12
Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Believers Are Salt and Light
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.
14
"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.
15
No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.
16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Christ Fulfills the Law
17 "Don't assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
18
For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished.
19
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches [these commandments] will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20
For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Murder Begins in the Heart
21 "You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder , and whoever murders will be subject to judgment.
22
But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Fool!' will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, 'You moron!' will be subject to hellfire.