“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, . . . For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:1-2, 20).
The sermon recorded in Matthew chapters five through seven is one of the most challenging of the preaching work that Jesus did among followers. This material was the defining declaration of who really are those on the way to the kingdom of heaven. Jesus declared plainly that the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was not the path to heaven. One must get serious about discipleship in order to enter into heaven. Consider some serious points made by Jesus concerning the life of a true disciple of Jesus.
- Spiritually-minded. One cannot read the material in chapter five without seeing the seriousness of the inner man being right with God. Jesus addressed being “poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3), “pure in heart” (Matt. 5:8) along with the other spiritual qualities of the beatitudes. He addressed being salt of the earth (cf. Matt. 5:13) and the light of the world (cf. Matt. 5:14-15) in order that one’s influence might bring glory to the Father. Thus, the goal of discipleship is to have God receive the credit, not the disciple. Jesus addressed several misconceptions taught about the law with the correct interpretation centered on the spiritual side of man being right to avoid mistreatment of others, destroying homes, creating a lack of trust among people and hating those whom God loves. It is from the heart that all evil comes (cf. Matt. 15:18-19). If one is to be serious about being a disciple, then he will be serious about his inner man.
- Self-denying. One cannot read chapter six without seeing the seriousness of the danger of doing things simply to be seen of men and living a materialistic lifestyle. Jesus gave three illustrations of the self-righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees in their alms giving, prayer and fasting. Their religious practices were for show, not for serious spiritual sacrifices. Their real God was Mammon (cf. Matt. 6:24) as covetousness was a hallmark of their being (cf. Luke 16:14). The message that Jesus gave to his disciples found in the words “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24) would have been nonsense to these religious elite. Serious discipleship is God centered (cf. Matt. 6:33).
- Steadfastly Following to the End. Chapter seven gives a mix of dangerous influences and actions that sidetrack a disciple. Jesus was the only perfect example of how distractions would not be an issue. Judging motives (cf. Matt. 7:1-5), living by the rule of treating others as you would desire to be treated (cf. Matt. 7:12), knowing that the way to heaven is difficult and sparsely traveled, while troubled that some would start the road only to be found lacking in the end (cf. Matt. 7:21-27) demands the seriousness of mind and will to finish what one started in his walk with the Lord. Jesus would finish his work and so must all who will run the race (cf. Heb. 12:1-2). Jesus would live to see some quit before his death (cf. John 6:66) and see Judas betray the Lord (cf. Matt. 26:47ff). Serious discipleship finishes the course (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7).
Jimmy Clark