In this text, Jesus addresses a misunderstanding concerning His own relationship to the law, and explains the relationship which we are to have to the law as His children. But He concludes with a statement that is perhaps the most shocking in all His sermon.

What is the meaning of the Lord's Supper? How should it be observed?

If you had the idea that the 'Christian character' outlined in verses 3–12 can somehow be maintained in private without making an impact in society, Jesus now lays that idea to rest once and for all. If you're a Christian, Christ expects you to change the world.

Our world does not always appreciate the sort of Christian character Jesus has described. Actually, those who truly model these beatitudes will be persecuted. But the main point of this text (vv. 10-12) is that true Christians are blessed to overcome persecution for Christ's sake.

In a world at war, we tend to desire peace. But we are not naturally inclined to be peacemakers. Peacemaking is an indispensable mark of a true disciple of Christ. In this study, we examine how to be a peacemaker and the blessing of being a peacemaker.