Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, both in his obedience and in his death and resurrection. He challenges his followers view of righteousness and how to attain it. We are no longer under the Mosaic Law, but the Law of Christ. (Matthew 5:17-20)

This evil world needs salt because it is corrupt and it needs light because it's dark. Jesus said we are to be salt and light in the world. Salt preserves, light penetrates. Salt adds flavor, light attracts. Both are designed to influence the world. (Matthew 5:13-16)

Persecution is a good thing if it’s for the right thing. (Matt. 5:10-12, John 5:18-22)

Peace is not simply the lack of open conflict or hostility. It is harmony, welfare, prosperity, wholeness. Because of what Jesus has done, we can have peace with God. Because we have peace with God, we can be peacemakers with others. (Matthew 5:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Ephesians 2:11-22)

The heart of discipleship is the heart of the disciple and the heart of the disciple is to love Jesus and want to be like him. In this beatitude Jesus aims at the root of the issue - our pure (or singleminded) devotion to him. (Matthew 5:8)

Because God is a merciful toward us, he wants his followers to be merciful toward others. (Matthew 5:7)

Righteousness! That's what we are really hungry and thirsty for! We desire for God to satisfy us because honestly, we are tired of trying to satisfy our selves with the false stimulants of this world. (Matthew 5:6)

From all appearances in our world, it look like the wicked and dishonest win out. But instead of losing, Jesus promises the meek will actually win! (Matthew 5:5)

Mourners are blessed not because we mourn, but because God sees our repentant heart and promises to come alongside us and comfort us now and forever. (Matthew 5:4)

The poor in spirit know that they have nothing to offer to God in exchange for their salvation. The poor in spirit know they desperately need God's grace. These are blessed because they are living in and look forward to the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:3)