Matthew 5 presents the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivers profound teachings that serve as a blueprint for Christian living.
Matthew 5 is a significant chapter in the New Testament, as it contains the opening part of Jesus' renowned Sermon on the Mount. This chapter begins with Jesus seeing the crowds and ascending a mountainside to teach His disciples and the gathered multitudes. What follows is one of the most profound discourses in Christian theology, often referred to as the Beatitudes, which encapsulate the essence of Jesus' teachings on attitudes, ethics, and righteousness. These teachings are not merely rules but are transformative principles meant to guide the inner lives and outward actions of His followers, setting a new standard for Christian living.
The Beatitudes, found at the beginning of Matthew 5, present a series of blessings that reflect the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus declares blessed those who are poor in spirit, mourn, are meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Each beatitude challenges conventional worldly values and offers a radical vision of true blessedness and spiritual fulfillment. These statements emphasize that the kingdom is accessible to those who embody these virtues, illustrating the inverted nature of God's kingdom where the last are first, and humility is exalted.
Following the Beatitudes, Jesus continues to address a wide array of ethical teachings that further define the moral and spiritual ethos of His followers. He speaks about the fulfillment of the Law, the importance of sincerity in worship, and the call to surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees. Jesus’ teachings on issues such as anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies underscore a deeper, heart-centered righteousness that transcends mere legalistic observance. These instructions set the foundation for a transformative way of life that seeks to align the inner self with the will of God, fostering a community rooted in love, justice, and mercy. Through Matthew 5, Jesus establishes the principles that define the character and conduct expected of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Setting of the Sermon
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying..." (Matthew 5:1-2, KJV)
The Sermon on the Mount takes place on a mountain, with Jesus' disciples as His primary audience. It serves as a momentous occasion where Jesus imparts essential teachings to His followers.
The Beatitudes
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Matthew 5:3-12, KJV)
The Beatitudes are a series of declarations by Jesus, outlining the characteristics and attitudes that lead to blessings. These teachings emphasize humility, righteousness, mercy, and peace as key virtues in the Christian life.
Salt and Light
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16, KJV)
In these verses, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe the impact of His followers on the world. Christians are called to be a preserving and illuminating influence, showcasing God's glory through their good deeds.
Fulfillment of the Law
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Whosoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-20, KJV)
Jesus affirms the enduring importance of the Mosaic law and the prophets while emphasizing the need for a righteousness that surpasses that of the religious leaders of His time. He has come to fulfill the law, not to abolish it.
Anger and Reconciliation
"Ye have heard that it was said of old time, Thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." (Matthew 5:21-24, KJV)
Jesus delves into the importance of managing anger and resolving conflicts. He emphasizes that reconciling with others takes precedence over religious rituals and sacrifices.
Lust and Purity
"Ye have heard that it was said of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." (Matthew 5:27-30, KJV)
Jesus addresses the importance of purity and the need to guard against lustful thoughts and actions. He employs strong imagery to emphasize the seriousness of sin.
Divorce and Oaths
"It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thy oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne." (Matthew 5:31-34, KJV)
Jesus addresses the topics of divorce and oaths, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the importance of truthfulness and integrity in one's words.
Retaliation and Generosity
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away." (Matthew 5:38-42, KJV)
Jesus contrasts the Old Testament principle of "an eye for an eye" with His call to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and practice generosity and forgiveness rather than retaliation.
Love Your Enemies
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48, KJV)
In these verses, Jesus challenges His followers to love their enemies and exhibit a higher standard of love and kindness, reflecting the character of God Himself.
Conclusion
Matthew 5 contains the opening portion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a timeless guide for Christian living. It covers a wide range of topics, from attitudes and ethics to relationships and love. The teachings of Jesus in this chapter emphasize the call to righteousness, humility, and love, setting a high standard for His disciples. The Sermon on the Mount remains a blueprint for Christian living and a reminder of the transformative power of following Jesus' teachings in our daily lives.
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