July 7 from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 erefore anyone Lesson 6 ( NIV ) who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accord- FULFILLING THE LAW ingly will be called least in the king- dom of heaven, but whoever practices DEVOTIONAL READING : Psalm 119:105– and teaches these commands will be 112 called great in the kingdom of heaven. BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Matthew 20 For I tell you that unless your right- 5:13–20 eousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, MATTHEW 5:13–20 you will certainly not enter the king- dom of heaven.” 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and Graphic: kchungtw / iStock / Thinkstock glorify your Father in heaven. 17 “Do not think that I have come to KEY VERSE abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have Let your light shine before others, that not come to abolish them but to fulfill they may see your good deeds and glorify them. 18 For truly I tell you, until your Father in heaven. —Ma hew 5:16 heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest le er, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear COVENANT IN GOD
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 1 Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant HOW TO SAY IT
LESSONS 5–9 Beatitudes Bee- a-tuh-toods (a as in mat ). LESSON AIMS Mosaic Mo- zay -ik. A er participating in this lesson, each Pharisees Fair -ih-seez. learner will be able to: Philippians Fih- lip -ee-unz. 1. Identify the dos and don’ts of being a follower of Jesus. Introduction 2. Contrast the righteousness Jesus described with the righteousness of the A. Deadly Darkness teachers of the law and Pharisees. When I was growing up, my father, 3. Evaluate for improvement his or older brother, and I enjoyed a yearly hunt- her “saltiness” and/or “luminosity” as a ing week in the back country of Idaho. Christian. We went in October when the snow had just begun to fall and the deer had LESSON OUTLINE descended from the high mountains. We didn’t always bag this elusive game, but Introduction we had great times of bonding and A. Deadly Darkness excitement. We partnered with another B. Lesson Context I. Who Disciples Are (MATTHEW 5:13–16) family who had two sons the same age as A. Earthy Salt (v. 13) my brother and me, so there were two B. Bright Light (vv. 14–16) fathers and four sons. More to “Tel” e year I was 12, the other father, his II. Who Jesus Is (MATTHEW 5:17–20) older son, and my older brother decided A. Fulfillment of the Law (vv. 17, to try something new since we had not 18) seen any deer in two days. ey studied e Heroic Outlaw the forest service maps and thought B. Teacher of Righteousness (vv. there was a trail winding down an iso- 19, 20) lated creek near our camp. ere was Conclusion road access at the head of this stream and A. I’m Gonna Let It Shine at a bridge about five miles below. e B. Prayer plan was for my father to dump the three C. ought to Remember out at dawn at the creek’s head and let
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 2 them hunt down the isolated stream dred yards where the stream went while we drove down to pick them up at through an area with sheer rock walls. the bridge in the early a ernoon. ey were soaked and nearly frozen. My team hunted near our camp that ey would not have survived the night morning, then headed down to the alone, but they saw the lights and were bridge. We built a huge fire and began to thereby saved. cook a meal for the other team. We were sure that they would be cold and hungry B. Lesson Context when they arrived. Ma hew’s record of Jesus’ Sermon on But they did not come. It began to get the Mount extends the length of chapters dark, and the below-freezing night was 5–7 in his Gospel. e opening feature is near. We drove as far up the creek as we the section known familiarly to many as could, but the other team was not found. the Beatitudes (last week’s lesson). ere Finally, we stopped and fired a series of Jesus spoke eight beatitudes in third three shots from a rifle, the