Matthew 5

Jesus teaches on the hillside

<1>WhenJesus saw the crowdsfollowing him, he went and sat down on the hillside. His apprentices came to him,<2>and he started to teach them.

The challenge of true Christian character

Jesus told his followers that they were to be distinctive, radically different from the people around them. The attitudes and actions of his followers could become like this only because God’s power was at work in them.If they livedin such a way, they would enjoy the privileges God would give them now and in the life to come.

Jesustaughtthem:

<3>‘Other people say, if you’re self-confident, you’ll be happy. But I say to you, it’s those thathumbly recognise their spiritual need who are truly happy and fortunate.They will draw on God’s resources,so the kingdom of heavenalready belongs to them.

<4>‘Other people say, don’t worry about sin. But I say to you, it’s those that mournandgrieve over their sin and failures who are truly happy and fortunate.God will comfortand encourage them.

<5>‘Other people say, it’s the arrogant that are successful. But I say to you, it’s those that humblytrust God who are truly happy and fortunate.Theynot onlyenjoy the blessings I give them now but they also look forward to inheriting thenew earththat God will create.

<6>‘Other people say, if you do your own thing, you’ll be fulfilled. But I say to you, it’s those whose deepest desire is tolead lives that are right with God who are truly happy and fortunate.They long to see justice prevail throughout