Why do we pray? Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter and asks us to consider our motive for why we pray. If it’s to be seen by men and appear pious, then we have our reward. To ensure we have the proper motive in prayer, Jesus gives us a model for what prayer should look like. If we want to truly get a clear picture of our motive, see what you pray for when no one else is around.
In our passage today, we are asked to consider the motivation behind why we do what we do, whether it’s giving to someone with a monetary need, helping someone in the neighborhood or providing to meet some other tangible need, Jesus asks us to check our motive. Why are we doing what we’re doing? He says if it’s to be seen by others, then our reward from the applause of men is all we will get. But if our motivation is to bring glory to God, He will reward us. Who would you rather get your approval from? What’s your motivation? Are you doing it out of pride or humility? Your motivation will determine your reward.
We will either influence others or others will influence us. Jesus says we are to influence the culture around us by being salt and light. We are to have a positive influence on those around for the gospel in a way that points people to God. Is your salt tasteless? Is your light dim?
Persecution is something Jesus said we would experience. If the world hated Him, it would hate for our association with Him. Persecution may come in the form of insults, injury, or injustice. But while Jesus says there will be persecution. Our passage gives us a path through persecution. Be joyful. Be glad. Be loving. Be prayerful. Be perfect. Our response in persecution should follow that of Christ. By that we become an example to those who are the persecutors pointing them to the Savior. Persecution is only temporary. Our reward is eternal. Let’s show people the way to Christ by how we respond when persecuted for righteousness.
There is a lot of talk about peace in the world, but the world can’t bring world peace. That can only come through God. And until we have peace with God, we will not have peace with others. God sent His Son, Jesus, that we might have peace with Him. That happens when, by faith, we trust in Christ as Savior. If we want lasting peace with others, we need to have lasting peace with God. Then we are called on to be at peace with others. We are told to do whatever it takes to make peace. That doesn’t mean we compromise the truth of the Scriptures. It does mean that we pursue peace, peace that God gives us to give to others.
Do you want to see God? Jesus says only the pure in heart will see Him. Explore with us how that is possible.
What does it mean to be merciful? Our culture seems to be lacking in it. Scripture provides us with so many excellent examples. Being merciful begins with an understanding of how God has been merciful to us. Then we are to go and extend mercy to others.
What does it mean that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are satisfied? Perhaps the better question is to ask what are you hungering or thirsting for? Is it satisfying you? If you aren’t pursuing righteousness, then it doesn’t bring anything that is lasting or peaceful or joyful or eternal.
What does it mean to be meek? It’s not what the world thinks in regard to meekness. What Jesus means is entirely different from what the culture views to be meekness. The Bible gives plenty of portraits of those who exhibited meekness. Let’s consider together what Jesus meant when He said that the meek are blessed (something the world thinks impossible), and will inherit the earth.
What did Jesus mean when He said that those who mourn would be both blessed and comforted? We discover that Jesus is speaking here about those who mourn over their sin. The person who is poor in spirit recognizes his or her spiritual bankruptcy and then mourns over sin. When there is a proper attitude regarding sin, we will admit that we have wronged God and seek to do something about it. True mourning over sin takes the next step of repentance in order to be right with God. We must have a right attitude about sin and not treat it casually or callously. See it as God does and then grieve over it. This leads to another step of Christlikeness.