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Jesus saw the crowds. So he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them. He said,
3 ‘Blessed are those who are spiritually needy.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
4 Blessed are those who are sad.
They will be comforted.
5 Blessed are those who are humble.
They will be given the earth.
6 Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for what is right.
They will be filled.
7 Blessed are those who show mercy.
They will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are those whose hearts are pure.
They will see God.
9 Blessed are those who make peace.
They will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
11 ‘Blessed are you when people make fun of you and hurt you because of me. You are also blessed when they tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. 12 Be joyful and glad. Your reward in heaven is great. In the same way, people hurt the prophets who lived long ago.
5:1–12 This was the first of Jesus' long messages. The message began with Jesus gathering his disciples together on a mountainside. He taught them how to live as part of the kingdom of heaven. He started by saying what kind of people would be part of the kingdom of heaven. This kingdom is very different from how human kingdoms or governments work. It isn't for people who are proud and think they don't need God. It isn't for people who use their strength to make others suffer. It isn't for people who are only committed to their own happiness. Jesus knows that many people have been treated badly and are suffering. Many are sad. Many know that they need God's help. Many people are longing for justice and peace to fill the earth. Many understand what God cares deeply about. They do what God wants done even when it's hard. Jesus said all these people are blessed. They are God's children. He will comfort them and show them mercy. They are part of the kingdom of heaven.
13 ‘You are the salt of the earth. But suppose the salt loses its saltiness. How can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything. It will be thrown out. People will walk all over it.
14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can't be hidden. 15 Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.
17 ‘Do not think I have come to get rid of what is written in the Law or in the Prophets. I have not come to do this. Instead, I have come to fulfil what is written. 18 What I'm about to tell you is true. Heaven and earth will disappear before the smallest letter disappears from the Law. Not even the smallest mark of a pen will disappear from the Law until everything is completed. 19 Do not ignore even one of the least important commands. And do not teach others to ignore them. If you do, you will be called the least important person in the kingdom of heaven. Instead, practise and teach these commands. Then you will be called important in the kingdom of heaven. 20 Here is what I tell you. You must be more godly than the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. If you are not, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
5:13–20 Jesus said that God's people are to be salt and light in the world. He was talking about the way that they live. Salt keeps food from rotting and light makes darkness go away. God doesn't want his world to rot away. He doesn't want it to be in darkness because of sin. His people must live in ways that keep his world healthy and safe. That's how they help other people groups and nations come to know and serve God. Jesus loved God's word. He taught people to respect and follow God's instructions. This included the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Old Testament books of history, laws and prophecy talked about God ruling fully as King. That started to happen through Jesus. That is how the Old Testament Scriptures were fulfilled through Jesus.
21 ‘You have heard what was said to people who lived long ago. They were told, “Do not commit murder. (Exodus 20:13) Anyone who murders will be judged for it.” 22 But here is what I tell you. Do not be angry with a brother or sister. Anyone who is angry with them will be judged. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, “Raca”, must stand trial in court. And anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire in hell.
23 ‘Suppose you are offering your gift at the altar. And you remember that your brother or sister has something against you. 24 Leave your gift in front of the altar. First go and make peace with them. Then come back and offer your gift.
25 ‘Suppose someone has a claim against you and is taking you to court. Settle the matter quickly. Do this while you are still together on the way. If you don't, you may be handed over to the judge. The judge may hand you over to the officer to be thrown into prison. 26 What I'm about to tell you is true. You will not get out until you have paid the very last penny!
27 ‘You have heard that it was said, “Do not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) 28 But here is what I tell you. Do not even look at a woman in the wrong way. Anyone who does has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. Your eye is only one part of your body. It is better to lose an eye than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. Your hand is only one part of your body. It is better to lose a hand than for your whole body to go into hell.
31 ‘It has been said, “Suppose a man divorces his wife. If he does, he must give her a letter of divorce.” (Deuteronomy 24:1) 32 But here is what I tell you. Anyone who divorces his wife makes her a victim of adultery. And anyone who gets married to the divorced woman commits adultery. A man may divorce his wife only if she has not been faithful to him.
33 ‘Again, you have heard what was said to your people long ago. They were told, “Do not break the promises you make to the Lord. Keep your promises to the Lord that you have made.” 34 But here is what I tell you. Do not make any promises like that at all. Do not make them in the name of heaven. That is God's throne. 35 Do not make them in the name of the earth. That is the stool for God's feet. Do not make them in the name of Jerusalem. That is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not make a promise in your own name. You can't make even one hair of your head white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply “Yes” or “No”. Anything more than this comes from the evil one.
38 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye must be put out for an eye. A tooth must be knocked out for a tooth.” (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21) 39 But here is what I tell you. Do not fight against an evil person. Suppose someone slaps you on your right cheek. Turn your other cheek to them also. 40 Suppose someone takes you to court to get your shirt. Let them have your coat also. 41 Suppose someone forces you to go one mile. Go 2 miles with them. 42 Give to the one who asks you for something. Don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow something from you.
43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour. (Leviticus 19:18) Hate your enemy.” 44 But here is what I tell you. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. 45 Then you will be children of your Father who is in heaven. He causes his sun to shine on evil people and good people. He sends rain on those who do right and those who don't. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that. 47 If you greet only your own people, what more are you doing than others? Even people who are ungodly do that. 48 So be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
5:21–48 Jesus taught about many laws recorded in the Law of Moses. He showed what was most important about them. God is looking for people who understand what he really wants. Jesus gave many examples of what God desires. Every example was about how people should live with others and treat one another. Jesus taught that people should love their enemies and not just their friends and neighbours. People shouldn't treat others based on how they themselves have been treated. Instead, Jesus taught people to look for ways to do good to others. People who do this are children of the kingdom of heaven. God is their Father and they follow his example. They take care of others and bless them.