Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5-7

Part 1

• Matthew 5.3-16–Opening statement of the beatitudes

–Sayings about salt and light

Part 2

• Matt. 5.17-7.12• Interpretation of the Torah • Repetition in text: “the Law

and the prophets”

Part 3

• Mt. 7.13-27• Final exhortation, teaching or

conclusion

Review

• What areas of life & behaviour are in the Sermon on the Mount?

What would the world look like if the ideas of the Sermon were fulfilled?

• God is in charge• A world that reflects

God• No:

– Anger– Name-calling– Unfaithfulness– Retaliation / violence

• There will be• Forgiveness• Trust• sharing

What does the Sermon describe?

• A generous response to the unexpected and unlimited generosity initiated by God.

The ethics of the Sermon on the Mount

• The Justice of the Kingdom of God• “already in our midst, but not fully

revealed”• “eschatological ethics”

– Referring to “end-times”– “the fullness of time– Strives for infinite good