Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount contains some of the most widely known passages of his teaching ministry yet they are probably the least obeyed. It is his clearest description of the nature of the Kingdom he came to inaugurate, yet it establishes a standard beyond our experience and even our ability.
Jesus’ sermon is filled with contrasts between citizens of his Kingdom and those of the world, between his subjects and the outwardly religious. He quotes often from the Torah but says that the old way is not enough. While affirming the Scripture’s authority, he goes on to describe a more complete standard of righteousness in his Kingdom to the underlying emotion and motivation.
It is in the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus redefines human life for those that call him Lord. Jesus shares glimpses of his “already but not yet Kingdom” as he calls us out of the worldly culture we live in, “Do not be like them.” (Matt 6:8) As citizens of his coming Kingdom he calls us to be in the world but not of it. We are to live as aliens in a foreign land and serve as his ambassadors. Our righteousness and devotion to God should be a stark contrast to the people and nations we live among.
Please join us for our “LIFE Redefined” series as we take the time to consider Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and The Upside Down Kingdom of God.
1/10 – The Beatitudes Matt 5:1-12
1/17 – Light & Salt Matt 5:13-16
1/24- Murder & Anger Matt 5:20-26
1/31 – Lust & Divorce Matt 5:27-32
2/7 – Love for Others Matt 5:38-48
2/14 – Giving & Generosity Matt 6:1-4
2/21 – Prayer & Fasting Matt 6:5-18
2/28 – Treasures in Heaven Matt 6:19-24
3/7 – Do Not Worry Matt 6:25-34
3/14 – Judge Not Matt 7:1-6
3/21 – Ask, Seek Knock Matt 7:7-12
3/28 – Narrow and Wide Gate Matt 7:13-23
4/4 – On This Rock – the Resurrection Matt 7:24-27
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