Matthew 5-6-7 = the for a disciple of Jesus.
HALAK!
Read Jeremiah 6:16
What defined God’s people…the Israelites…the Jews? What was their identity?
Their identity was their relationship with God and their faith in God’s goodness and promises expressed through holy living as defined by the Torah (the Law).
Their identity was their …their HALAK.
If Jesus’ first disciples were Jewish men who did all of the things required by Law, what would make them different..what would be their identity…as followers of Jesus?
Read Matthew 5:13-14
When you follow me, when you walk as I walk, when your character becomes like mine, when your practice becomes like mine, you will be the true embodiment of holy living (the Torah).
The of the earth.
How was salt used in ancient Judaism?
Salt was the purifying element in the offerings the Jews made to the Lord.
Read Leviticus 2:13
The of the world.
Read John 8:12
What does this have to do with me?
Jesus wants you to be different from the world around you.
Jesus wants you to be the embodiment of His holy life.
Read Matthew 5:17-20
Jesus didn’t come to get rid of the Law. He actually came to “do it”…to perfect it by His walk.
Our righteousness exceeds the Pharisees when we not only know God’s Word, but like Jesus, our Master, we actually do what it says.
Jesus is calling us to Halak (to walk) His narrow way.
How is your HALAK?