Matthew 5 - The Greatest Sermon Ever Given!
For those who want to go deeper and read what other commentators say about Matthew 5.
Verses of the Day - Matthew 5:1-3
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
Jesus goes from withstanding the temptations the devil threw at him unsuccessfully (because he relied on God's Word), to preaching his first sermon. The mountainside was located on the Sea of Galilee and created a natural amphitheater, which provided natural acoustics for his message.
This message is widely regarded as the best sermon ever given by anyone. Even in the world it is seen as the best teaching on ethics. Simply put, if people put the principles of this message, the world would be a much better place.
The Law, also called the "Torah", was the central guide for the Jews, as they lived a life of obedience to "Yahweh" (the Hebrew name for God!). It included the Ten Commandments, which Moses gave to the Israelites in the wilderness. The ten commandments are located in BOTH Numbers 34, and Deuteronomy 6.
Jesus uses the words, "You have heard it said" many times. He is referring to how the rabbis and Pharisees taught. Unfortunately these leaders took that which was meant to give them freedom and turning them into legalism. Legalism is when we turn God's grace into a law. The Pharisees were the strictest sect within Judaism and the biggest culprits of legalism. As the scripture says, "They tied heavy burdens on people that they themselves could not carry. " Matthew 23:4
There are some notable verses in this sermon, which have shaped human history. Martin Luther King used "Blessed are the peacemakers", as he spoke with other pastors about Christians being the leaders of the abolitionist movement. He cited this to show why they needed to fight slavery with peace not war or violence. Christians like William Wilberforce led the fight to end slavery, and they won.
Mahatma Ghandi used this principle as well in his leadership and overcoming hatred.
Mahatma Gandhi deeply resonated with the biblical teaching, "Blessed are the peacemakers," applying its spirit of nonviolence and love to his leadership, famously stating, "An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind" and "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong". He saw peacemaking as embodying Christ's teachings, urging people to conquer hate with love and untruth with truth, inspiring movements for justice through peaceful resistance. AI Google
Jesus also reinterpreted the Old Testament for laws like "adultery, murder, and divorce". He went from the letter of the Law to the SPIRIT of the Law. In our sinful nature we often take the letter of the law and do the bare minimum, thinking we are being obedient. But the Spirit of the Law looks at the true motivations of our heart.
Here are a few examples. "You have heard it said." "You have heard it said to not commit adultery", but I say if you lust after another person, you've committed adultery in your heart". Of course, he is not being literal here. He is using "hyperbole" to make a point. And bottom line is lust can lead to adultery.
Then he says,"You have heard it said do not murder, but I say if you call someone "raca" you have committed murder in your heart. The Hebrew word "Raca" was the worst thing you could say to someone. It meant something like "you are scum" or "you are an idiot".
These principles add meaning to the most important commandment in the Jewish faith, "Love God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And love your neighbors as yourselves." Love of neighbor is the key teaching in the New Testament, as to what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Jesus loved us unconditionally. As we follow him, we are to do the same. Forgiving others is another part of this command.
We pray in the Lord's Prayer, "And forgive us for our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us!"
At end of the day none of us can measure up to the standards of the Sermon on the Mount. We live with a sinful nature and consistently fall short of these commands. This is why we need Jesus as our Savior. It is only through the forgiveness Jesus gives us by what he did on the cross that we can be freed to live a life worthy of our calling.
But this is our calling as followers of Christ. By doing our best with the power of the Holy Spirit to obey the Spirit of the Law, we can be the salt and light of the world!
Application for Life
1. Where do you need to love your neighbor as your self? Maybe it is someone difficult you deal with at home or work.
2. Where do you need to forgive someone as Jesus has forgiven you?
3. How can living by these principles empower you to be a light a world that is so dark right now? I.e. When you talk about politics or religion do you do it in a spirit of love or condemnation.
Prayer of the Day
Jesus, help me to live up to the life you have called me to live. Forgive me for the ways I have sinned against you, even in my heart. Cleanse my heart from all unrighteousness. Send the Holy Spirit to me today, so I can do things I would never do in my own power. Thank you for dying for me, so that I am not condemned before you, but freed to live the life I've always wanted. In Your name, Amen.
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