August 9, 2026
Jesus the Teacher
Sermon: Jesus the Teacher
Text: Matthew 5:1–10, 13–16
Series: Knowing Jesus: Discovering Him in the Gospels
Speaker: Dr. Terry Kirby
Text: Matthew 5:1–10, 13–16
Series: Knowing Jesus: Discovering Him in the Gospels
Speaker: Dr. Terry Kirby
CONTENTS
Click the links to go directly to a section in this post:
Monday Ministry Focus
Sermon Talking Points
Main Takeaway
Sermon Summary
Blog Post
Living It Out
Small Group Discussion
Family Conversation
Prayer
Monday Ministry Focus
Sermon Talking Points
Main Takeaway
Sermon Summary
Blog Post
Living It Out
Small Group Discussion
Family Conversation
Prayer
THIS WEEK: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
Remember:
You don't have to bring something impressive to Jesus. Come poor in spirit.
Reflect:
Is Jesus' teaching actually transforming the way I live?
Practice:
Choose one Beatitude to intentionally live out this week.
Act:
Look for one opportunity to show the love of Jesus to someone.
Shine:
Don't hide your faith.
Point people to:
Jesus—the Light of the world.
Next Sunday
Knowing Jesus — Week 2
We'll continue discovering Jesus through the Gospels, building on this week's introduction to Jesus as Teacher.
You don't have to bring something impressive to Jesus. Come poor in spirit.
Reflect:
Is Jesus' teaching actually transforming the way I live?
Practice:
Choose one Beatitude to intentionally live out this week.
Act:
Look for one opportunity to show the love of Jesus to someone.
Shine:
Don't hide your faith.
Point people to:
Jesus—the Light of the world.
Next Sunday
Knowing Jesus — Week 2
We'll continue discovering Jesus through the Gospels, building on this week's introduction to Jesus as Teacher.
Jesus Is the Teacher
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
The Beatitudes Describe Transformation
Salt and Light
Jesus Is the Light
- Jesus is not simply someone we read about.
- Through Scripture and the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues to teach us.
- The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
- “Poor in spirit” is about spiritual poverty.
- We come to Jesus with nothing to offer.
- We are broken, sinful, and dependent upon grace.
- We cannot earn forgiveness.
- Jesus offers healing, hope, forgiveness, and the kingdom of heaven.
The Beatitudes Describe Transformation
- Blessed doesn't simply mean happy.
- It describes being in a right relationship with God.
- Jesus describes a transformed life: humility, mourning, gentleness, righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and faithfulness.
Salt and Light
- Our faith is active.
- Our faith preserves.
- Our faith shines.
- We aren't supposed to hide our faith.
- Our good works should point people to God—not ourselves.
Jesus Is the Light
- Jesus is the source of our light.
- We aren't the light because of who we are.
- We are light because of who He is.
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to shine.
Big Idea: Jesus teaches us who we are so that we can live differently.
We come to Jesus poor in spirit, recognizing our need for His grace.
Jesus transforms us from the inside out.
Then He sends us into the world as salt and light.
We don't shine because we are impressive.
We shine because Jesus lives in us.
Key Verse
"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14
We come to Jesus poor in spirit, recognizing our need for His grace.
Jesus transforms us from the inside out.
Then He sends us into the world as salt and light.
We don't shine because we are impressive.
We shine because Jesus lives in us.
Key Verse
"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14
Rewatch the sermon here beginning at 00:28:25.
This Sunday began our new six-week series, Knowing Jesus: Discovering Him in the Gospels, by introducing us to Jesus as the greatest Teacher.
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5 begins with the Beatitudes. Rather than simply giving people a list of religious rules, Jesus describes what life looks like when we live in a right relationship with God.
The first—and foundational—Beatitude is:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
To be “poor in spirit” is to recognize that we come to Jesus empty-handed. We cannot earn God's forgiveness by bringing our accomplishments, experience, money, personality, or religious performance. We come as broken and needy people, trusting completely in Jesus and His grace.
But Jesus doesn't leave us in our brokenness.
He transforms us.
The Beatitudes describe people who mourn, show gentleness, hunger for righteousness, extend mercy, pursue purity, make peace, and remain faithful even when persecuted. These aren't simply characteristics to admire. They are characteristics that should increasingly describe people whose lives have been transformed by Jesus.
Then Jesus moves from who we are to how we live.
He says:
“You are the salt of the earth.”
And:
“You are the light of the world.”
Our faith isn't meant to remain hidden. Jesus calls His followers to live visibly and actively so that others can see God's work in us and ultimately glorify our Father in heaven.
