Following Jesus is more than keeping rules—it’s about understanding the heart behind them. In Matthew 5, Jesus shows us that the Old Testament isn’t discarded but fulfilled, pointing us fully to Him and revealing our deep need for grace. As we wrestle with legalism and license, the law exposes our sin while the Gospel offers us new hearts through the Spirit. This week, we’re invited to realign our lives around Christ, surrendering self-effort and trusting the righteousness He freely gives.

Jesus calls us to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs hope. Following Him isn’t always easy, but our faith is most powerful when it moves beyond the church walls into our everyday interactions. Who in your life needs the hope of the Gospel, and where might God be inviting you to shine more boldly? Today, let’s reflect, repent, and step into the light He’s given us, so that it can shine into the darkest places around us!

The Beatitudes invite us to rethink what it truly means to be blessed—not by strength, success, or comfort, but by humility, dependence, mercy, and hunger for God’s ways. Jesus paints a countercultural picture of the good life, where God meets us in our weakness, grief, and longing, and forms us into peacemakers in the world. The Kingdom of Heaven isn’t just a future promise; it’s breaking in here and now!