All signs point to Jesus: a Journey through the book of Matthew, week 5; the Sermon on the Mount.

 

Matthew chapters 5-7: The Sermon on the Mount.

Questions for chapter 5-7 

For this week, I’ve laid out some questions that I borrowed from the Concordia Publishing House bible study (communication.cph.org) 

I’ll leave the answers at the end, but please try and read first, then answer on your own before you  go through the answers at the end and  after my short but sweet commentary. 

I also did it this way for an important teaching point. That  is to remember to read more than one commentary when you're doing a thorough Bible study. Don't just take my word for it, or your pastor's word or it for that matter.  I would even say to go on further and research where the author of that commentary got their resources.  For full disclosure,  I use at least 2 resources, 'Exalting Jesus in Matthew' by David Platt and 'Believers Bible commentary' by William McDonald. 

So there now you know all my secrets. Oh also this way made it easier for me to cover such a large content this week.  The first reason just makes me sound smarter.  So here we go...

Chapter 5

V.1-2 

What does the word ‘blessed at the beginning of each of these passages represent? 

V. 13-16 What is the goal of our kind deeds and gracious words? 

v. 17-20 What does Jesus mean that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and the Pharisees? 

v. 21-26 What kinds of relationships does Jesus command exist among believers? 

V.27-30 Why does Jesus warn against looking at a woman (or man) with lustful intent? 

V.31-32  Why would Jesus say that marrying a divorced woman causes her to commit adultery. 

V.33-37 Why did Jews swear by heaven, the earth or Jerusalem? 

v.38-42 Was Jesus contradicting God’s Old Testament law? 

V.43-48 How can you love someone who mistreats you terribly? 

Chapter 6

v.1-4 What does Jesus mean by saying, ‘do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing’ 

v.5-15 Why should we pray if our Father knows our needs before we even ask him? 

V.16-18 what is the benefit the benefit of fasting when it is done for God’s glory

V.19-24 What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven?

v. 25-34 What does it mean to ‘seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness?

Chapter 7 

v.1-6 when Jesus says ‘judge not’, doesHe mean we should never judge another person’s actions?

v.5 What does Jesus mean by sayin we should ‘first take the log out of our own eye’. 

V.7-11 What promises does Jesus give to encourage us to pray boldly?

v.12-14 How does the golden rule sum up the Law and the prophets. 

Why does Jesus say the way is hard that leads to heaven if eternal life is free gift to us?

v.15-20 What are the ‘fruits’ of preachers that we should judge?

V.21-23 In judging the false prophets, Jesus will say, ‘I never hew you’ what does it require for Jesus to know us? 

v.24-27 what is the house that believers build?

V.28-29 What does it mean to say Jesus’ teaching had authority but the teaching of the scribes did not? 

My commentary…..

And now we head into the teaching section of the gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7, the sermon on the mount.  These passages were somewhat familiar to me as I heard them before growing up in the church or in Sunday school.  At first glance, it seems like a bunch of rules or a standard set that seems impossible to attain.  That’s why it is important in this section to remember more than ever the context in which it was given.  We know at the beginning of the gospel, we are introduced to the long awaited Messiah, and then the sins of people are called out.  Jesus is baptized but also with the Holy Spirit.  He comes to people with transformed attitudes by the power of the Spirit.  Jesus goes up the mountain with authority, not much unlike Moses did when he was given the law.  The commandments were given to Moses, designed to show sinfulness. A sinfulness punishable by death. Christ met that strict requirement on the Cross. The gospel ends this way.  It  ends with his death and resurrection. We  too are called to obey by walking in the spirit.  We do these things not to earn acceptance before our God, but because we have acceptance, then we want to glorify him in all we do.

On the sermon on the mount, Jesus meets the requirements of the law but also sets higher standards as we read in chapter 5 verse 38-43.

Again, these standards seem impossible to attain, but Jesus reassures us, that everything is possible with God.  And we can ask for wisdom to help us live out this Sermon on the mount. (Matthew 7:7-8)  And what of this 'exceeding righteousness’ Jesus talks about in chapter 5:20?  The evidence of our exceeding righteousness is evident in our attitudes. Are we doing these things to please man or God?  It is also evident in our ambitions. Are we being consumed by world things?  It is also evident in our relationships. Are we being loving toward one another? These are the questions I often ask myself at the end of the day when I go through my moral inventory-an exercise I learned in recovery.   If we don’t have this exceeding righteousness, we will be judged, but as long as we are in Christ we can withstand judgment.  As I go through those questions, its important to remember, Jesus brings these teachings in love to convict me and not condemn.  It makes me want to do better because I am relying on Him to help me so.  Rest totally on HIM and not yourself. Rest in the Savior! 

FIRST DISCOURSE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Jesus begins the first of five extended sermons or discourses recorded by Matthew with glorious promises about our future life with Him in heaven.

