Mathaxie: Distinctively Different Disciples (Matthew 5:11-16)

OUTLINE:

Main Point: Disciples of Jesus live Distinctly Different than the world to whom they bring the light of Christ.

I. Hostile Response of the World (v11-12)

II. Salty Salt of the Disciples (13)

III. Realized Light of the Gospel(14)

IV. Useful Lamp of the Disciples (15)

V. Glorifying Response of the World (v16)

Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)

Weekly Reading:

Day 1 (Matthew 5:11–12)

• When have you experienced opposition because of your faith in Christ? Was it mild (mockery, exclusion) or more costly?

• Jesus says the blessing is “on account of me.” How can you discern whether opposition is truly because of Christ and not just personal offense?

• What does it stir in you to know that persecution links you with the prophets (Jeremiah, Elijah, Isaiah)? (Hebrews 11:35–38)

• How does remembering your “reward in heaven” shape your perspective on earthly trials? (2 Corinthians 4:17–18)

• In what ways can you cultivate joy even when facing slander or misunderstanding for Christ’s sake?

Day 2 (Matthew 5:13)

• Jesus says you are the salt, not try to be. How does this statement of identity affect how you think about your daily discipleship?

• In what areas of life are you seasoning the world with gospel flavor? Where might your witness feel bland?

• Salt preserves. Where is God calling you to stand against corruption or decay in your workplace, neighborhood, or family?

• Salt heals. Who in your life is wounded and needs the cleansing hope of Christ through you?

• Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us to stay connected to the gathered body. How does fellowship keep you “salty” rather than losing distinctiveness?

Day 3 (Matthew 5:14)

• Jesus says you are the light of the world. How does it feel to share in a title he first claimed for himself (John 8:12)?

• Jesus speaks of a city on a hill, not just an individual lamp. How does your church family collectively display the gospel’s light? (Philippians 2:14–15)

• What small acts of faithfulness today could shine brighter than you expect?

Day 4 (Matthew 5:15)

• What fears or hesitations make you want to hide your light?

• How do your daily habits either cover your lamp or place it on a stand where others can see Christ?

• If the gospel is truly good news, what might it look like to share it naturally in everyday conversations? (Colossians 4:5–6)

• Bonhoeffer once said a hidden community ceases to follow Jesus. How can you ensure your discipleship is not merely private, but public and fruitful?

Day 5 (Matthew 5:16)

• 1 Peter 2:12 says unbelievers may malign us now, but one day they may glorify God because of our conduct. How does this encourage you in difficult relationships?

• Where might you be tempted to draw attention to your works rather than to God’s grace?

• How does calling God “your Father” transform the way you see your relationship with him compared to the Old Testament view of a distant, holy God?

• What specific “good deed” could you pursue this week—not for recognition, but so that others might see Christ in you?