Understanding the Sermon on the Mount
Let’s learn from Matthew Chapter 5.
The Ten Commandments provide a list of do and don’ts. But the Beatitudes focus on the person we should become to be blessed and prosperous (7-9).
True blessing is not from wealth, power, or obeying the Law. True blessing is based on who we are, such as being meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemaking.
As we become blessed, Christ told us we will impact the lives of others—bringing out the good in others, preserving the good, and introducing light to those in darkness, so that others may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).
Then Christ emphasized He came to bring the Law to its fullness (17-20). The endgame is not obeying the Law, but to become like God. Christ explained with a few examples.
He started with murder and adultery. Christ intensified the Law by considering having evil thoughts to be the same as committing the corresponding acts. The key is not just obeying externally but becoming like our heavenly Father (21-30).
Another example is an eye for an eye. Previously, the law included appropriate compensation. If a Jew had ruined a carpenter’s eyes, he had to support his family because the carpenter could not earn a living anymore. But Christ told us to turn the other cheek if one cheek was hit and go two miles if demanded to go for one mile. We not only don’t ask for compensation, but also give to our evil enemies more than they asked (38-42).
The last example is to love our enemies (43-47). Perhaps nothing better demonstrates Christ’s character than this. He healed the wound of the soldier who came to arrest Him. On the cross suffering beyond comprehension, He forgave those who caused His intense pain. As we sin, He keeps forgiving, embracing, and helping us on our path of discipleship.
Such perfection is impossible without our Savior’s grace. It is a journey to gradually become like our heavenly Father (48).
Matthew 5 gives us a glimpse into eternity. As of now, we must keep trying to be a light to those around us; serve, lift them up, and love them. Through Christ’s perfection, we become complete.
Summarized from a sermon at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l1ABgBRjZ4
The Ten Commandments provide a list of do and don’ts. But the Beatitudes focus on the person we should become to be blessed and prosperous (7-9).
True blessing is not from wealth, power, or obeying the Law. True blessing is based on who we are, such as being meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemaking.
As we become blessed, Christ told us we will impact the lives of others—bringing out the good in others, preserving the good, and introducing light to those in darkness, so that others may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).
Then Christ emphasized He came to bring the Law to its fullness (17-20). The endgame is not obeying the Law, but to become like God. Christ explained with a few examples.
He started with murder and adultery. Christ intensified the Law by considering having evil thoughts to be the same as committing the corresponding acts. The key is not just obeying externally but becoming like our heavenly Father (21-30).
Another example is an eye for an eye. Previously, the law included appropriate compensation. If a Jew had ruined a carpenter’s eyes, he had to support his family because the carpenter could not earn a living anymore. But Christ told us to turn the other cheek if one cheek was hit and go two miles if demanded to go for one mile. We not only don’t ask for compensation, but also give to our evil enemies more than they asked (38-42).
The last example is to love our enemies (43-47). Perhaps nothing better demonstrates Christ’s character than this. He healed the wound of the soldier who came to arrest Him. On the cross suffering beyond comprehension, He forgave those who caused His intense pain. As we sin, He keeps forgiving, embracing, and helping us on our path of discipleship.
Such perfection is impossible without our Savior’s grace. It is a journey to gradually become like our heavenly Father (48).
Matthew 5 gives us a glimpse into eternity. As of now, we must keep trying to be a light to those around us; serve, lift them up, and love them. Through Christ’s perfection, we become complete.
Summarized from a sermon at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l1ABgBRjZ4