hunter’s uni- person, seemingly as general statements versal signal. No response; the roar of the of truth (Ma hew 5:3–9). But in the two creek drowned out the sound of these verses that follow, Jesus switched from shots. We worried. We doubted the three third person to second person. is could survive the night. It hit me hard: seemed to aim his thoughts there directly my beloved brother and my friends at his disciples. It is they who could might die if we couldn’t find them! expect to be insulted, persecuted, and Finally, my father decided to turn his generally bad-mouthed. But those even- Jeep around on the narrow road and go tualities were not to deter them from back to the bridge. He thought we might carrying out the role he had for have missed them somehow. e vehicle them—the subject of today’s lesson. turning was tricky, but we managed. We were just ready to drive away when we I. Who Disciples Are heard shots. We waited as the other three (MATTHEW 5:13–16 ) came bounding out of the trees. ey had not heard our earlier shots, but they saw A. Earthy Salt (v. 13 ) the headlights of the Jeep. What hap- 13 . “You are the salt of the earth. But pened? e trail down the creek had if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be failed them. As a result, they had waded made salty again? It is no longer good for through the icy water for several hun- anything, except to be thrown out and
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 3 trampled underfoot. Noah (6:8 ), but that man’s influence was ere are two popular ways of under- not enough to preserve society. standing what it means for Jesus’ follow- A second interpretation of salt of the ers to be the salt of the earth . One focuses earth relies on the property of salt to on the preservative quality of salt. Salt, if cause thirst. Earlier, Jesus spoke of those applied to fresh meat or fish, will keep it who “thirst for righteousness” ( Ma hew from ro ing and allow such to be used as 5:6 ). A purpose of the disciples is to cause food months a er the animal is the general population to be “thirsty” for butchered. Similarly, Jesus’ disciples, the the righteousness that Jesus brings. e members of the kingdom of Heaven, right relationship with the Lord will sat- preserve evil society by keeping a check isfy those with spiritual thirst (Isaiah on sin. e influence of the righteous 55:1–3; John 4:10–14 ). If the witness of may not always win the day, but it tamps Jesus’ disciples becomes tainted and down dangerous sin enough to allow compromised and no longer causes soci- communities to function in semi-lawful ety to desire what Jesus offers, then the ways (Romans 8:12 , 13 ; Titus 3:8 ). church’s role as salt has failed. Its people If this influence is lost (salt losing its are no different than the unsaved masses; saltiness ), then this preservative function they might as well join them as ordinary is also lost. If the people of God neither dirt. practice righteous behavior as examples Both interpretations have merit, and nor stand against injustice in their it is difficult to dismiss either of them. communities, they become worthless. e first (“salt as preservative”) has a ey must provide a contrast to the earth , long history and many advocates. e those people who live according to the second (“salt as thirst-causer”) fits the laws of the world (1 Corinthians context in Ma hew 5 well and offers par- 15:48–50 ). Should Christians fail to do so, allels to the next metaphor (Ma hew they might as well be joined to the dirt 5:14–16 ). Considering parallel passages in and walked on without respect. Mark 9:49 , 50 and Luke 14:34 , 35 does not is interpretation finds parallels clarify which interpretation Ma hew from the days of Noah, when the Lord intends to be the primary reading. found humanity to be so wicked that he decided to destroy the great majority of What Do You Think? people with a flood (Genesis 6:5–7, 10–13 ). Where will you place your saltiness God recognized the righteous behavior of emphasis: on being a preservative or being a thirst-causer? Why?
