Understanding the Sermon on the Mount

Summary

The Sermon on the Mount is a pivotal discourse by Jesus, emphasizing becoming spiritually prosperous through attributes like meekness and mercy, rather than material wealth. It introduces the Beatitudes, contrasting with the Ten Commandments by focusing on personal transformation. Jesus uses parables of salt and light to illustrate the disciples' role in positively impacting others. He clarifies his mission is to fulfill, not destroy, the law, teaching the true purpose is to become like God. Through teachings on love and forgiveness, Jesus sets a path towards spiritual perfection and wholeness.

Takeaways

• 🗻 **Sermon on the Mount Significance**: It's one of the most influential discourses in history, providing deep insight into Jesus' teachings and attributes.
• 🌳 **Setting of the Sermon**: Jesus delivered this sermon after his baptism and fasting, from a mountain overlooking the Sea of Galilee, a place symbolically associated with divine revelation.
• 📜 **Beatitude Introduction**: The sermon starts with the Beatitudes, which contrast with the Ten Commandments by focusing on personal transformation rather than prohibitions.
• 🌟 **Becoming vs. Doing**: Jesus emphasizes becoming merciful, pure, and peacemakers over merely following a list of dos and don'ts.
• 🧂 **Parable of Salt**: Salt's significance in ancient times as a flavor enhancer and preservative is used to illustrate the lasting impact and necessity of disciples' influence.
• 🕯️ **Parable of Light**: Jesus instructs his followers to be a guiding light, not hiding their virtues but shining them for all to see.
• 📖 **Law Fulfillment**: Jesus clarifies he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, showing its true purpose and deepening its meaning.
• 🔍 **Law Intensification**: Jesus intensifies the law's teachings, stating that thoughts and intentions are as important as actions.
• 👁️ **Eye for an Eye Reinterpretation**: Jesus reinterprets the 'eye for an eye' principle, advocating for mercy and service beyond what is required.
• 💖 **Love and Forgiveness**: Jesus teaches to love enemies and pray for those who harm you, exemplifying this through his own actions and forgiveness.
• 🚸 **Path to Perfection**: The journey towards becoming complete or whole is more important than immediate perfection, emphasizing continuous growth and reliance on Christ's grace.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Sermon on the Mount?

The Sermon on the Mount is considered one of the most significant discourses ever given, as it contains revolutionary teachings that help us better understand the attributes and characteristics of Jesus Christ.

Why did Jesus go to the mountain overlooking the Sea of Galilee to teach?

Scriptures often associate mountains with places for worship and receiving revelation from God. Jesus went to the mountain to teach, continuing this tradition and providing a backdrop that symbolized a connection between heaven and earth.

What is the meaning of the word 'beatitude'?

The word 'beatitude' means to be blessed, prosperous, or abundant. It is used in the context of the Sermon on the Mount to describe the state of those who embody certain virtues.

How does the list of Beatitudes differ from the Ten Commandments?

The Beatitudes differ from the Ten Commandments by providing a list of virtues to embody rather than a list of prohibitions. They focus on personal transformation rather than just obedience to rules.

What is the significance of the parable of salt in the context of the Sermon on the Mount?

Salt was significant in ancient times as a preservative and a part of every sacrifice. The parable suggests that followers of Jesus should have a lasting, positive impact on the world, much like salt preserves and enhances.

How does the parable of light relate to the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount?

The parable of light instructs that followers should be a guiding light to others, not hiding their virtues but openly sharing them to illuminate the lives of those around them.

What does Jesus mean when he says he did not come to destroy the law or the prophets?

Jesus clarifies that he did not come to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them, meaning to complete or bring them to their ultimate purpose, which is to help people become like God.

How does Jesus intensify the law regarding killing and committing adultery in his teachings?

Jesus teaches that even thinking evil thoughts is equivalent to committing the acts themselves, thereby intensifying the law's moral demands and emphasizing the importance of inner transformation.

What is the true meaning behind the phrase 'an eye for an eye' as taught by Jesus?

In ancient times, 'an eye for an eye' was about just recompense rather than literal vengeance. Jesus teaches to go beyond this by advocating for turning the other cheek and going the extra mile.

What is the ultimate purpose of the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount according to Jesus?

