Friends Church Sermons

Today I want to look at this passage as I believe Matthew wrote it – and Jesus preached it – as part of a whole. The purpose of Jesus sermon is not to give instruction on giving or praying or fasting though He does all three. The purpose is to establish the deeper understanding of the Torah and the heart of God to His disciples. Notice that verse 1 stands in stark contrast to what Jesus has already said – in this conflict we see the heart of Jesus teaching here. In the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches this new inner way of life and faith through the Beatitudes. He continues by saying, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven”. Now look at verse 1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before me to be noticed by them…”.