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 4 MORE TO “ TEL” Digging Deeper Which is better: to be really good at When visiting Israel, a tourist may one of those two, or to strive for a notice that many historic sites begin with balance? Why? the same three-le er word tel : Tel Aviv (compare Ezekiel 3:15 ), Tel Afek, Tel Kin- B. Bright Light (vv. 14–16 ) rot, Tel Hazor, Tel Achziv, Tel Avdon, and many, many more. In a modern sense, the 14 . “You are the light of the world. word tel is an archeological term. It refers A town built on a hill cannot be hid- to a man-made hill or mound under den. which are the ruins of a city or cities. Nigh ime is very dark in Jesus’ time Each time the city was destroyed, the because artificial lights are relatively next city built on that site had a higher rare. Such light comes from something elevation. A city on a natural hill would being burned: a candle, an oil lamp, a be reinforced by raising the slopes of the pitch-soaked torch, or a wood fire. Light- hill. is cycle would repeat again and ing in a home a er sundown is expensive again. For this reason, a tel has several and mostly unnecessary. Galilee, where layers of accumulated construction. War Jesus is speaking, is close enough to the and disaster would not cause a city on a equator that it averages about 12 hours of hill to be wiped away. On the contrary, daylight year-round (see John 11:9 ). For destruction of a city on a hill would only both fiscal and solar reasons, people rise ensure that the next layer would be more to work at sunrise and retire for the night visible! at sundown. e typical home is lighted e church of our Lord Jesus is truly a artificially as li le as possible. city on a hill in this ancient sense. Time is situation means that there is a er time, tyrants have a empted to rarely light pollution a er sundown. extinguish her light. ey only succeeded Darkness a er sunset ensures that even in pu ing that light on an even higher small lights can be seen at a considerable tel! How has your past elevated the reach distance. Cities with many lamps and of your light? torches are easily visible for many miles. —J. E. certainly A town built on a hill cannot be 15 . “Neither do people light a lamp ! Like Jesus, his followers are to hidden and put it under a bowl. Instead they shine in the darkness, showing the way put it on its stand, and it gives light to to life (John 8:12 ). everyone in the house.
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 5 Jesus also appeals to his hearers’ prac- eir lighted lives cause those who tical use of light in a household se ing. see them to glorify the Father ( Ma hew Because of the expense of burning can- 9:8 ). at the Father is in heaven empha- dles or lamps, most homes limit their use. sizes that his ways are above the ways of It is foolish, then, to squander the the world and cannot be achieved by resource of light by covering a lamp with earthly means. His ways are to be desired a bowl ( Mark 4:21 ; Luke 11:33 ). Instead, the and followed (6:9–13 ). wise homeowner places the lamp on its stand to maximize its usefulness for the What Do You Think? entire room (8:16 ). What guardrails can we erect to ensure that we are not fooling ourselves regarding how much What Do You Think? What are some ways to ensure the our lights are shining? Digging Deeper visibility of your light for Christ? Under what circumstances would a Digging Deeper Christian benefit from having a Which is better to focus on: making the light itself brighter, or clearing light-shining accountability part- away the things that are blocking ner? Why? others from seeing our light?
16 . “In the same way, let your light II. Who Jesus Is shine before others, that they may see (MATTHEW 5:17–20 ) your good deeds and glorify your A. Fulfillment of the Law (vv. 17 , 18 ) Father in heaven. Jesus applies both of his lessons about 17 . “Do not think that I have come to lights (visibility in darkness, fiscal irre- abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have sponsibility of limiting their shining) to not come to abolish them but to fulfill his disciples in a spiritual way. e shin- them. ing light represents good deeds, the right- Jesus moves to speak of the relation- eous lives he expects of his followers (1 ship of his teachings to the lifestyle of Corinthians 10:31 ; Philippians 1:11 ; Titus good deeds that are practiced per the Law 2:14 ). As the saltiness of their witness and the Prophets , the Jewish Scriptures. points to the quenching of their spiritual Jesus does not minimize the simple thirst with God, so their blazing good requirements of the law, but instead he works also point to God. takes the law’s principles and emphasizes
