Matthew 5:13—“Ye Are the Salt of the Earth”

Salt was used not only to give added flavor to food, but also to preserve it from spoiling. Consequently, it was used as a symbol in covenant-making, since making and keeping covenants with God preserves us from spiritually “spoiling.” In Doctrine and Covenants 101:39–40 the Lord said that those who received the everlasting gospel and covenant were the salt of the earth. Salt loses its savor, or taste, as well as its purity by being mixed with other elements, such as dirt. It then would be of no use in flavoring or preserving.

Matthew 5:23–24—“Bring Thy Gift to the Altar”

The word altar is used in this verse to symbolize any sacrifices we might make for God. The counsel Jesus gave applies to everything we do to draw closer to God, such as paying tithing, attending our church meetings, serving in callings, and so on. The commandment in Matthew 5:23–24 helps us understand that seeking to repair the ways we have offended others is important in seeking to improve our relationship with God. In fact, we cannot really be one with God, no matter how many “offerings” we give to Him, unless we also love others (see also 1 John 4:20–21; Alma 34:26–29).

Matthew 5:29–30—Did Jesus Encourage Removing Part of Our Bodies as a Punishment?

The Joseph Smith Translation helps us understand that this parable was told to emphasize the importance of what Jesus was teaching about eliminating sin from our lives, not removing part of our bodies. We are to take heroic measures of self-control to avoid sin, and are to deny ourselves all ungodliness (see JST, Matthew 5:34).

Matthew 5:33–37—Swearing and Oaths

At the time of Jesus, many Jews believed it was wrong to break an oath or promise sworn in the name of the Lord, but to break an oath sworn in the name of the temple, or the city, or some other thing was not considered to be so serious or wrong. Jesus taught in this sermon that we should not swear by anything or anyone, but should keep our word whether we made an oath or not. If we say yes, or if we say no, that should be good enough.

The Beatitudes: A Handbook for Happiness

In Matthew 5:3–12 Jesus spoke of attitudes or behaviors that lead to true happiness. List each attitude or behavior He mentioned in those verses and tell what you think it means. For each attitude or behavior listed, give an example of how you think it will lead you to greater happiness. As you give your examples, consider the blessings Jesus promised to a person who has each attitude or behavior. The footnotes may help as you determine the meaning of important ideas.

Scripture Mastery—Matthew 5:14–16

The Higher Law of Christ

Notice in Matthew 5:20 that Jesus said the righteousness of His followers must be greater than the scribes and the Pharisees. This is because scribes and Pharisees were noted for their strict obedience to those parts of the law that people could see. They were not so concerned about living the spirit of the law that is not seen. Beginning with verse 21, Jesus spoke about various laws and traditions under the law of Moses. For each, He explained the greater righteousness required of the members of His kingdom.

In your notebook, make a chart like the one below to compare the “old” law of Moses to the “new” law of Christ. In the “New Law or Standard” column, list the ways Jesus said we should apply that particular commandment.