This Sunday began our new six-week series, Knowing Jesus: Discovering Him in the Gospels, by introducing us to Jesus as the greatest Teacher.
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5 begins with the Beatitudes. Rather than simply giving people a list of religious rules, Jesus describes what life looks like when we live in a right relationship with God.
The first—and foundational—Beatitude is:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
To be “poor in spirit” is to recognize that we come to Jesus empty-handed. We cannot earn God's forgiveness by bringing our accomplishments, experience, money, personality, or religious performance. We come as broken and needy people, trusting completely in Jesus and His grace.
But Jesus doesn't leave us in our brokenness.
He transforms us.
The Beatitudes describe people who mourn, show gentleness, hunger for righteousness, extend mercy, pursue purity, make peace, and remain faithful even when persecuted. These aren't simply characteristics to admire. They are characteristics that should increasingly describe people whose lives have been transformed by Jesus.
Then Jesus moves from who we are to how we live.
He says:
“You are the salt of the earth.”
And:
“You are the light of the world.”
Our faith isn't meant to remain hidden. Jesus calls His followers to live visibly and actively so that others can see God's work in us and ultimately glorify our Father in heaven.
Memory Verse:
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Matthew 5:16
Blog Post:
JESUS THE TEACHER
Reread Matthew 5:1–10, 13–16
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
Who was the best teacher you've ever had?
Most of us can remember at least one teacher who made a difference in our lives. Maybe they taught us a skill we still use today. Maybe they encouraged us when we didn't believe in ourselves. Maybe they saw something in us that we didn't yet see in ourselves.
Teachers leave a legacy.
But there is one Teacher whose lessons don't simply give us information. His teaching transforms our lives.
His name is Jesus.
As we begin our new series, Knowing Jesus: Discovering Him in the Gospels, we begin by looking at Jesus as the Teacher.
JESUS TEACHES US WHO WE REALLY ARE
Matthew 5 begins with the famous Beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
That may seem like a strange way to begin a sermon.
Why would Jesus call someone “blessed” because they are poor in spirit?
Because Jesus is talking about recognizing our true spiritual condition.
We come to Jesus with nothing to offer.
We can't impress Him with our accomplishments. We can't purchase His forgiveness. We can't earn His grace by being good enough.
We come broken.
We come empty-handed.
We come recognizing our need for Him.
And that's exactly where Jesus meets us.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who understand that they need the King.
BLESSED DOESN'T JUST MEAN HAPPY
Jesus continues with the Beatitudes:
These aren't promises that following Jesus will make life easy.
They're promises about living in a right relationship with God.
And they describe the kind of transformation Jesus produces in people who follow Him.
Jesus doesn't simply want us to know the Beatitudes.
He wants the Beatitudes to become visible in our lives.
FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO MONDAY MORNING
Then Jesus makes the application personal.
“You are the salt of the earth.”
“You are the light of the world.”
Jesus didn't call His followers to retreat from the world and hide their faith.
He called them to influence the world.
Salt makes a difference.
Light makes a difference.
And followers of Jesus should make a difference.
That's why Jesus says:
Notice where the attention ultimately goes.
We don't shine so people will admire us.
We shine so people will see something of Jesus in us and give glory to our Father.
YOUR LIGHT COMES FROM JESUS
There's an important distinction here.
We aren't the light because we're naturally good enough, religious enough, or talented enough.
Jesus is the Light. Our light comes from Him.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
And now He tells His followers, “You are the light of the world.”
How can both be true?
Because the light we shine isn't ultimately our own.
We are reflecting His light.
That's why we don't have to wait until we're perfect before we serve Jesus.
We don't have to have every answer.
We don't have to pretend that life is easy.
We simply need to let Jesus shine through us.
DON'T PUT YOUR LIGHT UNDER A BASKET
It's easy to shine our light at church.
It's easy to talk about Jesus when we're surrounded by other believers.
But Jesus calls us to shine everywhere.
That's where our faith becomes visible.
The world doesn't simply need to hear that we follow Jesus.
It needs to see what following Jesus looks like:
These ordinary things can become extraordinary opportunities for God's light to shine.
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS' TEACHING?
As we begin this journey of Knowing Jesus, we're not simply going to learn facts about Him.
And, most importantly, we're going to ask what His teaching means for us.
Because the goal isn't simply to know more about Jesus.
The goal is to know Jesus—and let knowing Him transform the way we live.
So this week, start with humility.
Come to Jesus poor in spirit.
Admit your need for Him.
Then ask:
“Jesus, where do You want Your light to shine through me today?”
Don't hide it.
Don't keep it in the church building.
Don't put it under a basket.
Let it shine.
And when people see the difference Jesus makes in your life, may they not simply notice you.