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 6 them for his followers (Ma hew 5:21 ; 21:33 ). Romans 3:31 ). e Law of Moses is not modified by Jesus explains his relationship to the Jesus. Not the least stroke of a pen is Law of Moses in two ways. First, he has changed in the law (Luke 16:17 ). Jesus has no intention of abolishing the Law or the no interest in modifying the law or get- Prophets (compare John 10:34 : “Scripture ting into technical discussions with the cannot be set aside”). e word abolish teachers of the law as to its interpreta- used in the verse before us is not from tion. Jesus is certainly aware of the influ- the legal world, but from the builder’s ence of those teachers, with their reputa- world. It has the sense of “demolish.” tion for accuracy in copying Scriptures. Jesus is no wrecking ball for the Mosaic Yet even the most careful scribe can code that Israel has followed for hun- make a mistake by misplacing the smallest dreds of years. le er. In exaggerated language (hyper- If Jesus has no plans to knock down bole), Jesus emphasizes that the law will the law, then what is his relationship to not change by his hand. it? Maybe he should be a law-strength- At first glance, one might think Jesus ener, a law-builder, or the giver of a new is treating the law like a prophecy that and be er law. Jesus does not go that must be fulfilled. Fulfillment of prophecy direction, but says that he has come nei- is important in this Gospel (see Ma hew ther to establish nor build the law. Jesus’ 1:23 ; 2:6 , 15 , 18 , 23 ; etc.), but that does not second point is not the opposite of his seem to be what Jesus means here. A text first. Instead he has come to fulfill the law. with the specific wording is necessary to 18 . “For truly I tell you, until fulfill prophecy in this way. Jesus does heaven and earth disappear, not the not fulfill isolated pieces of the law but smallest le er, not the least stroke of the entire law. Jesus and his ministry are a pen, will by any means disappear that to which the law points. One author, from the Law until everything is Robert Banks, has pointed out that this is accomplished. not about Jesus’ relationship to the law, Jesus reinforces that he is fulfilling but about the law’s relationship to Jesus. the law, not destroying it, by emphasiz- God did not give the law intending ing the lasting nature of the law (Psalm that it would last forever. Ultimately it 119:89 ; Isaiah 40:8 ; 55:11 ). It will continue points to Christ, who makes perfect what until heaven and earth disappear at the end the law could not perfect (Romans of time (Ma hew 24:35 ; Mark 13:31 ; Luke 3:20–31 ; Hebrews 7:16–19 ). It has an end
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 7 time when it will be fulfilled. is fulfill- 19 . “ erefore anyone who sets ment begins with Jesus himself, and we aside one of the least of these com- understand this to mean that we, as mands and teaches others accordingly Christians, follow Jesus and not the law will be called least in the kingdom of of the Old Testament. heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called THE HEROIC OUTLAW great in the kingdom of heaven. Having declared the law’s fulfillment Few literary characters are as well in his person and ministry, Jesus now known as Robin Hood. He is portrayed as issues a dire warning for those who con- a supporter of the late twel h-century tinue to follow the law. It is not for them King Richard the Lionheart. Richard’s to pick and choose what commands to younger brother, John, mismanaged the keep, and they should not honor teachers kingdom while Richard was participating who disregard the full impact of the law. in the Crusades. John’s excessive taxation e law must be taken as a whole, and led Robin Hood and his men to wage a those who break even a small command- shadow war against him by stealing taxes ment are guilty of breaching the entire from collectors and returning them to the law (see James 2:10 ). Jesus teaches that peasants. reward and recognition from God in the Robin Hood of legend was an outlaw kingdom of heaven depend on this consis- but stood for a higher law of compassion tency. is kingdom is present in Jesus’ and justice. His purpose was not to be ministry and is a contrast to the powers lawless. He desired to do what Richard, of the world that function on the basis of the true king, would have wanted. their own desires rather than following A real person existed of whom Robin God’s laws (Ephesians 6:12 ). Hood is a mere shadow. Jesus was Since the law is fulfilled in Jesus and unfairly portrayed as a lawbreaker his teachings, this verse must point to (Ma hew 11:19 ). Yet he did not come to him. He does not offer an immoral, declare anarchy, but to fulfill the law of amoral, or careless approach to living a the true king of Heaven. How does Jesus’ God-pleasing life. e law reveals the fulfillment of the law lead you to greater moral obligations of God’s people, and we righteousness? must pay a ention to its principles in —J. E. light of our faith in Jesus. Later, Jesus teaches that the entirety of the Law of B. Teacher of Righteousness (vv. 19 , 20 )
