Sermon on The Mount
November 20, 2019
Commentary
Jesus’ disciples gathered around Him and he taught them (vv. 1-2). This passage of Scripture is known as the Sermon on the Mount. It is one of the most misunderstood messages that Jesus ever gave. It does not tell a person how to be saved as some people say but instead it tells us what it is like to be saved. Jesus gave this message to individual believers and not to the unsaved world. He says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6). This means to long for God, the real God, not a false deity of their own imagination, and those who find him will be filled.
The Pharisees taught that righteousness was an external thing, a matter of obeying rules and regulations. They thought that righteousness could be measured by praying, giving, fasting etc. They were concerned about the minor details of conduct, but neglected the major matter of character. Attitude shapes our character. The Beatitudes describes the following attitudes we need to have in our lives as Christians:
1 Our attitude toward ourselves (v.3). “Poor in Spirit” means to be humble
2. Our attitude toward our sins (v.4-6). Mourn over sin, despise it and meekly submit to God.
3. Out attitude toward the Lord (v. 7-9).
a. Share His mercy with others.b. Keep our hearts pure.
c. Become peacemakers
4. Our attitude toward the world (v. 10-12). Expect to be persecuted if we are living as God wants us to live.
Application
Of the character qualities listed in this passage which two do I want the most in my life? What steps can I take to produce these in my life?
Matthew 5:1– 12 (NET)
1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them by saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.
Illustration: Comparison Between a Hummingbird and a Vulture
Both the hummingbird and the vulture fly over our nation’s deserts. All vultures see is rotting meat, because that is what they look for. They thrive on that diet. But hummingbirds ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals. Instead, they look for the colorful blossoms of desert plants. The vultures live on what was. They live on the past. They fill themselves with what is dead and gone. But hummingbirds live on what is. They seek new life. They fill themselves with freshness and life. Each bird finds what it is looking for. We all do. (Steve Goodier, Quote Magazine, in May, 1990 R.D).