Read 5:1–12.

Q 12:

A 12:

What does the word “blessed” at the beginning of each of these passages represent?

Jesus opens His sermon with wonderful Gospel promises. Each is a case of reverse—that is, things that we might normally equate with suffering are actually great blessings in disguise. These attitudes and actions reveal our repentance for our sins and our faith in Jesus, our Savior. Because of these, Jesus promises to fill us with joy and happiness in His kingdom, both here on earth and especially in

the fullness of His kingdom after Judgment Day. These blessings or beatitudes come at the beginning of the sermon because only when we repent of our sins and are assured of God’s forgiveness can we begin to live the godly life God wants us to live in this world.

Jesus calls His followers light and salt, showing they should witness to Him in both words and deeds.

© 2019 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV®.

Read 5:13–16.

Q 13:

A 13:

What is the goal of our kind deeds and gracious words?

Not to receive praise and commendation or draw the attention

of others to ourselves, but to glorify God, who has forgiven

and empowered us to live these new lives of joy, patience, and kindness—especially when we befriend those who are not treating us kindly.

Jesus came not to abolish God’s Law, but to fulfill it for all of us.

Read 5:17–20.

Q 14:

A 14:

What does Jesus mean that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees?

These Jewish leaders prided themselves in rigorously observing the human traditions developed by Jewish rabbis. They convinced themselves they were ultra-holy and God was well pleased with them. Jesus points out that human righteousness is only a cover over sin that condemns us before God. Only Jesus’ righteousness, which we receive by faith, makes us holy in God’s eyes.

Jesus explains the Fifth Commandment: Do not murder.

Read 5:21–26.

Q 15:

A 15:

What kinds of relationships does Jesus command to exist among believers?

Jesus wants us to forgive one another as God forgives us, and to live peaceably with one another. When we are hurt, offended, or angry at another person, Jesus commands us to quickly reconcile and forgive—with forgiveness based on His forgiveness of our sins.

Jesus explains the Sixth Commandment: Do not commit adultery.

Read 5:27–30.

Q 16:

A 16:

Why does Jesus warn against looking at a woman (or man) with lustful intent?

All sin springs up from our sinful heart. Harboring lustful

thoughts in our hearts leads to sexual sins that devastate personal relationships. Jesus shows how serious this is by telling us we would be better off gouging out our eye or cutting off our hand.

Jesus teaches about divorce.

Read 5:31–32.

Q 17:

A 17:

Why would Jesus say that marrying a divorced woman causes her to commit adultery?

In Jesus’ day, husbands were permitted to divorce their wives for nearly any reason. But in God’s eyes, the only valid reason for divorce is marital unfaithfulness. Thus, to Him, the two are still married even if they consider themselves divorced.

Jesus teaches about oaths.

© 2019 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV®.

Read 5:33–37.

Q 18:

A 18:

Why did the Jews swear by heaven, the earth, or Jerusalem?

Some felt that by swearing by these lesser objects, they had less responsibility to keep the oaths they had sworn. Jesus was making it clear that God holds us to the vows we make. Though Jesus permits taking oaths in serious matters (e.g., marriage vows, testifying

in court), He encourages us to carefully maintain a reputation for truthfulness so that we won’t feel we need to add an oath to convince someone to trust us.

Jesus teaches about revenge.

Read 5:38–42.

Q 19:

A 19:

Was Jesus contradicting God’s Old Testament law?

No. The Old Testament law of equal retribution was not aimed at individuals who could take revenge for the wrongs they suffered. It was the judicial guideline for punishments Israelite judges could pass down on wrongdoers. Jesus encourages us to let God take vengeance for the wrongs others do to us. Hopefully, God will lead them to repentance, restoration, and forgiveness. If not, He will know how to punish them more completely than we ever could.

Jesus teaches how we should treat our enemies.

Read 5:43–48.

Q 20:

A 20:

How can you love someone who mistreats you terribly?

Jesus is not speaking of conjuring a feeling in our heart, but controlling the kinds of actions we do to others. Instead of treating them in kind—that is, treating them the same way they treated us—we are to treat them with undeserved kindness because that is how God treated us in our sinfulness. Often that will be enough to break the escalating cycle of hatred and mistreatment we usually see when one takes revenge on another. It may even result in a deep friendship.

Jesus teaches how to glorify God in our giving.

Read 6:1–4.

Q 21:

A 21:

What does Jesus mean by saying, “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (v. 3)?

Jesus wants our attention to be on the people we are helping and on the Lord who generously provides us the means to offer this help. When we keep our focus on the needy instead of ourselves (by waiting to be recognized for the sacrifices we are making), the Lord will reveal many opportunities to help, which we miss out on when our focus is on ourselves.

Jesus teaches us to pray and gives us His own prayer.

© 2019 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV®.

Read 6:5–15.

