Sunday 05 February 2017

Psalm: Psalm 112

Background

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount (the conventionaltitle for Matthew, chapters 5-7), Jesus gives his followers thehigh calling of being both salt and light within the world andexplains the importance of a righteousness even greater than thatof the scribes and Pharisees.

The image of being the "salt of the earth" is a familiar one,though its meaning in Matthew's Gospel is disputed. While somescholars point to its use as a preservative, others note that saltwas used as a flavouring agent, and perhaps both nuances arepresent here. Followers of Jesus are called both to preserve thegood in society and to bring the flavour of God's kingdom intoeveryday life. If they lose their saltiness, they are no longergood for anything at all.

Jesus also calls his followers to be the "light of the world"(v. 14), showing by their good works the glory of God. While laterin the Sermon Jesus calls his followers to give without seekingapproval of others (Matthew 6:2-4), here Jesus emphasises the wayin which good deeds will inevitably shine forth, reflecting thegoodness of God.

Verses 17-20 raise a host of interpretative questions, but it isclear that Jesus affirms the ongoing validity of the law. Jesuscame to fulfil the law, rather than abolish it, and the law and theprophets remain the Word of God for all who seek to follow Jesus.Rejecting the Old Testament is simply not an option forChristians.

How best to apply the law and the prophets is a key question inthe New Testament. Matthew shows how Jesus reveals the inner intentof the law (Matthew 5:21-48), while Paul later argues thatGentiles (non Jews) were not bound by the ritual rules of the lawbut are still shaped by its call to holiness (Galatians 5:1-26). The law and the prophetscontinue to guide all seek God's righteousness and so participatein God's kingdom.

To Ponder

• Why are 'good works' important in the Christian life?

• In what ways have you been influenced by the 'good works' ofChristians around you?

• How does the Old Testament - the 'law and the prophets' - shapeyour discipleship?