The ultimate purpose of the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount is not just obedience to laws but becoming like God, as demonstrated by Jesus' examples and the emphasis on personal transformation.

How does the concept of perfection as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount differ from common understanding?

In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, perfection is not about achieving an unattainable state but about becoming complete or whole, emphasizing the journey towards improvement and the destination of spiritual growth.

Outlines

00:00

📜 The Sermon on the Mount: Foundations of Blessing

The Sermon on the Mount is highlighted as one of Jesus' most influential teachings, emphasizing a revolutionary approach to understanding the attributes of the Savior. After Jesus' baptism and fasting, he began healing the sick, attracting followers eager to learn. He chose a mountain overlooking the Sea of Galilee to deliver his sermon, a place historically significant for divine revelation. Jesus' teachings began with the Beatitudes, contrasting the Ten Commandments by focusing on personal transformation rather than prohibitions. He encouraged becoming merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers, suggesting a continuous journey rather than a one-time action. This sermon redefines prosperity and blessings through personal character development rather than material wealth or power.

05:00

🔍 The Law Fulfilled: Jesus' Deeper Teachings

In this section, Jesus clarifies that his purpose is not to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them, meaning to complete or bring them to their full potential. He demonstrates the true intent of the law through his teachings and example, showing that the ultimate goal is not mere obedience but to become like God. Jesus intensifies the law's teachings, equating evil thoughts with physical acts, and reinterprets 'an eye for an eye' to mean just recompense rather than vengeance. He encourages turning the other cheek and going the extra mile, exemplifying true service even towards enemies. Jesus concludes with the profound teaching to love enemies, bless those who curse, and pray for those who mistreat, illustrating the Christ-like character through his own actions and forgiveness. The sermon guides listeners towards the path of discipleship, focusing on becoming complete through service and light, rather than mere obedience.

Keywords

💡Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of teachings attributed to Jesus Christ, delivered on a mountain, which is considered one of the most significant discourses in Christian theology. It is central to the video's theme as it sets the context for the discussion on Jesus' teachings and their revolutionary nature. The script describes it as a discourse that helps understand the attributes of the Savior and is noted for its difference from the Ten Commandments, focusing on personal transformation rather than just obedience.

💡Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are a series of declarations by Jesus that describe the attributes of those who are blessed. They are a key part of the Sermon on the Mount and are used in the video to illustrate Jesus' teaching style, which emphasizes becoming a certain way rather than following a list of prohibitions. The script mentions eight beatitudes, each starting with 'Blessed are...' and highlighting qualities like mercy, purity, and peacemaking.

💡Merciful

In the context of the video, 'merciful' refers to one of the qualities mentioned in the Beatitudes, where Jesus says, 'Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.' It is used to demonstrate the shift from simply obeying laws to embodying virtues. The term is part of the video's exploration of how Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed, moving away from material prosperity to spiritual and moral qualities.

💡Peacemakers

Peacemakers are individuals who actively work to create harmony and resolve conflicts. The term is derived from the Beatitude 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.' It is highlighted in the video as an example of the transformative teachings of Jesus, which encourage followers to not just avoid wrongdoing but to actively pursue positive virtues that contribute to society.

💡Salt

In the video, 'salt' is used metaphorically in the teachings of Jesus to symbolize the role of his followers in the world. Salt is described as having been significant in ancient times for its preservative qualities and as a part of sacrifices, symbolizing the lasting nature of the covenant. Jesus teaches that his followers should be like salt, preserving and enhancing the world around them, which ties into the video's message about the impact of disciples on others.

💡Light

The concept of 'light' is used in Jesus' teachings to represent the role of his followers as beacons of hope and truth in a world of darkness. The script references the teaching, '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.' This metaphor is central to the video's theme of personal transformation and the active role of believers in illuminating the lives of others.

💡Fulfillment of the Law

The term 'fulfillment of the Law' refers to Jesus' assertion that he did not come to abolish the existing religious laws and prophecies but to complete them. This concept is crucial to the video's exploration of Jesus' teachings, which show that the ultimate purpose of the law is not mere obedience but becoming like God. The video explains that Jesus' teachings intensify the law's moral demands, aligning them with a higher spiritual purpose.