May they glorify your Father who is in heaven.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
Who was the best teacher you've ever had?
Most of us can remember at least one teacher who made a difference in our lives. Maybe they taught us a skill we still use today. Maybe they encouraged us when we didn't believe in ourselves. Maybe they saw something in us that we didn't yet see in ourselves.
Teachers leave a legacy.
But there is one Teacher whose lessons don't simply give us information. His teaching transforms our lives.
His name is Jesus.
As we begin our new series, Knowing Jesus: Discovering Him in the Gospels, we begin by looking at Jesus as the Teacher.
JESUS TEACHES US WHO WE REALLY ARE
Matthew 5 begins with the famous Beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
That may seem like a strange way to begin a sermon.
Why would Jesus call someone “blessed” because they are poor in spirit?
Because Jesus is talking about recognizing our true spiritual condition.
We come to Jesus with nothing to offer.
We can't impress Him with our accomplishments. We can't purchase His forgiveness. We can't earn His grace by being good enough.
We come broken.
We come empty-handed.
We come recognizing our need for Him.
And that's exactly where Jesus meets us.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who understand that they need the King.
BLESSED DOESN'T JUST MEAN HAPPY
Jesus continues with the Beatitudes:
Those who mourn will be comforted.
The gentle will inherit the earth.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied.
The merciful will receive mercy.
The pure in heart will see God.
The peacemakers will be called children of God.
Those who are persecuted for righteousness belong to the kingdom of heaven.
These aren't promises that following Jesus will make life easy.
They're promises about living in a right relationship with God.
And they describe the kind of transformation Jesus produces in people who follow Him.
Jesus doesn't simply want us to know the Beatitudes.
He wants the Beatitudes to become visible in our lives.
FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO MONDAY MORNING
Then Jesus makes the application personal.
“You are the salt of the earth.”
“You are the light of the world.”
Jesus didn't call His followers to retreat from the world and hide their faith.
He called them to influence the world.
Salt makes a difference.
Light makes a difference.
And followers of Jesus should make a difference.
That's why Jesus says:
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Notice where the attention ultimately goes.
**Not to us.
To God.**
We don't shine so people will admire us.
We shine so people will see something of Jesus in us and give glory to our Father.
YOUR LIGHT COMES FROM JESUS
There's an important distinction here.
We aren't the light because we're naturally good enough, religious enough, or talented enough.
Jesus is the Light. Our light comes from Him.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
And now He tells His followers, “You are the light of the world.”
How can both be true?
Because the light we shine isn't ultimately our own.
We are reflecting His light.
That's why we don't have to wait until we're perfect before we serve Jesus.
We don't have to have every answer.
We don't have to pretend that life is easy.
We simply need to let Jesus shine through us.
DON'T PUT YOUR LIGHT UNDER A BASKET
It's easy to shine our light at church.
It's easy to talk about Jesus when we're surrounded by other believers.
But Jesus calls us to shine everywhere.
At work.
At school.
In our neighborhoods.
In our families.
In restaurants.
In traffic.
While we're on vacation.
In difficult conversations.
When we're tired.
When nobody is watching.
That's where our faith becomes visible.
The world doesn't simply need to hear that we follow Jesus.
It needs to see what following Jesus looks like:
A kind word.
An act of mercy.
A willingness to forgive.
A commitment to truth.
A helping hand.
A peaceful response.
A faithful life.
A willingness to serve.
These ordinary things can become extraordinary opportunities for God's light to shine.
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS' TEACHING?
As we begin this journey of Knowing Jesus, we're not simply going to learn facts about Him.
We're going to listen to His teaching.
We're going to examine His life.
We're going to see how He treated people.
We're going to discover what He said about the kingdom of God.
And, most importantly, we're going to ask what His teaching means for us.
Because the goal isn't simply to know more about Jesus.
The goal is to know Jesus—and let knowing Him transform the way we live.
So this week, start with humility.
Come to Jesus poor in spirit.
Admit your need for Him.
Then ask:
“Jesus, where do You want Your light to shine through me today?”
Don't hide it.
Don't keep it in the church building.
Don't put it under a basket.
Let it shine.
And when people see the difference Jesus makes in your life, may they not simply notice you.
May they glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Icebreaker
Who was one teacher who had a lasting impact on your life—and what did they teach you that you still remember?
Pastor Terry began Sunday's message by reflecting on teachers who had influenced his life before turning our attention to Jesus as the greatest Teacher.
