Rayna
3/6/15
Sermon on the Mount The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of sayings and teachings of Jesus. These teachings stress the importance of His moral teaching found in the Gospel of Matthew. It is the first of the Five Discourses of Matthew and takes place relatively early in the Ministry of Jesus. It also happened after he preached in Galilee and John the Baptist had baptized him. In Matthew 4:12-17, Matthew noted that Jesus began to preach a message of repentance because the kingdom of heaven was near. Jesus moved to the city of Capernaum from Nazareth to reach a larger audience. Matthew 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” The phrase ‘from that time’ refers to the arrest of John the Baptist. From this event, Jesus chose to launch His public ministry. Matthew goes on to talk about the calling of the first disciples, Simon Peter, and his brother Andrew, who were fishing. (Matthew 4:18-20). Jesus promised them that He would make them fishers of men. Jesus was beginning to build His kingdom. Jesus then called James and John fishermen, who were tending to their nets in their boat. (Matthew 4:21-22). In Matthew 4:23-25, Jesus went around the region proclaiming the message of the kingdom. He healed people and the people responded from far away. Matthew 5:1. “Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying...” It was custom that the preacher to sit and the people listening to stand, but I think the people did sit on the mountainside and listened to Jesus. Jesus had been proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, and was calling the people to repent. This sermon was the longest message of Jesus. Jesus’ posture was that of a King sitting on his throne, laying down the law. The discourse was intended for the nation of Israel, the crowds who had been flocking to Jesus. However, it was delivered immediately to the disciples. Jesus considered His disciples the “true Israel” (the spiritual Israel) which is already present and beginning life in the kingdom; and He considered the crowds the “Israel” of the future, the Israel that is hoped for, who should repent and follow the king. To put it another way, Jesus spoke to all the people of the true will of God, the righteousness that they must all exhibit if they repent and enter His kingdom, but which the disciples had already begun to perform. So the entire sermon is directed to all. In addition, its theme is the righteousness that is the standard of his kingdom. In some ways this sermon will tell people just how righteous, they must be to enter the kingdom. In addition, what that righteous life should look like for citizens of the kingdom. However, it does not include the details of how to obtain this righteousness. A brief summary of the sermon tells us what our attitudes must become and advises us to be the light of the world. We have to control our anger and not let ourselves lust after another. We must turn the other cheek, agree with our enemies quickly, go the extra mile, and love our enemy. It tells us how to pray, fast, do charitable deeds, lay up treasure in heaven, be single minded, exercise our faith in trusting God, seek Him before all other things in life, and much more. The point is clear. These are all things the converted must actively do to witness for God, glorify Him, and be in His Kingdom. They are not intended to be the limit but a summary of the attitudes, thoughts, and works of one striving for the Kingdom of God. (Ritenbaugh, J. W., 1999). Jesus was able to demonstrate qualities like this in his own life, and He expects us to do the same. The Sermon on the Mount was placed at the beginning of the New Testament on purpose. It was placed right after Jesus began preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God. It also followed His call for repentance of the people’s thinking and way of life. The sermon begins with the beatitudes. If a person were truly a part of the kingdom of God, they would show these characteristics. One of the most convincing descriptions of the meaning of the beatitudes at the beginning of this sermon is that they are a repetition of Isaiah 61:1-3. Matthew constantly shows how Jesus came in the light of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and so this one would fit as well. Looking at Isaiah’s prediction of what the Messiah and the Messianic kingdom would be like. The Beatitudes are a little