In the 5th chapter of Matthew, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works.” Then in the 6th chapter, He says, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men.”

Which is it? Are we to let men see our good works, our righteousness, or not?

Have you ever excused your behavior with the words, “No one’s perfect?” If you have, listen again to the words of Jesus. “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery," but I say to you...

What would you think of someone who audaciously declared, "You have heard…but I say" ...effectively challenging what you had been taught?

John’s message, and Jesus’ initial message, was the same. “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As we move into chapter 5 of Matthew’s gospel, John is in prison, and Jesus is ready to introduce that kingdom to His disciples.

We can almost hear Matthew say, "Then came Jesus..." bringing light, leadership, and love.

Jesus already knew the general direction His ministry would have to take, and He knew where it would have to end.

He had known that from the foundation of the world.

But now that He was a man, could He do it?

Did He have the resolve needed to follow the necessary course?

John’s job would be to get us ready.

And he did so by showing how to be pleasing to our heavenly Father through confession, repentance, and baptism.

Matthew’s gospel is the Royal Gospel, written primarily for a Jewish audience, and the events he recorded surrounding Jesus’ birth and childhood make it evident that He was indeed the promised king.

Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born, something that was not only unusual, but humanly impossible. And it’s something that is doubted by skeptics, and unbelievers, even today.