So here Jesus says, in effect, that he has not come to abolish the Law, but to do something quite different: to bring to pass all that the Law predicted.

Salt has always been valuable in human society, often much more so than it is today. During a period of ancient Greek history it was seen as divine. The Romans held that, except for the sun, nothing was more valuable than salt. Often Roman soldiers were paid in salt, and it was from that practice that the expression “not worth his salt” originated.

To one degree or another all who are serious about putting God first in your work and home and school and leisure will bump into some form of opposition sooner or later. And none of us knows when our freedoms may cease or when we may be called by God to go to a dangerous place or take a stand here that will cause many to dislike us.

This principle says that resemblance to God is an indispensable prerequisite for fellowship with God. We cannot really see God unless we become like him. It asks questions like, “What do you think about when you slip your mind into neutral?”

When the disciples said to Jesus, “Show us the Father,” He answered them by saying, “Have I been so long with you and you still don’t know?” You’ve been seeing the Father. You see, purifying the soul cleanses the vision of the soul so that we see God.

The beatitude says, “Blessed are the merciful,” not, “Blessed are those who know exactly when and how to show mercy in all circumstances.” We must be merciful people even when we act with severity in the service of justice.

Sermon notes to follow

This doesn’t mean they become lazy. It means that they’re free of frenzy. They have a kind of steady calm that comes from knowing that God is omnipotent, that he has their affairs under his control, and that he is gracious and will work things out for the best

The Christian sees both himself and his world the way they are under God, and he mourns. He’s not being a pessimist. He’s not going around with a depressed face. Spiritual poverty leads to godly sorrow; the poor in spirit become those who mourn.

Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).