different to study than ordinary story passages. Each saying is like a proverb. Each one includes a topic that forms a major biblical theme. Each of the beatitudes is formally a declarative sentence; but each is calling for a response. The Beatitudes were not just for separate groups of disciples. They are Christ's specifications of what every disciple ought to be. The eight Beatitudes that Christ described are ideal for every person of the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes are qualities that each of us Christians need. “Blessed” in the beatitudes refers to the ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the kingdom of God. The kingdom is not something that is earned, it is something that is more like a gift than a reward. The second half of each of the beatitudes reveals what the blessing is. The eight qualities are an overview of our responsibilities and give us insight to the privileges that come to us when God is pleased with us. Some have taken the beatitudes (and in fact the whole sermon) as a description of what one must do in order to enter the kingdom of God. They see the beatitudes as a list of things you must do in order to receive the blessings mentioned. It is clear from the text that Jesus is describing the qualities and duties of those already in the kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is not a presentation of the gospel telling one how to be saved. The Sermon on the Mount is not how to get into the kingdom, but how you are to be because you are in the kingdom. (Deffinbaugh, R. L. 2007)
John 3:3 states, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” This is something that Jesus told Nicodemus and He was very clear that you have to have salvation before you can enter the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus says that we are to be the salt and light to the world. He was speaking to His disciples and was addressing them as true believers. This is showing the role of kingdom citizens in an unbelieving world. Matthew 5:17-48, Jesus talks about the nature of the kingdom itself. Jesus is going to do some interpretation of the Old Testament Law for His listeners, and He prefaces this by first stating He came not to abolish, but to fulfill the Law. Then He emphasizes the fact that “not one jot or tittle of the law will pass away until all is fulfilled.” Not to contradict the law in any way, he wants the people to listen carefully. Some have said that Jesus here contrasts the letter of the Law with the spirit of the Law. Jesus says the phrase, “You have heard it said.” In virtually every other place where Jesus refers to the Law (or Old Testament), He uses the phrase, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; 21:13, 26:31). Here He uses the phrase “You have heard.” Therefore, this is not a contrast between the letter and the spirit of the law. Although Jesus essentially quotes the Old Testament in some instances, it is clear from His arguments that He is dealing with abuses of the Law encouraged by the Pharisaic tradition.
Take for example Matthew 5:38: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’” This is indeed a quote from the Law; it is stated in Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:19-20, and Deuteronomy 19:18-21. However, two things must be noticed from the context in the Old Testament: (1) the passage in Deuteronomy makes it clear that this was a law for the civil courts; it was instruction for the Judges in Israel; it was to define appropriate justice. (2) Although the law defined justice, it also restricted retribution and prevented personal revenge. It is not unreasonable to say its primary purpose was to restrain. But the scribes and Pharisees had extended this principle from the law courts (where it belongs) to the realm of personal relationships (where it does not belong). This is not how you treat your neighbor, but that is exactly how the Pharisees used it and abused it. It was being used as an excuse for the very thing it was meant to abolish, namely, personal revenge. (Deffinbaugh, R. L., 2007) The Old Testament repeatedly forbids revenge or vengeance. Leviticus 19:18: “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.” Proverbs 20:22: “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil;’ Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.” Proverbs 24:29: “Do not say, ‘Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.’”
