What particular actions or deeds does Jesus call for in these chapters? (Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount)
What a loaded question! In preparing this entry and getting ready to answer the study question, I researched this sermon and found it is commonly divided in to the following sections:
- The Beatitudes (5:1-16)
- New Laws (5:17-48)
- Lord's Prayer (6:1-18)
- Money (6:19-34)
- Warnings (7)
I thought having this nice list would help answer what appears to be a very difficult question. I looked at the Beatitudes and see that it calls us to be merciful and gentle. The "new" laws which say to reconcile with your brother, not divorce, or commit adultery. In the section with the Lords Prayer there is a lot of time spent warning against outward showy displays of righteousness. We should have a proper attitude regarding our money, and finally, we should be cautious about judging others. Done and done! My list was complete and I answered the question. But wait, isn't there something more here than a list of commands?
Jesus covers several topics in depth through 3 chapters and creating a list of actions and deeds from that almost feels daunting. As I looked at the actions and deeds again I felt a common theme was emerging and I took the liberty of simplifying my list. What do scholars know anyway right?
- Our attitude
- Our treatment of others
Our attitude is covered with great detail and is characterized by displays of reverent humility and ardent faithfulness. When I read 6:1-18 humility came to mind over and over again. It is clear our actions are on trial and this includes our spiritual actions. However, actions characterized by humility could never be confused for praying with words that fill time but not our soul or looking down trodden because of fasting. It would be hard to classify a humble person as unmerciful, boastful, or lacking compassion. Humble people don't flash their money about when giving to kingdom building causes.
Rolled right into our attitude is our treatment of other people. The sermon on the mount contains the golden rule and this is no surprise since Jesus says loving your neighbor is the second most important commandment. If we act in humility out of our faithfulness to God, because he first loved us, we will better be able to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We will not be angry with our brothers and sisters, we will not judge those around us ignoring our own iniquities, nor will we be deceived by wolves in sheep clothing.
As I sit here reflecting on this post, I feel like I have taken something deep and rich and reduced it to something my earthly mind can comprehend, and this is not the impression I want to give. This sermon is deep and in answering the study question I felt these two themes kept emerging.
So what do you think? What deeds and actions are we called to? Is this over simplified or did I miss the mark completely?
We would agree that there seems to be a common trend of attitude and treatment of others throughout this passage. Scott and I discussed the importance of the part where they talk about the narrow gate (7:13-14). I find it interesting that while they continue to discuss our attitude and how we treat others they mention how narrow the gate is and how wide the pathway is to hell. It also states that the journey through the narrow gate is not easy and how difficult it will be. In verses 21-23 it also discusses being true disciples which I believe is the best summary of these 3 chapters. If we were being true disciples wouldn't we have the right attitude, follow the golden rule and be on the difficult journey through the narrow gate? Although I think I have to argue that it's not near as difficult with God to lean on and call to during those times.
ReplyDeleteWow, that was a great answer, Carsons. We simplified it even more, I'm a bit ashamed to say, so am quite impressed with your very thought-provoking comments above.
ReplyDeleteThinking in worldly terms, everything that Jesus is describing is completely opposite of what 'our world' does. They focus on money; they put down the poor; they over-indulge; the divorce rate is >50%; and no where in Hollywood do the meek get the big bucks. So our over-over-simplified thought of what Jesus calls us to do is: GO AGAINST THE GRAIN. Be different than this evil-filled world. Do what will amaze others so that they may question "what's different about them?". This can be the start of opportunities to share our faith and share how we're different -- in a good way.
Please pray for the Christian somolians at my school. There has been a religious war that has been going on between the Christians and the Muslims on the bus stop mostly. The Muslims have been telling the Christians that Jesus is dead and that what they believe isn't true. The one Christian boy "k" brought his bible to show the Muslims that Jesus is still alive and they took his bible and punched him. Please pray for "k" and all the students involved. It's such a sad situation and it breaks my heart.
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