In the previous section we realized that Matthew 5,6 and 7 is the continuation of the same passage commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon serves as the summary of most of Jesus's ethical teaching. We also saw how the passage could be topically divided under twenty headings. In this section we will be dealing with the first half of it (Matthew 5:13- 6:4).
One should strive for Good works (Mat 5:13-16)
Salt is very important in Jewish culture. It was an essential ingredient in grain offerings. The Levites were instructed not to offer a grain offering without salt because it was representative of the covenant of God (Lev 2:13). Elisha used salt for healing the waters of Jericho (2 King 2:21). Apart from the scriptures salt was also an essential community among the Jews of Capernaum who were primarily a fishing community. Salt was used in the preservation of fish. In Mark 9:49 Jesus compares the action of hellfire on soul as that of salt on raw flesh. The reference is brought forth undoubtably to make is clearer to the followers, many of whom, including Peter, Andrew, John, and James came from a fishing background. Salt also makes things palatable (2 Col 4:6). Thus, we see that salt has several uses, but it can be only used if it is salty. When it loses its saltiness, it is no better than white dust, that is trampled upon. What Jesus is trying to say is this that human life, the gifts of grace and blessings are provided for a purpose. But if that life fails to attain its purpose it is of no use at all. Introducing someone to a God-given purpose is easy but to re-instate a person in the understanding of God's plan is difficult. That is what the writer of Hebrews emphasizes in Heb 6:4-6. It is something to be alarmed of and that is what Jesus is doing, sending forth a warning.
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. (Heb 6:4-6)
Jesus moves on to another imagery, this time of an enlightened lamp. In a complete contrast to the previous imagery Jesus brings forth encouragement in this one. Here Jesus is comparing each of his follower or audience to a lamp. Once it has been lit by the Spirit it cannot be hidden. The lamp is not kept under a basket but on a high platform and just like a city placed on a hill, it is clearly visible. There is a practical part to it. In keeping the lamp under a basket, we put the basket at risk of catching fire or the lamp at the risk of getting extinguished. It is a struggle, quite reminiscent of the struggles a believer faces in his journey through the world. The lamp is raised high however to make best use of the light it is giving. Similarly a believer when endowed with spiritual gifts, to be put to use for the kingdom, they need to bring out their gifts and use it so as to benefit most people that they may reach and in the process give glory to God. Spiritual gifts are not to be hidden.
The Law is fulfilled in the Christ (Mat 5: 17-20)
Jesus's next teaching is basically that the Law is absolute. He is talking about the Jewish law. We should remember the Jesus is a Jew talking to an audience which is primarily Jewish. He is recognized as a Jewish rabbi, a teacher of the Jewish Law. However Jesus not only emphasizes the absolute nature of the Law but also hints at the inevitability of the prophecies recorded in the scriptures because He talks about the accomplishment of 'all things'. These 'all things' include and supersede the prophecies which record the Will of God as revealed to the prophets. We have seen Matthew try to prove Jesus as the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets. In Matthew 5:17 Jesus makes it plain in His own words that He has come to fulfil them. Only He does not reveal in what manner He intends to do so.
While talking about the Law Jesus condemns the Scribes and the Pharisees. He is referring to the editors and interpreters of the Law who believe that only outward action is prohibited or required by the Law. Jesus condemns this attitude of boasting to do all that is required without having the purity of the heart of the attitude of obedience to the law. In other words, righteousness to the followers should not mean an outward show as it is to the Scribes and the Pharisees. Only when the followers can show inward obedience will they be able to enter heaven. In several section of this sermon He goes on to demonstrate that obedience to the Law should be done from the heart and not through action alone (Mat 5: 21-30; Mat 6:1-6; Mat 6:16-18)
