At the end of yesterday’s reading, Jesus began his ministry by proclaiming a message of repentance. In today’s reading, we see him preach a famous sermon, “The Sermon on the Mount,” which brings true repentance front and center.
To repent essentially means to turn away from sin and turn toward the life the God intends for his people. This doesn’t just mean checking the boxes of doing certain actions and avoiding other actions, though. In this sermon, Jesus fleshes this out by teaching that what God is looking for is a heart that has turned toward him. He begins by declaring that there is blessing in the Kingdom of God for those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are merciful, who are pure in heart, who make peace, and who are persecuted because they live righteously. These people he is describing are those whose hearts are humbled before God and seek after what pleases God.
As he continues in his sermon, he brings up many examples of people who might be tempted just to check moral boxes. For instance, he brings up some of the Ten Commandments, including “Don’t murder.” But he goes on to say that it’s not enough just to avoid murder; if you have been angry with your neighbor and insulted them, you are just as guilty before God as if you had killed them. The same goes for adultery and lust, and other things as well. God wants a heart that loves him first and foremost, and loves all other people as a result of that love for God. He even ends chapter 5 by saying that God wants us to love even our enemies with a radical love that can only come from God.
He also teaches that we should resist the temptations to worry, but should trust that if God provides for the flowers and birds, he will provide for his people as well. He may not provide in the ways we hope (the coolest clothes, shoes, or technology), but he will take care of us because he is our creator who loves us.
This life of repentance in following Jesus in the Kingdom of God is not an easy one. There will be days when it may feel easier to quit. But Jesus teaches that it is worth it, because it is only in following him that there is life. In fact, he ends this sermon by saying that if you follow him and obey his teaching, you will be like one whose house has a firm foundation and can withstand any storm. But if you try to get through this life on your own, you may as well have built your house on the sand. If you’ve ever been to the beach, you know how easily sand can wash away. Jesus says if you try to build your house on the sand (from your own desires, or what you think is best rather than what God says is best), your house will wash away and its fall will be great.
Trust in Jesus. Turn away from sin and turn toward the life Jesus lived himself and calls us as his followers to live. It may be difficult at times, but there will be great life in obeying him, and he will take care of us and provide for us each step of the way.
