Matthew 5:1-2
\c 5
\s1 Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
\p
\v 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
\v 2 and he began to teach them.
Questions:
- Emotional Flow: How do you think Jesus felt when he saw the crowds?
- Setting: Why might Jesus have chosen to go up on a mountainside to teach?
- Relationships: What does this setting tell us about the relationship between Jesus and his disciples?
- Action: How did Jesus start his teaching session?
- Visualization: Imagine being one of Jesus' disciples. What do you see, hear, and feel as Jesus prepares to teach?
Matthew 5:3-12
\s1 The Beatitudes
\m He said:
\q1
\v 3 \wj “Blessed are the poor in spirit,\wj*
\q2 \wj for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.\wj*
\q1
\v 4 \wj Blessed are those who mourn,\wj*
\q2 \wj for they will be comforted.\wj*
\q1
\v 5 \wj Blessed are the meek,\wj*
\q2 \wj for they will inherit the earth.\wj*
\q1
\v 6 \wj Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,\wj*
\q2 \wj for they will be filled.\wj*
\q1
\v 7 \wj Blessed are the merciful,\wj*
\q2 \wj for they will be shown mercy.\wj*
\q1
\v 8 \wj Blessed are the pure in heart,\wj*
\q2 \wj for they will see God.\wj*
\q1
\v 9 \wj Blessed are the peacemakers,\wj*
\q2 \wj for they will be called children of God.\wj*
\q1
\v 10 \wj Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,\wj*
\q2 \wj for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.\wj*
\p
\v 11 \wj “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.\wj*
\v 12 \wj Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.\wj*
Questions:
- Context: What does it mean to be "poor in spirit"? Why are they blessed?
- Emotional Experience: How would someone who is mourning feel when they hear they will be comforted?
- Character: What qualities are highlighted in these beatitudes? (e.g., meekness, mercy, purity)
- Visualization: Imagine being a part of the crowd hearing this. How would Jesus’ words make you feel?
- Embodied Cognition: Place yourself in the situation of being persecuted because of your faith. How do Jesus' words provide comfort?
- Summary Question: What overall message do the Beatitudes convey about the nature of God’s kingdom?
Matthew 5:17-20
\s1 The Fulfillment of the Law
\p
\v 17 \wj “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.\wj*
\v 18 \wj For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.\wj*
\v 19 \wj Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.\wj*
\v 20 \wj For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.\wj*
Questions:
- Purpose: Why did Jesus say he came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets rather than abolish them?
- Continuity: What does Jesus' statement say about the enduring nature of the Law?
- Obedience: How does Jesus describe the importance of following even the least of the commands?
- Righteousness: What kind of righteousness does Jesus highlight as necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven?
- Embodied Cognition: Reflect on the idea of practicing and teaching commands. How does this influence your day-to-day actions and behavior?
Matthew 5:21-26
\s1 Murder
\p
\v 21 \wj “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,\wj*\f + \fr 5:21 \ft \+xt Exodus 20:13\+xt*\f* \wj and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’\wj*
\v 22 \wj But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister\wj*\f + \fr 5:22 \ft The Greek word for \fq brother or sister \ft (\+tl adelphos\+tl*) refers here to a fellow disciple, whether man or woman; also in \+xt verse 23|MAT 5:23\+xt*.\f*\fm ,\fm*\f + \fr 5:22 \ft Some manuscripts \fqa brother or sister without cause\f* \wj will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘\+tl Raca\+tl*,’\wj*\f + \fr 5:22 \ft An Aramaic term of contempt\f* \wj is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.\wj*
\p
\v 23 \wj “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,\wj*
\v 24 \wj leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.\wj*
\p
\v 25 \wj “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.\wj*
\v 26 \wj Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.\wj*
Questions:
- Expansion of the Law: How does Jesus expand the commandment "You shall not murder" to include anger and contempt?
- Emotional Experience: What emotions might lead someone to insult or be angry with a brother or sister?
- Reconciliation: Why is reconciliation with others important before offering a gift at the altar?
- Relationships: How does settling matters quickly with an adversary affect relationships and community?
- Embodied Cognition: Reflect on a time you had unresolved anger. How could Jesus' teaching guide your actions in resolving that situation?
