The Sermon On The Mount…

If you read chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew, you’ll probably get confused. You probably ask, “are we supposed to gouge our eyes out? Or never have a lustful thought?” Maybe even believe “divorce is wrong”? Or God is against vows. You might even think, “how is it possible to love someone I hate”? Or even, “turning the other cheek” to have someone slap it too. Or carry a hated Roman soldier’s gear an extra mile. How is it even possible “to be perfect”? If you’ve ever asked these questions you’re on the right track. It’s not possible, not normal, and not something we humans ever even consider doing or not doing. Jesus’ point here is to raise the bar on works righteousness. It’s to show us, specifically the most “religious people”, that it’s impossible to earn God’s grace. Jesus raises the bar of self-righteousness beyond actions into our thought-life. It’s as if He is saying, “oh yay, you think you’re good enough, better than all others, special enough to abide in all of the Law; well think again buddy. You’re not even close. Until you can refrain from even thinking these things, you’ll never be able to earn my favor, because it can’t be earned. It’s a free gift, equalizing all of humanity. Grace levels the playing field for all people. And it’s only available to those who realize it’s free. The only requirement is you have to surrender your pride, acknowledge your sin, and allow Me to do it for you by doing it through you. Empty yourself of your own selfish desires and embrace what I have to give you”. That’s it. The sermon on the mount isn’t to be taken literally. It’s purpose is to show us it’s impossible to earn God’s favor. It’s impossible to earn “a ticket to Heaven” based on our works. It’s to show us we are sinners in need of a Savior. We need rescue. Once you understand that, you’re well in your way to receiving the one gift God has for everyone, His grace. And that gift changes everything.

1 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.25 “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. Teaching about Adultery 27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 So if your eye–even your good eye–causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 And if your hand–even your stronger hand–causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Teaching about Divorce 31 “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Teaching about Vows 33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne.35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is His footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Teaching about Revenge 38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Teaching about Love for Enemies 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:21-48