Jesus stated something very similar, “turn the other cheek.” The concept of “turning the other cheek” is not limited to the New Testament; it was there in the Old Testament. The first part of Matthew chapter 6, deals with our worship of God and kingdom righteousness. It talks about how we should give, pray, and fast. The second part of chapter six deals with the righteousness regarding the intentions of our heart. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21. In the first half of chapter 7 of Matthew, it talks about how we treat others and the connection of that and how Jesus deals with righteousness. We are not to judge others and turn to God to find wisdom. In verse 12, the intent of the Old Testament law is summarized in the golden rule: “Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Jesus began His teaching on kingdom righteousness in 5:17 with, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets;” and now concludes it by saying, “this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:13-27, there are three tests, which will prove that our righteousness is truly from God. The first one talks about how a person chooses to go the way of Christ by turning the check, going that extra mile or putting our personal feelings aside for another person’s. Second, talks about how we are to bear fruit like that of a tree in the kingdom of God. This not only refers to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, but to holy living (Romans 6:22) and good works (Ephesians 2:10). Third, people build their foundation on Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is made up of people who lives for Jesus as the king. In Matthew 7:28-29, the sermon concludes. The crowd responded to Jesus more than they ever did for anyone else. They were amazed at His teaching because he taught as if he had authority. (Deffinbaugh, R. L., 2007)
Part 1: #2 – Using the paragraph divisions what is the single idea of each paragraph. (most of these ideas were taken from NIV Study Bible, not sure if this is correct)

The Beatitudes – These are the qualities that each of us as Christians should have being in the Kingdom of God. Salt and Light - Salt is used for flavoring and preserving. Jesus is expecting us to carry on His work to be the light for others. The Fulfillment of the Law – Taken together, “the Law” and “the Prophets” designated the entire OT, including the Writings, the third section of the Hebrew Bible. Matthew states that Jesus fulfilled the Law in the sense that he gave it its full meaning. Murder – The contrast that Jesus sets up is not between the OT and his teaching. Rather it is between externalist interpretations of the Rabbinic tradition on the one hand and Jesus’ correct interpretation of the Law on the other. Adultery – We must not look at another with lustful eyes, this is also one of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:18). Divorce – Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – Also a Ten Commandment in the Old Testament. An Eye for an Eye – It is better to be insulted even twice than to take the matter to court. Love for Enemies – We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Giving to the Needy – We are not to be boastful in our giving, we are to give to the needy and not draw attention Prayer – We are not only to pray in private. We are to use The Lord’s Prayer as a guideline. Treasures in Heaven – We are not to store worldly possessions because they will mean nothing in heaven. The only things that matter are those things that we do that have eternal value. Do Not Worry – We are not to worry about our daily needs, as anxiety will shorten our life. We are to show faith that He will provide. Judging Others – We are not to judge others. If we were to do so, we would be judged accordingly. Ask, Seek, Knock – (Luke 11:5-13) Persistent prayer is being emphasized here. The Narrow and Wide Gates – Separation from God is Hell, the narrow gate is the gate that leads to the Kingdom of God, which is life. A Tree and its Fruit – People who have not been sent by God but who claim that they have are false prophets. We can see this through their fruit (life). The Wise and Foolish Builders – God is the “rock” that we need to build our lives on.
Part Two: #1 – Already did this above, hopefully

Part Two: #2 – Matthew did a good job in giving us the core values that Jesus wanted us to know as leaders. We are to do the right things for the right reasons. I really try to model this in everything that I currently do especially at work. Praying God’s agenda, not my own. I pray every day that I am living for his purpose and not my own. When I go to work, I work for Him and Him alone. I need to keep reminding myself that eternal things are more important than the temporal things of this world. Seeking His kingdom first is crucial. Staying true to my convictions and not wandering off that narrow path. Daily spending that one-on-one time with Him is vital to survival. I sometimes know that my walk looks different because I am not spending the quality time that I need to with Him. Making sure that I do the right things for the right reasons is something that I also do. I do not care about my appearance when it comes to doing something that pleases God.
