Matthew 5:17-48
Introduction
Matthew wrote his Gospel to show Jewish readers that Jesus is the promised Messiah who perfectly fulfills the Old Testament. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).
God knows exactly how life is meant to be lived, and Jesus not only lived to restore us—He lived as the perfect model for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 12:2). The main point of this series is that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Word, and our lives can only be fulfilled in Him. Jesus raises the bar on the commandments, moving beyond external rule-keeping to heart-level righteousness so we can experience the abundant life He offers (John 10:10).
Finding Fulfillment in the Life Jesus Gives
1) Jesus Is Calling You to Leave Behind Anger and Bitterness (5:21-26) Jesus says that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subject to judgment (Matthew 5:22). We must put away all bitterness, rage, anger, clamor, slander, and malice (Ephesians 4:31). A root of bitterness can spring up and cause trouble, defiling many (Hebrews 12:15). Jesus calls us to reconcile quickly (Matthew 5:23-24) because unresolved anger gives the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27).
2) Jesus Is Calling You to Walk and Think with Sexual Integrity (5:27-30) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). Every action begins with a thought. We are commanded to flee from sexual immorality because every other sin is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against their own body (1 Corinthians 6:18). Jesus calls for radical action—cutting off whatever causes us to stumble (Matthew 5:29-30).
3) Jesus Is Calling You to Honor Marriage (5:31-32) Jesus tightens the standard on divorce, protecting the sacred covenant. “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral (Hebrews 13:4).
4) Jesus Is Calling You to Keep Your Word (5:33-37) Let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No.” It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it (Ecclesiastes 5:5). Our speech should be so truthful that oaths are unnecessary (James 5:12).
5) Jesus Is Calling You to Respond to Evil with Grace (5:38-42) Instead of “an eye for an eye,” Jesus says, “Do not resist an evil person” (Matthew 5:38-39). From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace (John 1:16). Since grace is all we have received, grace is all we should give (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).
6) Jesus Is Calling You to Love Your Enemy (5:43-48) “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). Perfection is happening when we endure the worst the world has for us and still cling to Jesus. We are called to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect—perfect in love (Matthew 5:48; 1 John 4:7-8).
Application
Jesus raises the bar, not to crush us, but so we can experience the fulfilled life found only in Him. This righteousness is not obtainable unless we draw near and stay near to Jesus (John 15:4-5). When we abide in Him, His Spirit produces in us what the law demands (Romans 8:3-4; Galatians 5:22-23).
This is not just for the sake of people around us—it is so we can experience unexplainable peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Which of these six callings is the Spirit pressing on your heart today? Will you draw near to Jesus and let Him transform you from the inside out?
Small Group Questions
· Which of these six “callings” is the most challenging for you?
· Why is it important to control our thoughts, not just our actions?
· How would you respond to someone who spread a rumor about you? How does Jesus call on us to respond?
· Is it possible to “be perfect” like Jesus tells us in Matt 5:48?
For Further Study
Read Matthew 5:17-48 alongside Romans 8:3-4 and Galatians 5:22-23 to see how Jesus fulfills the law so we can walk by the Spirit.
Study 1 John 2:3-6 and 1 Peter 2:21 for the call to walk as Jesus walked.
Meditate on Philippians 2:12-13 and John 15:4-5 to remember that God works in us as we abide in Christ.