Matthew 5:27-30
\s1 Adultery
\p
\v 27 \wj “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’\wj*\f + \fr 5:27 \ft \+xt Exodus 20:14\+xt*\f*
\v 28 \wj But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.\wj*
\v 29 \wj If your right eye causes you to stumble, 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.\wj*
\v 30 \wj And if your right hand causes you to stumble, 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 go into hell.\wj*
Questions:
- Expansion of the Law: How does Jesus extend the commandment against adultery beyond physical actions to include thoughts and desires?
- Character: What do Jesus' words reveal about the importance of purity in thought and action?
- Severity: Why does Jesus use such extreme imagery (gouging out an eye, cutting off a hand) to emphasize avoiding sin?
- Visualization: Imagine how life would change if everyone followed Jesus' teaching on controlling thoughts and desires.
- Embodied Cognition: Reflect on areas in your life where thoughts or actions could be purified. How would this impact your relationship with God and others?
Matthew 5:31-32
\s1 Divorce
\p
\v 31 \wj “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’\wj*\f + \fr 5:31 \ft \+xt Deut. 24:1\+xt*\f*
\v 32 \wj But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.\wj*
Questions:
- Cultural Context: What was the common understanding of divorce during Jesus' time?
- Expansion of the Law: How does Jesus challenge and expand the existing views on divorce?
- Relationships: What implications does Jesus' teaching on divorce have for marital relationships?
- Embodied Cognition: Reflect on the lifelong commitment marriage entails. How does Jesus' teaching reinforce that commitment?
Matthew 5:33-37
\s1 Oaths
\p
\v 33 \wj “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’\wj*
\v 34 \wj But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is Godʼs throne;\wj*
\v 35 \wj or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.\wj*
\v 36 \wj And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.\wj*
\v 37 \wj All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.\wj*\f + \fr 5:37 \ft Or \fq from \fqa evil\f*
Questions:
- Purpose: What was the purpose of making oaths in Jesus' time?
- Integrity: How does Jesus' teaching encourage straightforward honesty and integrity?
- Visualization: Imagine a community where everyone’s word is trusted without the need for oaths. How does this reflect God’s character?
- Embodied Cognition: Think about a time you had to make a promise. How might Jesus’ teaching shape how you frame and fulfill promises?
Matthew 5:38-42
\s1 Eye for Eye
\p
\v 38 \wj “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’\wj*\f + \fr 5:38 \ft \+xt Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21\+xt*\f*
\v 39 \wj But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.\wj*
\v 40 \wj And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.\wj*
\v 41 \wj If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.\wj*
\v 42 \wj Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.\wj*
Questions:
- Cultural Context: What was the original intention behind the "eye for eye" law?
- Transformation: How does Jesus’ teaching transform the concept of justice and retaliation?
- Behavior: What behaviors does Jesus encourage instead of retaliation?
- Visualization: Imagine responding to an insult by turning the other cheek. How would this change the situation?
- Embodied Cognition: Think about a time you were wronged. How could you have applied Jesus' teachings to respond differently?
Matthew 5:43-48
\s1 Love for Enemies
\p
\v 43 \wj “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor\wj*\f + \fr 5:43 \ft \+xt Lev. 19:18\+xt*\f* \wj and hate your enemy.’\wj*
\v 44 \wj But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,\wj*
\v 45 \wj that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.\wj*
\v 46 \wj If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?\wj*
\v 47 \wj And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?\wj*
\v 48 \wj Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.\wj*
Questions:
- Expansion of the Law: How does Jesus take the commandment to love your neighbor further?
- Character: What does it mean to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you?
- Divine Equality: How does God’s impartial treatment (sun and rain) exemplify this teaching?
- Relationships: How does loving enemies distinguish Jesus' followers from others?
- Embodied Cognition: Think about someone who has wronged you. How can you show love and pray for them in a way that mirrors God’s perfection?
Summary Questions:
- How do all these teachings collectively reveal the nature and character of God?
- What emotions do you feel after reflecting on Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount?
- How can embodying these teachings influence your personal life and relationships with others?
- How do these teachings challenge or affirm your current understanding of righteousness and faithful living?