What Jesus Did! 'A Family Discourse' — Matthew 5:1-2

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Blessed Christmas!

Our prayer is that the presence of Jesus be with you and fill you with hope, peace, and love!

 Read More
One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.
— Matthew 5:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

A certain characteristic can define a family. Many members of the family can be distinguished by this special characteristic. It may be a physically prominent feature. It may be a phrase or a way of saying things. It may be certain traditions. It may be a similar nervous tic. The Sermon on the Mount (which begins with the next verse) is about the Kingdom family of God. Those who live in it - or better yet, live it - share a common character that shows that the Father in heaven reigns over their hearts. Those who hear the Sermon on the Mount are the crowds, but those who listen, those who are defined by it, are the disciples. They are the ones who put into practice the ethic and character of Jesus, not because it is some law they must keep, but because it reflects the character of a Father whom they love.

Today's Prayer

O gracious and Almighty God, thank you for bringing me into your family. May my life reflect the light of your glory and the character of your holiness. I want your righteousness to be the dominant feature in my life, so I come and sit at the feet of Jesus to learn how to live in a way that honors you and reflects your character. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

A Great Reconstruction
Article by Max Lucado
God promises us a sacred blessing and a sacred delight in these words of Jesus! Max Lucado reminds us that while the Beatitudes are demanding, they are also life-giving and a privilege to live as an answer to God's call in our lives.
My Counterintuitive Kingdom
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, Many mortals chase after so many things thinking that a fulfilling life will be found in those things... those pursuits... those..."
Do You Feel Lucky?
Article by Cary Branscum
Do you want to be lucky or blessed? Luck has many definitions depending upon those with whom you visit; but Christians are blessed!
On the Test?
Article by Alan Smith
Does it matter if we don't do some things that are hard Imagine that we all approached life with the attitude of, "If it's not on the test then I'm not going to learn it."
See All 8 Related Resources about Matthew 5:1-2

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:1-2 NLT — One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, February 6, 2025

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
2 Corinthians 5:16
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Don’t Fear Leaving Safety to Follow Jesus'
"Peter said, "Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water." Jesus said, "Come." And Peter left the boat and walked on the..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Has Done Great Things for Me!' (Lk. 1:49-52)
"[Mary responded] "For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him......"
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'No Room!'
"Dear Disciple, Have you really made room in your heart for Me? I'm not talking about thinking about Me during the Christmas season. I'm asking if..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!