Volume 8: Jesus Taught About Character (Matthew 5)
JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT CHARACTER (MATTHEW 5)
What do you think would happen if you stomped on a ketchup packet? Would you expect only air to escape the contents of the packet? Undoubtedly, the pressure of the stomp would result in an explosion of ketchup, and perhaps a messy shoe.
Oddly enough, we don't always predict our responses to specific situations accurately. In moments of extreme pressure or challenge, we are surprised at our own responses and decisions.
The beginning of The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 contains what we often call the ‘Beatitudes.’ In these eight verses, there are specific descriptions of people who could be seen in a negative light. Poor, mourning, humbled, hungry, thirsty, and persecuted are all words that describe a posture seen as less than favorable in our culture. Yet, this text speaks of the blessing of each of them.
The blessings result through a God-centered perspective. The poor in spirit, hungry, humble are those who have set their hope in God and His eternal kingdom. The poor in spirit have recognized that they are utterly lost without God. Those who mourn acknowledge the guilt of their sin and the pain of a broken world. The hungry and thirsty understand that nothing in this world will satisfy like Jesus. The character of the people of God reveals a response of faith in Him.
Who we are isn't determined by how we respond to pain and hardship; however, our character is often displayed in these moments. The choices we make and the way in which we fill ourselves during times of peace and rest are often revealed during high-pressure situations. Those being transformed by the power of God will display faithfulness and virtue in these times. Those not gripped by the Spirit of God will display their graceless state.
Don’t be surprised that what you have filled yourself with comes out when you are pressed. And don’t be surprised when God shows Himself to you in a distinct way in these times of trouble.
Christ Connection: Jesus taught people what it means to follow Him. He taught how people should live. People who trust in Jesus live to honor God and show what His kingdom is like.
