Week 2

Matthew 5:13-15

King James Version

13 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.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 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.

• Now we are done with the beatitudes, we will see what else Jesus spoke about.  In these set of scriptures, He talks about us being the light.  Jesus said we are the salt of the earth.  Have you ever eaten something without salt?  Did you know that you have to put salt even in cakes and pastries?  If we did not add salt to our food, it would taste pretty bland.  Who likes bland food right?  Well, when we are the light meaning we are following Gods word and not being like the world, we bring the flavor in the earth.  We stand out amongst the many people that's following after this world.

• Then He says we are a city set on a hill and He compared us to a candle.  In the past people did not have electricity, so when it would become dark, they would light a candle and put it on a candlestick to light the house.  Before the candle was lit the house would be dark, that's how it is in the world its very dark but when you are saved you bring the light.  You must continue to live right and allow the holy spirit to have his way in your life, because you don't want your light to go out.  When the candle goes out then the house is dark again!  So, you want to continue doing what's right so your light will continue to shine bright.

• Write down ways you can be a light at home and among your friends.

• Let's Pray.  Dear Lord, thank you for helping me to be the light.  Please never let my light go out! In Jesus name, Amen.

Matthew 5:16-18

King James Version

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 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.

• In these set of scriptures, Jesus continues to tell us to be the light and He says to do good works so we will glorify our Father in heaven.  Jesus went about doing good and so should we! What are some ways you can do good?

• Then He says He came not to destroy the law but fulfill and all shall be fulfilled.  People in the Old Testament under the Mosaic law could not live truly free from sins.  God gave them His righteous law, but they continued to disobey and needed to make atonement for their sins.  Jesus said He didn't come to destroy the law but fulfill...what the people couldn't do was live right or keep the righteousness that was contained in the law, Jesus did, and He was without sin Amen.

• Let's Pray!  Dear Lord, thank you for being the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so we can live free.  Please help me to keep the righteousness contained in the law.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Matthew 5:19-21

King James Version

19 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.

20 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.

21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

• In these scriptures Jesus wanted us to know that God's righteousness is serious and how we should take it seriously and teach others about His righteousness.

• Our righteousness needs to exceed that of the scribes of Pharisees.  See they were supposed to be the teachers of the law, but they were telling others what to do and not doing it themselves.  Jesus called them hypocrites!  They also did a lot of things for show..meaning others can see and think they are righteous when really within they were not.

• We should not be like this the Bible says to be either hot or cold, meaning we need to be hot (on fire for the Lord, living right and teaching others the same) or cold (just not saved at all).

• Homework.  Write down some of the righteousness contained in the law.

• Let's pray.  Dear Lord, thank you for blessing us with your word.  Please bless us to be not hearers only but doers.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Matthew 5:22-24

King James Version

22 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.

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

• Jesus was enhancing some things about the law He said in the scripture on Wednesday how it was said, "thou shalt not kill but if thou kill you should be in danger of judgement."  He adds to this by saying whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall also be in danger of the judgement!  We should also not call anyone a fool.  The Bible tells us, "That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment".  So, let's be careful with not only with what we do but also what we say and how we say things.   

• We should also make sure we have made up with our brother or sister if we have had a disagreement.  If one is offended and the Holy Spirit lets you know they are offended go to them and get it right and vice versa if you were offended by them go to them and get it right.  Make sure you do all things in love.

• Let's Pray.  Dear Lord, thank you for being so merciful and kind to me.  help me to be merciful and kind towards others.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Video: Light of the World

More Resources: Bible Today For kids