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 8 Moses and the Prophets is summed up in occurrences of the phrase the teachers of two principles: love God and love people the law in this Gospel (see Ma hew 2:4 ). (Ma hew 22:36–40 ). When we live this Older versions of the Bible refer to such way, we honor the smallest aspect of the individuals as “scribes.” ese men are law, even as we realize that certain trained to write on a readable medium aspects of it applied only to Old Testa- such as parchment. In the book of ment Israel (example: animal sacrifices). Ma hew, they are more than copyists or stenographers. To be sure, they make What Do You Think? copies of the law with great accuracy and What specific things can be done care, but they also read the law and give within the church to maintain interpretations as to its implications integrity in teaching the Word of (7:29 ; 17:10 ). ey specialize in studying God? the Law of Moses and serve as the law’s Digging Deeper expert interpreters. ey miss nothing Consider both proactive (preventa- that should be obeyed (23:23–26 ). tive) and reactive (after the fact) methods. e Pharisees also figure prominently in this Gospel (Ma hew 3:7 ; 9:34 ; 12:14 ; 20 . “For I tell you that unless your 22:15 ; etc.). ey are a group of Jewish righteousness surpasses that of the men who a empt to keep the Law of Pharisees and the teachers of the law, Moses down to the tiniest detail. ey are you will certainly not enter the king- not paid for their efforts, but their law- dom of heaven.” keeping is done publicly and gains them Jesus’ final statement in this section is great respect among fellow Jews (23:2–7). a shock to his original hearers. He advises Paul himself was a Pharisee, as was them that they must have a righteousness his father (Acts 23:6 ; Philippians 3:5 ). He that is superior to that of the Pharisees describes the Pharisees as “the strictest and the teachers of the law, or else they will sect” of Judaism (Acts 26:5 ) and claims not be participants in the kingdom of that in his life as a Pharisee he was with- heaven. e hearers assume that right- out fault when it came to keeping the law. eousness is determined by adherence to He was righteous within its limits the Law of Moses. e religious leaders (Philippians 3:6 ). Paul would not be alone are prime examples of men who keep the among the Pharisees in this boast. law. ere is surely some overlap between is verse features the second of 19 these two groups (some teachers of the
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 9 law are Pharisees), and the synergy of Conclusion their relationship is strong. e A. I’m Gonna Let It Shine Pharisees need the teachers of the law to give them strict interpretations of the Visiting the famous Jewel Cave in the law so that they can follow it in every Black Hills of South Dakota, one is taken aspect. As scribes, the teachers of the law into the bowels of the cavern using an write the regulations, and the Pharisees elevator, walkways, and electric lights. At enforce them in their own lives. is situ- a very deep point, the guide will halt the ation results in a legalistic understanding group and turn off all the lights. e of righteousness and one’s relationship darkness is so profound that you can with God. wave your hand an inch from your nose Jesus proclaims a new type of rela- and not see it. A er le ing everyone’s tionship with God, one honoring the law eyes adjust to the darkness, the guide will but not based on keeping the law. is light a single match. e tiny flame seems relationship is much bigger, much like a blazing torch at first, breaking the deeper, and results in a righteousness far darkness in a startling manner. superior to that of the greatest Pharisee who ever lived. ose who hunger and thirst for this ultimate righteousness will find it as Jesus’ followers (Ma hew 5:6 ). eir righteousness in God’s eyes will be far superior than the self-made right- eousness of the Pharisees, for it depends on faith rather than works (Isaiah 26:2 ; John 3:5 ).
