to be the dominant feature in my life, so I come and sit at the feet of Jesus to learn how to live in a way that honors you and reflects your character. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 5:1-2 NLT
Key Thought
A certain characteristic can define a family. Many members of the family can be distinguished by this special characteristic. It may be a physically prominent feature. It may be a phrase or a way of saying things. It may be certain traditions. It may be a similar nervous tic. The Sermon on the Mount (which begins with the next verse) is about the Kingdom family of God. Those who live in it — or better yet, live it — share a common character that shows that the Father in heaven reigns over their hearts. Those who hear the Sermon on the Mount are the crowds, but those who listen, those who are defined by it, are the disciples. They are the ones who put into practice the ethic and character of Jesus, not because it is some law they must keep, but because it reflects the character of a Father whom they love.
Today's Prayer
O gracious and Almighty God, thank you for bringing me into your family. May my life reflect the light of your glory and the character of your holiness. I want your righteousness to be the dominant feature in my life, so I come and sit at the feet of Jesus to learn how to live in a way that honors you and reflects your character. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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