Part 3: Conclusion One of the biggest things that influenced me throughout studying this deeper is the Beatitudes. Understanding them better has really opened my eyes. This quote from Deffinbaugh really made it clear to me what the purposes of them are. Some have taken the beatitudes (and in fact the whole sermon) as a description of what one must do in order to enter the kingdom of God. They see the beatitudes as a list of things you must do in order to receive the blessings mentioned. It is clear from the text that Jesus is describing the qualities and duties of those already in the kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is not a presentation of the gospel telling one how to be saved. The Sermon on the Mount is not how to get into the kingdom, but how you are to be because you are in the kingdom. (Deffinbaugh, R. L. 2007)
It never really occurred to me what it meant to “be in the Kingdom of God.” One of the things that has really impacted me the most was learning about how He gave Peter another chance. In my past, I think that I rather went through some of these things. I have been through many tests and some I failed miserably. I think He wanted me to go through the things that I have been through so that I can take care of others. To know that He has chosen me specifically for a purpose is huge. I am still trying to totally understand what that purpose fully is, but it is becoming clearer the more time that I spend with him. He gave me another chance when I was out in the “world” not having anything to do with Him. I rejected Him, but He knew me better than myself and turned me around to do great things for him. Summary of Peter from week three that had the most impact on me: “He Chose Me” – Jesus saw who he chose on the inside and believed in what they could be, and not looked on what was on the outside. “He Named Me” – Jesus gave them names because it meant something to them, He paid attention to them. “He Teamed Us up” – Jesus knew that they needed a team to balance each other out. We need someone to help motivate and hold us accountable. “He Motivated Me” – Jesus gave them a cause and taught them that there was something bigger than life. “He Taught Me” – Jesus taught them by letting them be part of the teaching, he sat them down and taught them. If they did not understand, he would explain to them what it meant. “He Trusted Me” – Jesus picked them for a purpose and taught them by letting them watch, learn and listen to everything that He did. He started them off in small situations to build up their confidence and then sent them into the bigger world. “He Tested Me” – Before Jesus sent them out on a mission, He would test their faith. He knew that if they had faith, then they would do great things. “He Selected Me” – Jesus made everyone around Him feel equal and would never ask anyone to do something that He wouldn’t do himself. “He Included Me” – Jesus opened up to the close three and that made them feel special. He shared His heart and mind so that they could carry on. “He Confided in Me” – Jesus confided in them about what was going on, where he was going, and what the plans were. He told them more than once about what was going to happen to him, but yet it was not until the Last Supper that they really understood. Especially after He washed their feet. “He Made Me His Friend” – Jesus made them friends that he would tell the things that He learned from His father. He said that they did not choose Him, but that He chose them. “He Warned Me” – Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him three times. But Peter did not believe that he would. Unfortunately, Jesus knew him better than he knew himself and was correct. Peter denied Jesus and then doubted himself and questioned the time that he spent with Jesus after he was crucified. “He Gave Me Another Chance” – Jesus sent a message that included Peter’s name about where they would see him. Jesus called Peter out by asking him if he loved him three times. They confronted the hurt and pain, did not hide it, but healed it. “He Made Me Understand” – After all that Jesus did, He was telling them to take care of His people, His sheep. Real leadership in the Kingdom is not being the one in control so that you can do what you want, but being the one who gives up the final control to God, just as Jesus did.

References:
Anthony, R. (n.d.). The New Testament teaches nothing New. Retrieved from http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/new.html
Arlandson, J. (n.d.). How Jesus Christ fulfills the Old Testament. Retrieved from http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Arlandson/fulfilled.htm
Barker, K. L., & Burdick, D. W. (2002). Zondervan NIV study Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Deffinbaugh, R. L. (2007, February 16). 44. The Sermon on the Mount. Retrieved from https://bible.org/seriespage/44-sermon-mount
Ford, L. (1991). Transforming leadership: Jesus' way of creating vision, shaping values & empowering change. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Hull, B. (2004). Jesus Christ, disciplemaker. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

Ritenbaugh, J. W. (1999). The Beatitudes, Part One: The Sermon on the Mount. Retrieved from http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/PERSONAL/k/195/The- Beatitudes-Sermon-on-Mount.htm
Ross, A. (2006, March 17). 7. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). Retrieved from https://bible.org/seriespage/7-beatitudes-matthew-51-12
Sequeira, E. (n.d.). The Sermon on the Mount (Part 1 of 30). Retrieved from http://www.jacksequeira.org/SOTM01.htm
Taylor, M. (2002). The World Turned Upside Down. Retrieved from http://www.miketaylor.org.uk/xian/wtud.html#gsc.tab=0
White, E. G. (1897). Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing. Melbourne: Echo Publishing.
Zondervan. (2014, January 16). Matthew. Retrieved from http://www.biblica.com/en-us/bible/online-bible/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/intro-to-matthew/