Reflections on Matthew 5: Abide Together

Matthew 5-7 contains what is referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount.”  One of the main  purposes of the “Sermon on the Mount” is to shatter self-righteousness.  Most people of the day, especially Jewish leaders, were trying to attain the righteousness God demands through self effort in the keeping of the law externally.  Here in chapter 5 Jesus goes straight to the heart, showing that it is the heart that counts.  A new heart leads to God honoring actions.  People need a new heart, which Jesus gives to those who trust Him as their savior from sin and the one who meets the righteousness God demands (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Lord, thank you that I do not have to earn my salvation and for the fact that you have given me a new heart through faith in Jesus who died and rose again in my place.