Matthew 5:16

Like the luminaries above our heads we to have an individual light capacity. The light Jesus is talking about in this passage is the light of our good works which are to be shared with all men. In essence, Jesus is concluding His thoughts of the instructed life for the blessed man found in the beatitudes. This verse is the summary of the first section of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tactfully says to His disciples to do these things and your Father in heaven will be gloried. Our behavior is a witness to the reality of a True and Living God (Eph. 2:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; Titus 2:7; Rom. 11:22).

Reviewing the first four beatitudes, we find a means to illustrate to others the goodness and severity of our Lord:

• Poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:3) – Definition: ptochos, beggar (as cringing), i.e. pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy – Lesson: Don’t look down on the spiritually immature (Rom. 15:1-2)

• They that mourn (Matthew 5:4) – Definition: pentheo, to grieve (the feeling or the act) mourn, (be-) wail – Lesson: Be a comforter (2 Cor. 1:2-4).

• The meek (Matthew 5:5) – Definition: prau`s, mild, i.e. (by implication) humble :- meek – Lesson: Never over-inflate your importance in the world (Rom. 12:3).

• They which hunger (Matthew 5:6) – Definition: peinao, (through the idea of pinching toil; “pine”); to famish (absolute or comparatively); figurative to crave :- be an hungered – Lesson: Teach others by your example to desire the presence of the Lord.

Do your own word study to find the wealth of information hidden in the definitions of key words in this first section of the Sermon on the Mount. The beatitudes are Jesus’ version of the Ten Commandments. This is the new law of liberty. The truly spiritual man can see the fruit of a sanctified life hidden in its message. Remember, Jesus didn’t come to destroy but to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matt. 5:17).

Word for Today
Severity – The act or an instance of severe behavior, especially punishment.

Quote for Today
He who carries out one good deed acquires one advocate in his own behalf, and he who commits one transgression acquires one accuser against himself. Repentance and good works are like a shield against calamity.

- The Talmud