💡Love Your Enemies

The command to 'love your enemies' is a pivotal teaching of Jesus mentioned in the video. It challenges conventional notions of justice and retaliation, advocating for a higher moral standard. The video uses this teaching to illustrate the radical nature of Jesus' message, which goes beyond legalistic obedience to embody a spirit of unconditional love and forgiveness, even towards those who cause harm.

💡Perfection

In the context of the video, 'perfection' is discussed as a goal towards which Jesus encourages his followers to strive. It is not about achieving an unattainable standard but about becoming complete or whole. The video explains that the journey towards this 'perfection' is more important than the destination, emphasizing the process of personal growth and transformation rather than a static state of being.

💡Grace of Christ

The 'grace of Christ' refers to the unmerited favor and love that Jesus extends to humanity, which allows for forgiveness and redemption. The video mentions that by relying on the Savior, repenting of sins, and trusting in his grace, individuals can achieve completeness and wholeness. This concept is integral to the video's message about the transformative power of Jesus' teachings and the role of grace in the path to spiritual perfection.

Highlights

The Sermon on the Mount is considered one of the most significant discourses in history.

Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are revolutionary.

The sermon helps us understand the attributes and characteristics of Jesus.

Jesus began teaching after healing the sick and his fame spread.

Mountains are often associated with places for worship and receiving revelation.

The Sermon on the Mount was given on a mountain overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

The Beatitudes are a list of eight blessings that Jesus taught.

The Beatitudes differ from the Ten Commandments by focusing on becoming rather than obeying.

Jesus' teachings emphasize personal transformation rather than just actions.

The Sermon on the Mount challenges conventional notions of prosperity and blessedness.

Jesus teaches that true blessedness comes from becoming meek, lowly, and merciful.

Disciples are commissioned to bless the lives of others.

Salt was significant in ancient times for its preservative qualities and in sacrifices.

Light is used as a metaphor for bringing hope and guidance to others.

Jesus' teachings fulfill the law by showing its true purpose.

Jesus intensifies the law by teaching that thoughts are as important as actions.

The 'eye for an eye' law was about justice and mercy, not literal retribution.

Jesus teaches to go beyond the law by turning the other cheek and going the extra mile.

Love for enemies is a central teaching of Jesus, demonstrated in his actions.

The Sermon on the Mount concludes with the call to love and forgive others.

The journey towards perfection is about moving in the right direction.

Jesus' message bridges heaven and earth, offering a glimpse into eternity.

The Sermon on the Mount encourages focusing on becoming complete through service and light.

Jesus' perfection is what ultimately makes us complete and whole.

Transcripts

The Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the most significant discourse ever given.

It was and still is revolutionary in its teachings and message.

Perhaps no other sermon of Jesus can compare in helping us to better understand the attributes

and characteristics of the Savior.

The gospel of Matthew records that after Jesus’ baptism and fasting for forty days,

he went about Galilee healing the sick and the afflicted.

As Jesus’ fame spread around the countryside, throngs of people began following Him,

desiring to learn more about this miracle worker.

As Jesus saw the multitudes following,

he went up into a mountain overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

With this backdrop, the Savior began to teach.

The scriptures often associate mountains with places for worship

and receiving revelation from God.

The Lord commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac atop Mount Moriah,

and here Abraham was taught of the interceding power of the Messiah.

On Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments

and instructions and ordinances relating to the Tabernacle.

While on Mount Carmel, Elijah showed forth the power of God

by calling down fire from heaven.

Each of these mountains acted as a bridge, so to speak,

bringing the heavens closer to earth.

Here on this mount overlooking the beautiful Sea of Galilee,

the Savior once again would bring heaven down to earth.

Jesus’ sermon began with what is now known as the Beatitudes.

The word beatitude means to be blessed, prosperous or abundant.

In giving this list of eight beatitudes, Jesus differs significantly from the Ten Commandments.

Instead of giving a list of “thou shalt nots,”

he instead gives a list of things that we are to become.

He uses phrases like, “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.”

Notice that each of these speak to who the person is,

and not just an easy list of dos and don’ts.

For example, how does one become merciful?

Is this a one-time event that you can check off once completed?