What Do You Think? Visual for Lesson 6. Use this visual to introduce In what ways will your light-shining be the discussion question associated either with the same as demonstrating right- Matthew 5:15 or 5:20 . eousness? In what ways will it dif- fer? For many, life is like living in a very Digging Deeper dark cave with no light. e darkness in Think in terms both of what you will the world refuses to acknowledge God as do and what you will not do. king or live in obedience to him. e only “righteousness” suggested by the dark-
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 10 ness is self-determined and self-made. How, then, in this world of darkness do INVOLVEMENT LEARNING we let our lights shine for Jesus? Enhance your lesson with NIV Bible It seems like an impossible task. e Student old spiritual says, “ is li le light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” e song Into the Lesson puts forth no time limit, no expected results, and no real strategy. It just tells Before class, find examples of each us to let our lights—our lives—shine for type of ad below. Begin class by writing Jesus. What if no one seems to notice? the following advertising strategies on “I’m gonna let it shine.” May our lives and the board: our churches be the cities on hills that Pathos —an a empt to make the cus- become beacons of hope in our dark and tomer feel something, an emotional lost world. appeal. Logos —an a empt to convince the B. Prayer customer that buying the product makes Lord God, we are stunned and trans- sense, a logical appeal. fixed by the brilliant light you offer Ethos —an a empt to convince the through your Son, Jesus. rough your customer that the company is trustwor- grace and your Spirit, may our lights thy, an ethical appeal. blaze in this dark world and cause people As you display the ads, ask the class to to give all glory to you and you alone. We identify the techniques used. For exam- pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. ple, a pathos ad might show happy people using the product. Logos appeals might C. ought to Remember show statistics to demonstrate the value Live in a way that draws others to Jesus. of a product. Ethos ads might feature celebrity endorsements or customers being told that more people trust this product than another brand. Discuss whether the advertising is factually true or whether the claims made can be proven. Do people really believe these ads? If not, why do they
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 11 seem to have an effect? describe a believer with phrases such as Alternative. Distribute copies of the “creator of spiritual thirst,” “reflection of “Big Claims, Outrageous Promises” activ- the Father,” “a beacon of hope in a dark ity from the reproducible page, which world,” etc. e Different Church Group you can download. Have students work in might describe the church as “what you groups to unscramble brand names asso- have been looking for,” “doing what you ciated with advertising slogans. know is right,” “passing values to the A er either activity say, “Some ads next generation,” “humble service,” fairly represent their products. Yet many “more action and less talk,” etc. ads use words to manipulate emotions, A er the ads are done, have the create false images, and imply impossible groups share and explain their posters. promises. Jesus demanded that those who Point out any missed characteristics by follow him be real. He taught his disci- referring to the commentary. ples how to live as authentic children of Alternative. Turn this art project into God.” a brainstorming/discussion activity. Read sections of the text as divided above Into the Word and have the group look for the character- istics of a believer and of a church found Divide students into two groups. Give there. each group a poster, markers, and one of Lead into the final segment of the these assignments (you prepare): World- lesson by saying, “In the Sermon on the Changer Group —Create an ad for a “world- Mount, Jesus taught what an authentic changing believer,” based on Ma hew follower of his would look like. Let’s look 5:13–16 . Include a drawing and character- within to see what we need to do to more istics of such a person based on the closely follow Jesus’ teaching.” descriptions in the lesson text. Different Church Group —Create an ad for a “differ- Into Life ent kind of church,” based on Ma hew 5:17–20 . Include a drawing and character- To end class, hand a salt packet and a istics of such a church, drawn from the small candle to each class member. As descriptions in the lesson text. they hold these objects, have them reflect Encourage them to paraphrase char- on their own behavior: “Do I truly ‘salt’ acteristics from the text rather than sim- my world, preserving goodness and ply repeating the words there. For exam- making people thirst for God? Am I a visi- ple, the World-Changer Group might ble light for God wherever I go?”
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 12 Alternative. Distribute copies of the “Pass the Salt, Turn on the Light” activity from the reproducible page. Have stu- dents evaluate their “saltiness” or “lumi- nosity” with the metaphors found there.
Nickelson, R. L. (Ed.). (2018). The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019 (Vol. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:22 AM November 3, 2018. 13