From Checklists to Changed Hearts

In our exhortation this week, Colin brought our attention to the daily Bible readings on the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus sits on a hillside near Capernaum and speaks directly to his disciples — and to disciples in every generation. Seeing the crowds, “he went up into a mountain… and taught them, saying, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’” (Matthew 5:1–3). From the very beginning, Jesus makes it clear that this message is about the heart.

Israel at the time was spiritually weary. Since the days of Malachi, religious life had become tangled in traditions, power, and outward rule-keeping. Groups like the scribes and Pharisees knew the Law well but often missed its purpose. As Jesus observed, “They say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3). Into this confusion came John the Baptist, calling the people to repentance: “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Then Jesus followed, bringing “grace and truth” (John 1:17).

The call of Jesus was simple but demanding: “Come.” Fishermen left nets, homes, and livelihoods without hesitation. This was not the kingdom many expected—not one of swords or political power—but a kingdom that required a complete reorientation of life.

That helps us understand Jesus’ challenging words: “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). The problem wasn’t the Law itself, but how it was used. Jesus shows that God always intended a deeper obedience—one that examines anger, desire, motives, and attitudes, not just outward behaviour.

The Law reveals our need, but salvation rests on faith. As Paul reminds us, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). True discipleship is not about being seen by others—“otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 6:1)—but about quietly reflecting God’s character in how we live and serve.

In the end, the Sermon on the Mount calls us away from spiritual checklists and toward transformed hearts—lives shaped by faith, humility, mercy, and love. Or, as the apostle Paul sums it up so simply and powerfully:

| “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)