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In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus goes through a series of topics that He introduces with the statement, “You have heard that it was said…” Jesus then corrects misunderstood concepts and teaches new, authoritative truths. The first of these topics is found in Matthew 5:21-22. Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”

Everyone agrees it’s wrong to murder. But Jesus teaches that abstaining from such violence isn’t enough. Jesus commands us to transform our attitudes, words, and behavior toward others. It’s not enough to refrain from murder. We must root out the foundational anger and hatred that would ever lead to such a terrible action.

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In Mark 4:25, Jesus says something a little challenging. He teaches, “For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” That doesn’t quite sound right. Taking what little the poor have and giving to the rich seems atrocious. But that isn’t what Jesus is talking about. A verse earlier He says, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.” So, Jesus is teaching something similar to reaping what you sow. Let’s think in terms other than money. 

Consider faith. The person with faith will find opportunities to grow their faith. The person who serves will continue to find ways to serve. So, Jesus isn’t teaching unfairness—He’s offering a promise of growth and warning against stagnation and faithlessness. 

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When Ezra returned to Jerusalem, one of the major problems that confronted him was the intermarriage of God’s people with foreigners. As Ezra began working with the people to determine a solution, they said, “…the people are many, and it is a time of heavy rain; we cannot stand in the open. Nor is this a task for one day or for two, for we have greatly transgressed in this matter.”^[1] Credit should be given to the people for acknowledging and confessing their error. They also teach us an important lesson—mistakes can take time to correct. 

We want problems resolved immediately. But problems that are big or years in the making are not solved overnight. When it comes to sin, we’re usually dealing with big or long-standing problems. So as we repent, we must be ready for the long steady work of fixing errors and bearing fruits of repentance. And as we help others, we must be patient and gracious. Repentance is a life-long commitment, not a one or two-day task. 

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^[1] Ezra 10:13

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How radical is the gospel? Truthfully, the gospel of Jesus doesn’t seem or feel all that radical or earth-shaking in our current culture. Too often, we practice and preach a watered-down message that neither challenges nor convicts. Perhaps we’re misguided in an attempt to be overly kind and spare feelings. Or maybe we’re ashamed of the gospel. Or, could it be that we’ve bought into a watered-down gospel ourselves, and we don’t know any better?

When Paul preached in Thessalonica, many were converted, but others grew angry. They dragged some Christians before the city authorities and said, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also…saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 

What gospel are we preaching? A gospel that requires little, or one that turns the usual order on its head? A message where Jesus is a comforting buddy or a proclamation that Jesus is Lord and King? Has our world been upturned by King Jesus? And what are we doing to proclaim Jesus to the world?

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No one likes to be cheated. Few things are as upsetting and enraging as being lied to, stolen from, or cheated by fraudulent transactions. When dealing with purchases or financial transactions, most of us try to be cautious because there are always people trying to cheat us in one way or another. We should be even more careful to ensure we are not cheated spiritually. 

In Colossians 2:8, the Bible says, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”^[1] There are many ideas available to you about how to live life. There are deeply philosophical approaches. There are base and carnal methods. There are various traditions you could choose from. But in the end, if we follow any way other than the way of Jesus, we will find ourselves swindled and cheated in the worst possible way. Only Jesus offers eternal life. Don’t be cheated by anything less. 

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^[1] NKJV

Over the years, various entertainment markets have cashed in on people’s fascination with zombies. Movies, books, and video games galore explore tales and adventures among the living dead. While zombies are nothing more than figments of a creative imagination, the living dead are real! In fact, if we aren’t careful, we might be one of them!

In 1 Timothy 5:5-6, Paul writes, “She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.” To the church at Sardis, Jesus says in Revelation 3:1, “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” If you’re hearing this message, you are alive physically. The question is, are you alive spiritually? If we are not following Jesus, we are the living dead. We are animated bodies without real, spiritual life.