Day 5 – September 11, 2026 – Matthew 5

We have to state the obvious even though the Scripture that we have today does not reflect what this day is for us. September 11 is a day that we will never forget. It has changed the course of history not only for our nation but for the entire world. As disciples of Jesus we are to live in this world and not of it as Paul tells us, but the events of this world impact us and affect us. I pray that today you will have an opportunity to think about how the evil actions of a very small group of people in this day and age are able to impact the broader world in general. It never used to be that way. But the converse should also be true. The action of a very small group of peole for good should also be able to impact and sway the world toward Jesus. That should be our goal.

Matthew 5 contain what is famously called either the sermon on the Mount or the Beatitudes. The sermon on the Mount because we read early in this chapter that he climbed a mountain and spoke to his disciples with a crowd of people being present. The Beatitudes because the first 11 verses begin with the word in blessed which in the Latin is beato and so the term beatitude. There is so much to touch bases on. Jesus calls blessed all those who act and live in a completely opposite manner than what current culture and society tell us how we ought to live.

We have teachings on anger, adultery, divorce, swearing, and vengeance. We also have one of the most poweful commandments, not options but commandments, to love our enemies even if they hate us and revile us. We are told in respect to our enemies that we are never to return evil for evil. That’s pretty powerful, and it is something we should follow.