How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:27–30 is Jesus’ second example of the deeper righteousness He described in Matthew 5:17–20. Read it in three movements: (1) the command against adultery, (2) the heart-level sin of lust, and (3) the radical seriousness of fighting sin. Key: Jesus does not merely address outward sexual sin—He exposes the... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:21–26 is Jesus’ first example of the deeper righteousness He described in Matthew 5:17–20. Read it in three movements: (1) the command against murder, (2) the heart-level sin of anger, and (3) the urgency of reconciliation. Key: Jesus shows that righteousness is not merely about avoiding outward sin—but about... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:17–20 is one of the most important passages in the entire Sermon on the Mount. Read it in three movements: (1) Jesus and the Law (v.17), (2) the authority of Scripture (v.18–19), and (3) the kind of righteousness God requires (v.20). Key: This passage explains how everything Jesus teaches... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:13–16 shifts from identity to mission. Read this passage in three movements: (1) who you are (salt and light), (2) what you do (influence the world), and (3) why it matters (God is glorified). Key: The Beatitudes describe your character—this passage defines your impact. Jesus now answers the question:... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:10–12 brings the Beatitudes to their climax. Read this passage in three movements: (1) the reality (persecution), (2) the reason (righteousness and allegiance to Christ), and (3) the response (rejoicing because of eternal reward). Key: Following Jesus doesn’t remove opposition—it reveals it. Jesus ends the Beatitudes with a shock.... Continue Reading →
You are viewing Foundations Commentary for Nehemiah 9:1-38 MTSM commentaries are designed in layers to help you grow from understanding Scripture to teaching it and thinking deeply about it. Choose Your Nehemiah 9 Study Path Nehemiah 9 is a rich chapter about confession, covenant renewal, revival, and the mercy of God. Choose the commentary layer... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Nehemiah 6 shows the enemy’s final attempts to stop God’s work. When opposition cannot defeat the mission, it shifts to distraction, deception, intimidation, and internal compromise. Read in four movements: (1) distraction through compromise (6:1–9), (2) deception through false prophecy (6:10–14), (3) completion of the work (6:15–16), and (4) ongoing... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:9 continues the outward expression of the Beatitudes. Read this verse in three movements: (1) the calling (peacemakers), (2) the method (peace through righteousness and truth), and (3) the promise (they shall be called sons of God). Key: Peacemaking is not avoiding conflict—it is resolving it God’s way. Everyone... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:7 marks a shift in the Beatitudes—from inward transformation to outward expression. Read this verse in three movements: (1) the action (the merciful), (2) the motivation (a heart changed by God’s mercy), and (3) the promise (they shall receive mercy). Key: You don’t give mercy to earn it—you give... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:6 continues the progression of the Beatitudes. Read this verse in three movements: (1) the desire (hunger and thirst), (2) the object (righteousness), and (3) the promise (they shall be satisfied). Key: What you crave most reveals what you truly value. Everyone is hungry for something. Success. Approval. Comfort.... Continue Reading →