Matthew 5:1-3; 7:28-29

(We are beginning a 30-day study in Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount.)

Matthew 5-7 contains what is commonly called The Sermon on the Mount.  It is the first of 3 major sermons preached by Jesus and recorded by Matthew (cf. Matt. 13, The Mysteries of the Kingdom and Matt. 24-25, The Olivette Discourse). 

·        Matt. 5-7: Jesus gives principles of life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

·        Matt. 13: Jesus gives parables about the mystery form of that Kingdom between His first and second coming.

·        Matt. 24-25: Jesus gives prophecies concerning His 2^nd coming.

The Sermon on the Mount does not contain the gospel of the Kingdom but the product of the gospel or the life to be lived by those who receive the King.  The principles it teaches are aimed immediately at the people of Israel, those Jesus was ministering to.  But the Sermon has much to say to the Church as well.  These are not simply rules for a future millennium.  You will see that much of what is taught here is reiterated in the Epistles. To the extent that the teachings of Jesus reflect the Kingdom of God they are applicable to the Church, which is the expression of God's Kingdom in this age.

One other thing must be said about the Sermon:  it serves the same purpose as the Law in that it points out sin and leaves those who hear guilty before God.  The Jews had a tendency to think they could keep the Ten Commandments (Luke 18:20-21).  For example, one might think that just because he had never killed anyone (literally) that he had kept the Law.  But Jesus teaches the principle behind the Law that says "Love God, Love your neighbor."  He points out that hatred and anger are murderous heart issues.  The hope is that the one who hears this will be brought to the realization of his sin, rather than proudly believing the rationalization that he is a good person.  The realization of sin is the point of the Law (Rom. 7:7; Gal. 3:4).  And it is the purpose of the Sermon as well.

All that has been said is evident in the first section of the sermon, The Beatitudes (Mt. 5:3-12).  Beatitudes are pronouncements of blessing.  Jesus begins the sermon, not by pronouncing maledictions on the wicked, but benedictions on His people.  

The Greek language had two terms we translate blessing.  Eulogeo (from which we get eulogy) meant to speak well of someone (used in Luke 1:68). Matt. 5 uses makairoi which means to be happy.  To begin here is to touch base with those in His audience.  They were concerned with happiness and would be concerned with happiness in any kingdom offered to them.  But one thing will be very clear: Jesus’ approach to happiness collides head-on with the common approach to the subject.  He will challenge every idea we ever had concerning the pursuit of happiness.

His words will be difficult but true.  As we begin this wonderful journey, ask God to give you an openness and submission to Jesus’ words.