7 - Day Devotional
The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 - 7
As we approach Easter, consider inviting friends to join you in this devotional journey.
Share with them the transformative teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount and the invitation to a life rooted in Him.
May this Easter be a celebration of not only Jesus' resurrection but also the resurrection of hope, purpose, and abundant life found in following Him.
Easter at Mosaic Church
Good Friday Service - "The Last 7 Words of Christ" Friday, March 29th, 7:00 PM
Family Fun Day Saturday March 30th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Easter Sunday Services March 31st
- 8:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
Day 1: The Blessed Life (Matthew 5:3-5)
Matthew 5:3-5 (NLT)"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth."
Reflection:
As we embark on this devotional journey based on the Sermon on the Mount, let's begin by exploring the foundational principles of a blessed life. Jesus starts with a counter-cultural perspective, emphasizing the value of humility, dependence on God, and a heart that mourns over sin. Today, reflect on what it means to live a truly blessed life in Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, help us embrace the counter-cultural values of Your Kingdom. May our lives reflect the blessedness that comes from knowing and following You.
Day 2: Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Reflection:
Jesus calls us to be salt and light in the world, making a positive impact and pointing others toward God. Consider how your life can radiate the light of Christ, bringing flavor and illumination to the lives of those around you.
Prayer:
Lord, may our lives be a testimony of Your grace. Help us to shine brightly in the darkness and to bring Your flavor to the world.
Day 3: The Higher Standard (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28)
Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28 (NLT)"You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! ... You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Reflection:
Jesus challenges us to a higher standard, going beyond external actions to address the attitudes of our hearts. Today, reflect on areas where you can align your thoughts and intentions with God's higher standard.
Prayer:
Lord, reveal to us the areas in our hearts that need transformation. Help us to live by Your higher standard of love, forgiveness, and purity.
Day 4: Love Your Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT)"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven."
Reflection:
One of the radical teachings of Jesus is to love our enemies. Today, meditate on the transformative power of love, and consider how you can extend God's love even to those who may oppose or mistreat you.
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to love as You love. May our hearts be filled with Your compassion, extending grace and kindness even to those who may be difficult to love.
Day 5: The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
Matthew 6:9-13 (NLT)"Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Reflection:
Jesus provides us with a model prayer that encompasses the essentials of our relationship with God. Today, reflect on the depth and simplicity of the Lord's Prayer, and let it guide your own prayers.
Prayer:
Lord, may our prayers align with Your will. Teach us to seek Your Kingdom first and trust You for our daily needs.
Day 6: Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)"Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."
Reflection:
Jesus invites us to invest in eternal treasures rather than fleeting earthly possessions. Consider what you value most in life and how you can align your priorities with the eternal Kingdom.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to treasure what matters most to You. May our hearts be set on heavenly treasures that endure for eternity.
Day 7: Building on a Solid Foundation (Matthew 7:24-27)
Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock."
Reflection:
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a powerful illustration of building our lives on a solid foundation. Reflect on the importance of not just hearing His words but applying them in your daily life.
Prayer:
Lord, grant us the wisdom to build our lives on the solid foundation of Your Word. May we be rooted in You, standing firm through life's storms.