Kingdom Disciples

Fulfillment is a key theme in the Gospel of Matthew . With the arrival of the Messiah, the time of fulfillment began. What were the implications for the Law of Moses? In his ‘ Sermon on the Mount ’, Jesus provides clear answers. He did not come to settle the interpretive disputes between competing Jewish sects over the details of the Law but to FULFILL the “ Law and the Prophets .”

The life, words, and deeds of Jesus echo key events from the History of Israel. He brings the things God began in the past to their intended fulfillment. He is the Greater Lawgiver foreshadowed in the story of the Exodus from Egypt. By presenting parallels between Moses and Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew prepares us for the teachings of Christ, especially as represented in his ‘ Sermon on the Mount ’.

Persecution is always a possibility for the followers of Jesus and his Church. We may face hostility from employers, neighbors, government, and family members because of our beliefs and practices. So, how should we react when the possibility becomes a brutal reality? Jesus and the Apostles provided clear instructions and examples of how the Church must respond when faced with persecution.

“ I never knew you! Depart from me! ” These are the most frightening words anyone could hear on the lips of Jesus, yet they are central to the conclusion of his ‘ Sermon on the Mount .’ His Discourse was never a program for reforming or governing civil society, but instructions for his disciples on how they must live as faithful citizens and representatives of his Kingdom and message. There is no bypassing the Cross.

Mercy and love are the defining characteristics of Christ’s disciples, and they reflect the essential nature of His Father  – Matthew 5:43-48. Jesus exhorted us to become “ perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect ,” yet how can we reflect the perfect righteousness of God? The answer is clear -  By performing acts of mercy, especially to our enemies . Self-sacrificial love goes to the heart of Christ’s message and demonstrates the merciful nature of His Father. Was the Nazarene not the Messiah who submitted to an unjust death for us when we were the “ enemies of God ”?