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Matthew 5.3-12 – The Norms of the Kingdom
D. A. Carson refers to the Beatitudes as “the norms of the kingdom” (Carson, p.16). If they are the “norms” then they should only be extraordinary to those not in the kingdom. If any Christian were asked, “Do you pray?” the answer would be, “Of course” and that should be expected. If asked, “Do you go to church?” again, the expectation is “Of course.” If these are indeed “norms of the kingdom,” then our answers should be as ordinary and expected.
- Are you poor in spirit? Deeply.
- Do you mourn sin, yours and others? Absolutely.
- Are you gentle towards those who offend you? Totally.
- Do you hunger and thirst after righteousness as if you have been fasting? Definitely.
- Are you merciful to those who hurt you? Amazingly.
- Are you pure in heart, not assuming ill motives towards all? Extremely.
- Are you a peacemaker, even to your hurt, and not a trouble maker? Exceedingly.
- Have you been hurt by others because of righteousness? Unfortunately.
Seeing the norm, and then seeing ourselves, we see how easy it is to set up a too easy checklist of righteousness. It is easy to pray words without being content, sacrificing our will, and fasting. It is easy to attend church without being changed and changing others. The norm of Christianity is far more, far deeper, and far more meaningful than what we do sitting in a pew and saying a memorized prayer.
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