Murals (2008) by PHANTAST - Graffiti - Cultural Music & Art Association inc. - 98 Milne St. Benleigh
Sunday 30/03/25. A new code of ethics.
Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had grown up, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah (who lived 700 years before). He unrolled the scroll, found chapter 61 and began to read the prophetic anointing:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed Me, to preach of good news to the poor. He sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind. To set at liberty them that are bruised, to confort all those who grieve". Rolling up the scroll, He handed it back to the attendant and said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing!" (Luke 4:18).
Then Jesus intoduced a new code of ethics. Beatitudes contrast kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldy values (what is temporary). These Beatitudes are not multiple choice - pick what you like and leave the rest; they describe what we should be like as Christ's followers :
- Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless,
- those who mourn,
- those who are gentle,
- those who hunger and thirst for God's approval,
- those who show mercy,
- those whose thoughts are pure,
- those who make peace,
- those who are persecuted for doing what God approves of.
- Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because of Me (Matthew 5).