The religious practices of giving, praying, and fasting are staple practices within the spiritual life of Jesus followers. Jesus has some poignant words directed toward those of us who are putting on a show for others. How pious are we when only God is looking?

Why are humans fixated on retributive acts when dealing with our opponents, enemies, or those who injure us? This “addiction to vengeance” stands at the heart of Jesus teaching regarding our relationship with enemies. In this striking teaching, Jesus not only challenges our quest for vengeance, but he also compels us to be proactive in being kind to our enemies.

Jesus’ religious contemporaries accused him of swaying followers away from the highly regarded law of God. In response to this misguided accusation, Jesus accentuates the heart of God’s law in a series of teachings regarding his own role and the deeper implications found at the core of God’s laws.

Jesus is prepping his disciples for a mission that would have worldwide impact. How does being salt and light influence a world riddled with darkness and unsavory behavior?

Jesus finds himself up on a mountain surrounded by his disciples. He seizes this opportunity to impart to them an incredible discourse regarding life as a disciple. In his initial teachings, he pronounces a series of blessings in response to life and circumstances that would befall a follower of Jesus. What does Jesus’ assertion of blessing mean for a disciple?