Read Together
Matthew 5:1-16
Discuss
1. What stands out to you about the way Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount?
2. What does Jesus mean by being “poor in spirit”?
3. Why is recognizing our spiritual need essential to receiving God's grace?
4. Which Beatitude speaks most directly to something you're experiencing right now?
5. Pastor Terry said the goal isn't simply to become more aware of the Beatitudes, but to be transformed by them. What is the difference?
6. What does it mean for a Christian to be “salt”?
7. What does it mean for a Christian to be “light”?
8. What are some ways Christians unintentionally hide their light?
9. Why does Jesus say our good works should ultimately point people toward the Father?
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Choose one Beatitude and intentionally practice it this week. Then look for one opportunity to let your light shine for someone who needs encouragement, kindness, or hope.
Who was one teacher who had a lasting impact on your life—and what did they teach you that you still remember?
Pastor Terry began Sunday's message by reflecting on teachers who had influenced his life before turning our attention to Jesus as the greatest Teacher.
Read Together
Matthew 5:1-16
Discuss
1. What stands out to you about the way Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount?
2. What does Jesus mean by being “poor in spirit”?
3. Why is recognizing our spiritual need essential to receiving God's grace?
4. Which Beatitude speaks most directly to something you're experiencing right now?
5. Pastor Terry said the goal isn't simply to become more aware of the Beatitudes, but to be transformed by them. What is the difference?
6. What does it mean for a Christian to be “salt”?
7. What does it mean for a Christian to be “light”?
8. What are some ways Christians unintentionally hide their light?
9. Why does Jesus say our good works should ultimately point people toward the Father?
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Choose one Beatitude and intentionally practice it this week. Then look for one opportunity to let your light shine for someone who needs encouragement, kindness, or hope.
Family
Conversation
Shine Your Light
Parents, use these questions around the dinner table this week.
Read Together: Matthew 5:13-16
TALK ABOUT IT
Jesus says His followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
ASK YOUR FAMILY
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Choose one person your family can encourage or help this week.
It could be a neighbor, teacher, friend, coworker, family member, or someone who simply needs encouragement.
Do something kind for that person without expecting anything in return.
Then talk together about how that simple act can point someone toward Jesus.
PRAY TOGETHER
“Jesus, thank You for being our Teacher. Help us learn from You and allow Your Word to transform our hearts. Help us be humble, kind, merciful, peaceful, and faithful. Help our family shine Your light wherever we go so that people will see You and glorify our Father in heaven. Amen.”
THIS WEEK'S FAMILY PHRASE
"You are the light of the world."
Matthew 5:14
Read Together: Matthew 5:13-16
TALK ABOUT IT
Jesus says His followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
ASK YOUR FAMILY
- What does salt do?
- What does light do?
- Why would Jesus compare His followers to salt and light?
- What does it mean to let our light shine?
- Where could our family show Jesus' love this week?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Choose one person your family can encourage or help this week.
It could be a neighbor, teacher, friend, coworker, family member, or someone who simply needs encouragement.
Do something kind for that person without expecting anything in return.
Then talk together about how that simple act can point someone toward Jesus.
PRAY TOGETHER
“Jesus, thank You for being our Teacher. Help us learn from You and allow Your Word to transform our hearts. Help us be humble, kind, merciful, peaceful, and faithful. Help our family shine Your light wherever we go so that people will see You and glorify our Father in heaven. Amen.”
THIS WEEK'S FAMILY PHRASE
"You are the light of the world."
Matthew 5:14
Father,
Thank You for giving us Jesus, the greatest Teacher.
Help us listen carefully to His Word—not simply to know what He said, but to allow His teaching to transform our lives.
Make us poor in spirit, recognizing our complete dependence upon Your grace.
Help us become people who show mercy, pursue righteousness, make peace, and remain faithful.
And Father, help us shine.
Don't let us hide our faith when the world needs the hope that only Jesus can give.
Use our words, our actions, our kindness, our service, and our everyday lives to point people toward You.
May our light shine—not for our recognition, but for Your glory.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thank You for giving us Jesus, the greatest Teacher.
Help us listen carefully to His Word—not simply to know what He said, but to allow His teaching to transform our lives.
Make us poor in spirit, recognizing our complete dependence upon Your grace.
Help us become people who show mercy, pursue righteousness, make peace, and remain faithful.
And Father, help us shine.
Don't let us hide our faith when the world needs the hope that only Jesus can give.
Use our words, our actions, our kindness, our service, and our everyday lives to point people toward You.
May our light shine—not for our recognition, but for Your glory.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Keep the conversation going! Please leave your comments below.
Posted in Discipleship Guide, Sermon Series, Worship
Posted in Weekly Discipleship Guide, discipleship, Current Sermon Series
Posted in Weekly Discipleship Guide, discipleship, Current Sermon Series
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