The answer is no, and that is perhaps one reason why the teachings of Jesus

within the Sermon on the Mount are so revolutionary.

Jesus, in essence, breaks every perceived concept

of what it means to be truly blessed or prosperous.

He teaches that it is not through obtaining wealth or power,

as most Romans would have seen as being blessed or prosperous.

It is not even through strict obedience to the Law,

as the Scribes and Pharisees would have understood.

It is through becoming meek, lowly,

hungering after righteousness, being merciful, and a peacemaker.

In short, the state of being blessed is about who we really are, not just what we do.

The Savior next instructs that as we work towards becoming blessed,

we then are commissioned to bless the lives of others.

He shows this by giving two parable-type teachings of salt and light.

Salt in ancient times was extremely significant.

Salt was not only used to bring out other flavors and spices,

but even more importantly, was used as a preservative.

In a world without modern refrigeration,

meats could only be preserved for later seasons by salting them.

Additionally, salt was a part of every sacrifice offered at the altar of sacrifice,

symbolizing the lasting nature of the covenant.

Jesus next teaches that we are to be a light unto the world.

He instructs “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.”

The original word for candle in Greek actually means an oil lamp, and the word for bushel

“designates a vessel that could be used to extinguish an oil lamp.”

Thus, not only are we to bring light into the lives of others,

but also, we should not smother or put out our own light for any reason.

Both of these parables show how true disciples can and should have a great impact

on the lives of others bringing savor and preservation

and giving light to those who are lost in darkness.

Jesus then teaches

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets … but to fulfill.”

The word fulfill does not mean to do away with,

but instead means to complete or bring to fulness.

Jesus fulfills the law, at least in part, by showing through his teachings

and his own example the true purpose behind the law.

In essence, he helps his listeners to understand that obedience is not the ultimate purpose;

it is in becoming like God.

Jesus demonstrates this by giving five examples from the law each beginning with

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old…”

and then quoting portions of the law to which Jesus gives them new meaning.

For example, when teaching about killing and committing adultery,

Jesus does not say that these laws have been done away with,

but instead He intensifies them.

He teaches that even to think evil thoughts is the same as actually committing the acts.

Why is this the case?

Well, again the ultimate purpose is not just obedience,

but in becoming like our Heavenly Father.

Another law Jesus quotes is about requiring “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”

In our modern world we assume this to be interpreted literally,

meaning that you would actually cut someone’s eye out if they had blinded you,

but in ancient times it was interpreted far differently.

In fact, several ancient Jewish sources discuss this as being a form of recompense, not vengeance.

For example, if out of rage you injured a carpenter, causing him to lose his eyesight,

you would be required to help support his family

because of the lost revenue in his trade.

This “eye for an eye” actually was far more just and merciful

than even our own justice system today.

Jesus next teaches that instead of seeking recompense of an eye for an eye,

we instead are to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile.

Roman soldiers were allowed to force a Jew to carry their equipment for a mile.

Thus, Jesus teaches that even when our enemies compel us to do something against our will,

we are to show true service by giving them more then they even asked.

The Savior concludes the five statements with perhaps the most significant teaching,

“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.”

Perhaps no other statement more fully demonstrates the true character of Christ.

When betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple priests in Gethsemane,

Jesus turns and heals the very soldier who came to arrest him.

When on the cross, suffering beyond comprehension,

the Savior forgives those who caused him so much pain.

And perhaps most significant of all, as we each constantly sin

and fall away from the perfection that Jesus directed,

He quickly forgives, embracing us and helping us to once again continue our path of discipleship.

The journey towards perfection, as Jesus commands in Matthew chapter 5,

can seem impossible to achieve.

We must remember though, that the word perfection in the last verse

actually means to become complete or whole.

This perfection is more of a final destination, not a representation of our current state.

It is the movement in the right direction that is most important.

As Jesus taught from this mount by the Sea of Galilee, he truly bridged heaven and earth,

giving us a glimpse into the eternities.

Through his message he taught that we should not become distracted with just mere obedience,

but instead focus on becoming by lifting, serving,

and being a light to those around us.

As we rely on the Savior, repent of our sins, and trust in the grace of Christ,

it is His perfection that will ultimately make us complete and whole.