Q 22:

A 22:

Why should we pray if our Father knows our needs before we even ask Him?

Praying keeps us mindful of God’s work in our lives, humbles us, and builds our trust in God. When we thank Him for the needs He has met and prayers He has answered, it strengthens our faith and trust that He will faithfully keep us all through the future.

Jesus teaches how to fast properly.

Read 6:16–18.

Q 23:

A 23:

What is the benefit of fasting when it is done for God’s glory?

The increasing urges and cravings of our bodies reminds us how much we need God’s tender care and provision for our earthly lives. It can teach us gratitude and trust, while also strengthening our mental resolve to withstand temptations of the flesh with God’s help.

Jesus teaches us to have a right attitude toward our possessions.

Read 6:19–24.

Q 24:

A 24:

What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven?

Actually, we can’t earn the treasures of heaven. Jesus has earned them for us and freely gives them to us. Jesus is teaching us to value and treasure the things awaiting us in heaven and the new earth that we will inherit on Judgment Day far more than we value or treasure the possessions God entrusts to us during this earthly life.

Jesus teaches us how to live without constant worry.

Read 6:25–34.

Q 25:

A 25:

What does it mean to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (v. 33)?

Jesus reminds us of the Lord’s Prayer. By the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we enjoy a place in the kingdom of God. When we attend worship regularly, when we read His Word and receive

His Sacraments, God fills us with faith and trust so that we are confident that our gracious, loving Creator will provide all our needs in this life and the next.

Jesus teaches us how to approach another Christian who has caused offense.

Read 7:1–6.

Q 26:

A 26:

When Jesus says “judge not,” does He mean we should never judge another person’s actions?

Jesus is warning us against reaching conclusions about the motives behind another person’s actions because we can’t read his or her thoughts. We may have taken offense when none was intended. Instead, we should humbly assume he or she had a good motive and

© 2019 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV®.

Q 27:

A 27:

reason behind the actions or words. There is only one person we are qualified to judge, one person whose motives and desires are known to us—that is ourselves. We should judge ourselves according to God’s Law, and repenting of our sin, turn to Christ for salvation.

What does Jesus mean by saying we should “first take the log out of your own eye” (v. 5)?

He is teaching us to examine ourselves before we approach someone who is doing wrong. If we recognize we have sinned and deserved God’s wrath, but instead received His merciful forgiveness, we will approach him or her with Jesus’ mercy, love, and humility rather than our selfish pride and arrogance.

Jesus directs us to pray boldly and with confidence.

Read 7:7–11.

Q 28:

A 28:

What promises does Jesus give to encourage us to pray boldly?

Being light and salt to the world and showing love, compassion, humility, and patience with others is beyond our own abilities. Jesus uses three action words that imply desire and effort on our part, especially seeking and knocking on doors. But He boldly promises that when we ask, the things for which we ask will be given to us. When we seek, we will find, and when we knock the door will be opened. That is why we can trust our heavenly Father.

Jesus lays out two paths in life—one leads to heaven, the other to hell.

Read 7:12–14.

Q 29:

A 29:

Q 30:

A 30:

How does the Golden Rule sum up the Law and the Prophets?

We would all like to be treated with love, kindness, and respect. That is precisely how God’s Law commands us to treat others.

Why does Jesus say the way is hard that leads to heaven if eternal life is His free gift to us?

Receiving the gift of salvation and eternal life is easy (though it was a difficult, narrow road for Jesus and ran through the cross), but our life as Christians in this world can be difficult because of the persecution and hostility we will receive from the sinners around us who oppose God’s Law and Gospel.

Just as there are two paths in life, there are two kinds of prophets.

Read 7:15–20.

Q 31: What are the “fruits” of preachers that we should judge?

A 31: Not their works, but the message they preach. True prophets proclaim faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to the Father. False prophets direct a person to their own works and effort.

Jesus will judge the false prophets.

© 2019 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV®.

Read 7:21–23.

Q 32:

A 32:

In judging the false prophets, Jesus will say, “I never knew you” (v. 23). What does it require for Jesus to know us?

The false prophets will call attention to their works—the things they taught, the miracles they performed, the demons they drove out. But our works cannot save us; only faith in Jesus and His works can save us. When we confess our sins and trust in Jesus Christ, He knows us.

Jesus lays out the fate of those who put His words into practice and those who do not.

Read 7:24–27.

Q 33: What is the house that believers build?

A 33: It is the life of faith, the relationship with God that is strengthened through Word and Sacraments.

The crowds are astonished at the authority of Jesus’ teachings.

Read 7:28–29.

Q 34:

A 34:

What does it mean to say Jesus’ teaching had authority, but the teaching of the scribes did not?

Jesus’ words rang true to those who listened and did not refuse the work of the Holy Spirit strengthening or creating faith in them. But the scribes taught self-righteousness, which rings hollow to those who realize they can never please God by their works.