Grow in Intimacy with God
The Sermon on the Mount encompasses Chapters 5-7 in the Gospel of Matthew. These three chapters are written in red because they represent the words of Jesus. As we read these three chapters, we are encouraged to grow in intimacy with God.
In this sermon, Jesus is telling His followers what it takes to be citizens of God’s Kingdom. He contrasts the need for inner righteousness (God’s standard) with outward conformity (what the Pharisees preached).
It gets personal
As Jesus continues to share about a change of heart, which God desires for us, the Sermon on the Mount becomes more and more personal. Matthew 5:16 says,
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
The pronoun your connotes an intimate relationship. God is our Father. He is our Daddy, our Papa, and we are His children.
From this point on as you continue to read the Sermon on the Mount, you will find fourteen additional references to God as either your, my, or our Father. Isn’t it amazing how Jesus leads us in intimacy with the Father? This culminates when Jesus tells us how to pray.
“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
Intimacy through tragedy
I recently read the book, My Jesus by Anne Wilson. She wrote a song by the same title. https://youtu.be/YqwJeupgtfo?si=HUhJpIpvIAqTXrYx Anne started referring to Jesus as my Jesus, after she suffered a personal tragedy. As Anne clung to Jesus during this difficult time, she realized something had shifted. She was suddenly aware that whenever she referenced Jesus, it was with the words, my Jesus.
This is exactly what Jesus is speaking about in the Sermon on the Mount. He wants us to grow deeper in love and intimacy with the Father, Son, and Spirit.
My Savior, I want to know you, not just with head knowledge, but also with my heart. Lead me in this area. I want the world to know that you are my Father, my Redeemer, and my Lord. Amen.
Questions to Consider:
- How do you reference God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit when you speak of them?
- Intimate terms require a personal relationship. What are you doing to expand your relationship with your Lord?