The History of the Ages – Lesson 101
The next major passage of red letters is the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5, 6 and 7. But, as we follow Jesus’ public ministry, there are several recorded events leading up to this that we should at least mention. The Pharisees continue to harass Jesus and His disciples in Mark 2:23-28 for picking grain and eating it as they walked through a field on the Sabbath. Then in Mark 3:1-6 there’s a great example of Jesus’ ability to read men’s thoughts and know their intentions. He heals a man with a withered hand to intentionally antagonize the Pharisees. As you continue in Mark 3:7-12 Jesus heals a “great multitude”, but charges them to not make Him known (maybe He knew He had angered the Pharisees enough for the present). And in Mark 3:13-19 Jesus formally calls His 12 disciples.
This brings us to Matthew 5 and the Sermon on the Mount (an abbreviated account of this is found in Luke 6:20-49). Since I have previously written my own expanded translation of this passage, the following lessons will be based on that translation. What I want to do is go through this passage verse by verse, comparing it to other translations. Hopefully, by doing this we can come to an understanding of the important principles Jesus teaches in this discourse. It starts in verses 3-12 with what is commonly called the Beatitudes.
Before we begin I should explain one thing. The word translated “blessed” in verses 1-11 is from makarioi, and means, to be fully satisfied. Here, it refers to the future state of blessedness for the believer. This blessedness or satisfaction is never a result of favorable circumstances in life (an unfortunate claim of many in religion today), but is the eventual result of being conformable to the conditions described in these verses. It is, therefore, vitally important to understand those conditions (that is, what does it mean to be “poor in spirit”, or who are “those who mourn”).
Chapter 5
- And when He saw the crowd that was gathering, He went up the side of the mountain to find a place where He could address the people, and His disciples came to join Him.
- Then He began to teach them all, saying:
- Those who truly understand what it is to be completely dependent on God and desperate for Him (the poor in spirit) are fortunate, because they will enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven in its fullness.
- And those who grieve over the destructive consequences of their own sin (those who mourn) are blessed, because they will escape its destruction.
- Those who have the determination to pursue the will of God, regardless of the circumstances, (the meek) are blessed, because they soon learn that together with God they can overcome anything the world might throw at them.
- And those that believe the righteousness of God is something they can’t live without (those who hunger and thirst for righteousness) are blessed, because the spiritual reality and joy of knowing God will always sustain them.
- Those who are willing to give away what God has given them (the merciful) are blessed, because they have God’s promise that He will always give them more.
- And those who are open to God and don’t try to hide anything from Him (the pure in heart) are blessed, because He will fully reveal Himself to them.
- Those who are willing to take the peace of God to those in turmoil (the peacemakers) are blessed, because they have taken on the true nature of their Father in Heaven.
- And those who are punished because they have chosen to rise above the world’s standards (those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake) are blessed, because the Kingdom of Heaven is their rightful inheritance.
- You’re blessed when others attack you and lie about you because of Me,
- That’s great! Your reward will be waiting for you in heaven. Just remember. They treated the prophets before you the very same way.
In the next section, verses 13-16, Jesus compares believers to salt and light.
- You are the ones who must influence the world, to bring out the best in it – like salt brings out the best taste in food. But if you don’t do it, then who will? The world will look to you for answers. So don’t disappoint them.
- You are the ones who must show them the way. It’s so obvious. You stand head and shoulders above the crowd.
- So don’t hesitate to tell others what you know. Don’t try to hide the fact that you really know God. Stand up! Speak up! Let yourself be noticed.
- Let your life shine like a bright light. Give yourself unselfishly to others. Let them see in you the love of the Father, so He can draw them to Himself.
