Matthew 5:13-20

Jesus' teaching about influence and law Matthew 5:13-20: Those that exhibit the characteristics of the beatitudes become the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Those with humble and pure hearts can change their world in a positive way for God. Those that hunger for righteousness and show mercy are a bright light for a dark world. God's people are called on to stand out from the world.

Concerning the Law Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the pro-phets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17) The purpose of Jesus was to "fulfill or accomplish what was in the law and the prophets" concerning the Messiah. In the Old Law there were many predictions concerning the coming, birth, life and death of the Christ. These were all to be fulfilled by Jesus, His sufferings and death. Jesus said that not "one jot or one tittle" (something like a period or comma) would disappear from the Law until it all was fulfilled in Him. The righteousness of the Christian comes from their heart, and is therefore genuine. This righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees and Scribes. Their righteousness was external, and was not true holiness.