LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Matthew 5:1-16

Key Verse 5:14

Read vs. 1-2. This passage distinguishes "the crowds" from "His disciples". In what respect are the disciples different from the crowds (4:19)? Why is such a distinction needed for this passage? 

Read vs. 3-6. What does "poor in spirit" mean? Why is this quality first in Jesus’ message? How can someone who “mourns” be considered “blessed”? What are they mourning for? What does it mean to be “meek”? How will they inherit the earth? How can someone “hunger and thirst for righteousness”? What do being “poor in spirit,” “mourning,” “meek” and “hunger and thirst for righteousness” all have in common? 

Read vs. 7-12. How are the "merciful" blessed? What does it mean to be “pure in heart”? Why are “peacemakers” called “sons of God”? What do the “merciful”, “pure in heart”, and “peacemakers” have in common? What role do such people play in this world? How does the world treat these servants of God? Why are they still “blessed”? 

Read vs. 13. Who are the “salt of the earth”? What do they do exactly? What relevance do these people have if they develop the qualities in verses 3-12? What happens if they don’t? 

Read vs. 14-16. Who are the “light of the world”? What do they do for this dark world? What emphasis does Jesus make for them? What effect does the light have on others? Why is this important to God and us? 

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