Day 282 Reading Schedule: Matthew 5-7

Matthew 5: New Law of Heaven

[Summary]

Jesus went up the mountain and taught his disciples (verse 1). He taught about the Beatitudes (verses 2-12), about the true nature and mission of disciples (verses 13-16), and about the value of the law (verses 17-20). Meanwhile, he completely reinterpreted the Mosaic Law regarding murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, and the law of vengeance (verses 21-42). He also declared that we should actively love our neighbors and even our enemies (verses 43-47). The fundamental reason for all of this is that we must be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect (verse 48).

Matthew 6: New Life in Heaven

[Summary]

Jesus taught about the basic life of citizens of heaven: the life of charity, prayer, and fasting (verses 1-18). He then criticized the world’s wrong values. He encouraged us to store up treasures in heaven, and encouraged us to remember the grace of God that clothes the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and to seek only the kingdom of God and His righteousness (verses 19-34).

Matthew 7: Those Who Will Live in Heaven

[Summary]

Jesus commanded us not to judge (verses 1-5), not to give holy things to those who do not know their value (verse 6), and taught us the assurance of faith that if we ask, we will receive (verses 7-12). In the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, he spoke about entering through the narrow gate (verses 13-14), the importance of doing the will of the Lord and bearing fruit (verses 15-23), and the necessity of building a house on the rock (verses 24-27). When Jesus finished saying all these things, the whole crowd was amazed at the refreshing teaching and the great authority he had (vv. 28-29).