Sermon on the Mount - part 1

Matthew 5:1-6:4

There is a lot to digest in one sitting...Jesus saw the crowds, sat down and taught them...like any teacher, Jesus responded to the questions that the people had. His disciples (learners) sat around to listen. Listen to what?

Some of these things are not what we usually hear, like blessed are the poor...usually we feel pity for them or worse look down on them, but this says they are blessed. Why? Because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. They don't have anything else, is this a consolation prize?  Blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth. Well, the earth is pretty big...and God's, since He made it...can He do with it what He wishes? If we do not grab, (or covet) or steal or dis-honor others, perhaps this is what meekness means, to be doing what the Lord laid down for the Israelites all those years ago...HEY! That is what the Israelites were supposed to be doing, and it is what they were supposed to get-their inheritance...Maybe I do get this a little.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of their righteousness, because they too have the kingdom of heaven...I see it says that so too the prophets were persecuted falsely, and they have a great reward in heaven. What is this kingdom of heaven, what is this reward. If it isn't riches or good-will or high status here and now, what does it mean?

I can see this, maybe; you are blessed when you grieve because it is only then that you can be comforted. It is when you are open to others, and express your sorrow that you allow another person to be there emotionally for you.

If you seek righteousness you can find it and be satisfied, if you are merciful toward others you are open to receive mercy yourself.

OK now I'm getting somewhere. Blessed are the pure in heart...they shall see God..."Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)

In the middle of these teachings Jesus says he came to fulfill the law-not abolish it. The things God has been saying are not being ignored, or replaced, they are what God said. What Jesus says is 'here, if you didn't get it before, maybe I can show you how it's done, what God meant; maybe I can call you into a closer walk.'

Here there is a distinction being made about the obeying. Is it strictly by the book-are we looking for loopholes as WC Fields was reported to have said, or are we trying to be in this relationship with the Lord and with others out of love and in hopes of drawing closer, so that we can be like Noah, and walk with God? These last 4 verses today I think agree with that thought. If you give for recognition-so what - you get that. Meaning what more do you gain? But if you give out of love, you might not get recognition but what do you get? You get in right relationship with the Lord, because it is out of love for Him and for those others that you give...that is so much more. That is the kingdom of heaven.

See  you tomorrow.
-maggie