Saint Matthew was a Jewish Christian. His writings were specifically written for Christians...of Jewish decent. One early church writes: "Matthew gathered the teachings and sayings of Jesus, and wrote them in the native Jewish language...Hebrew".
The gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. This does not mean Matthew was the first one to write a book in the New Testament, for most bible historians give that credit to Mark. There is evidence Matthew used Mark's gospel as a source for many of the events described in Matthew.
When the church comprised the 66 books that make up the bible as we know it today ( this took place approximately 3 centuries after the letters of the New Testament has initially been written), Matthew was chosen as the first book to be read in the New Testament because of its frequent referral to Old Testament passages.
In Saint Matthew, chapter 5, Jesus is about to teach the people what is referred to as "The Sermon on the Mount." In His message, He gives emphasis to what makes people "really happy". The Latin word used in one ancient version is "beatus"...which basically means "really happy".
This happiness that Jesus is referring to in this passage is not based on circumstances we might face in life...whether they be difficult or easy. This is a joy that originates from within...which cannot be altered by any circumstance in this life.
In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus shares with those who have come to hear Him... because He is the Light of the world... believing in Him causes us...to be a Light to the world as well. In other words, He is the very Hope that gives purpose to our lives. And, when we acknowledge Him and accept Him into our hearts...He instills in us His Light...and this Light shines through the very lifestyles we embrace.
He then shows how we are the very lamps that carry His Light. Lamps give light to people who are in the dark. It would be foolish to put a lamp under a basket or hide it somewhere no one could see...in the midst of Darkness...and selfish as well.
His Light enables others to see the direction they need to take when they are engrossed in Darkness. We as Christians are the Lamp...that carries His Light within our hearts...through behaviors and lifestyles that encourages and gives sight...that they too can see...Him.
A Lamp that shines clearly in the midst of Darkness gives others an opportunity to pursue and desire to seek that Light. The Light of Him within us gives hope to all that cry out to Him.
A Gleaning from Saint Matthew 5: 14-16
" Here is another way to look and consider this message I share with you. When you accept Me...for who I am, you become a Light...in a very dark world. Allowing the words I speak find acceptance in your own hearts enables this Light to live in you...bringing out all the "God-colors" to a very "black and white" world, a happiness that cannot be contained.
This Light you have now discovered in your hearts is not intended to be hidden...like some hidden treasure that only a few know of its location. This Light within you is clearly visible to all men, bringing God's vast array of colors to very darkened lives.
Allow this Light within you to shine...before all people, so they might see for themselves how this Light gives hope, encourages, and blesses you with praiseworthy, noble, and generous acts of kindness that have been given you. When others see the very goodness of God demonstrated in your lives...through this marvelous Light, they might then turn their hearts to God and give praise to Him. They will recognize and give honor to your Heavenly Father...who lives in Heaven!...the very source of happiness."
The gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. This does not mean Matthew was the first one to write a book in the New Testament, for most bible historians give that credit to Mark. There is evidence Matthew used Mark's gospel as a source for many of the events described in Matthew.
When the church comprised the 66 books that make up the bible as we know it today ( this took place approximately 3 centuries after the letters of the New Testament has initially been written), Matthew was chosen as the first book to be read in the New Testament because of its frequent referral to Old Testament passages.
In Saint Matthew, chapter 5, Jesus is about to teach the people what is referred to as "The Sermon on the Mount." In His message, He gives emphasis to what makes people "really happy". The Latin word used in one ancient version is "beatus"...which basically means "really happy".
This happiness that Jesus is referring to in this passage is not based on circumstances we might face in life...whether they be difficult or easy. This is a joy that originates from within...which cannot be altered by any circumstance in this life.
In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus shares with those who have come to hear Him... because He is the Light of the world... believing in Him causes us...to be a Light to the world as well. In other words, He is the very Hope that gives purpose to our lives. And, when we acknowledge Him and accept Him into our hearts...He instills in us His Light...and this Light shines through the very lifestyles we embrace.
He then shows how we are the very lamps that carry His Light. Lamps give light to people who are in the dark. It would be foolish to put a lamp under a basket or hide it somewhere no one could see...in the midst of Darkness...and selfish as well.
His Light enables others to see the direction they need to take when they are engrossed in Darkness. We as Christians are the Lamp...that carries His Light within our hearts...through behaviors and lifestyles that encourages and gives sight...that they too can see...Him.
A Lamp that shines clearly in the midst of Darkness gives others an opportunity to pursue and desire to seek that Light. The Light of Him within us gives hope to all that cry out to Him.
A Gleaning from Saint Matthew 5: 14-16
" Here is another way to look and consider this message I share with you. When you accept Me...for who I am, you become a Light...in a very dark world. Allowing the words I speak find acceptance in your own hearts enables this Light to live in you...bringing out all the "God-colors" to a very "black and white" world, a happiness that cannot be contained.
This Light you have now discovered in your hearts is not intended to be hidden...like some hidden treasure that only a few know of its location. This Light within you is clearly visible to all men, bringing God's vast array of colors to very darkened lives.
Allow this Light within you to shine...before all people, so they might see for themselves how this Light gives hope, encourages, and blesses you with praiseworthy, noble, and generous acts of kindness that have been given you. When others see the very goodness of God demonstrated in your lives...through this marvelous Light, they might then turn their hearts to God and give praise to Him. They will recognize and give honor to your Heavenly Father...who lives in Heaven!...the very source of happiness."
No comments:
Post a Comment