Matthew 5: Sermon On The Mount (Part 1)
Matthew 5: Sermon On The Mount (Part 1)
Collin Leong. February 17, 2025
v1-11 The Beatitudes
The crowds came to see and listen to Jesus. He went up on a mountainside and started to teach. He started to called these beatitudes "blessed":
The poor in spirit will receive the kingdom of heaven (v3). It means acknowledging that we are spiritually impoverished and cannot achieve righteousness or salvation on our own. This humility and awareness of our need for God's grace and mercy is the foundation for receiving salvation.
Those who mourn will be comforted (v4). Mourning can be for physical loss, or spiritual mourning. This spiritual mourning refers to grieving over one's sins and the brokenness of the world. It reflects a sorrow for the separation from God caused by sin and a longing for righteousness and restoration.
The meek will inherit the earth (v5). This teaching contrasts with worldly values that often prioritize power, dominance, and assertiveness. Instead, Jesus highlights that true strength and reward come from humility and reliance on God for provision and justice. Just as Jesus is meek, not weak.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled (v6). This means that their deep desire for justice, moral integrity, and a right relationship with God will be satisfied. They will experience spiritual fulfillment and contentment as they seek and live according to God's will.
The merciful will be shown mercy (v7). Those who show mercy to others reflect God's character. God will give them compassion, forgiveness, comfort, grace and the assurance of God's loving presence.
The pure in heart will see God (v8). Being "pure in heart" means having a heart that is free from deceit, hypocrisy, and sinful motives. It reflects a genuine desire to seek and honor God. A pure heart is a result of a transformed life through faith in Jesus Christ.
The peacemakers will be called children of God (v9). Peacemakers are those who actively seek to reconcile and bring harmony in relationships, reflecting God's character of peace and reconciliation. As children reflects the character of the father, then they will be recognized by men as children of God.
Those who are persecuted because of righteousness will have the kingdom of heaven (v10). This promise encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity, knowing that their ultimate reward is eternal and secure in God's kingdom.
When you are insulted, persecuted, and falsely accused as being evil because of Jesus, you should rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven (v11). Similar to verse 10, this focus on persecution because we are Christians. Some countries forbid Muslims to convert into Christianity, as they will be disown by the family and some even stone them to death. Jesus encourages them to rejoice as they will have great reward in heaven, and reminding them that many of the Old Testament prophets were also persecuted and killed when they preach the word of God.
v13-16: Salt and Light
Jesus continued to teach them about various things, which was documented in 3 chapters in Matthew.
The first lesson he thought was that we are the salt of the earth. If we loses the saltiness, then it cannot be made salty again, and we are good for nothing except to be thrown away. (v13)
Pure salt (sodium chloride) cannot not lose its saltiness. But in the context of Jesus' time, the salt used was often mixed with other minerals and impurities. Over time, exposure to moisture and other environmental factors could cause the salt to leach out, leaving behind the impurities that no longer had the preserving or flavoring qualities of salt. In this sense, the "salt" would lose its effectiveness and "saltiness."
Jesus then said we are the light of the world. Like a town on a hill cannot be hidden, we should not hide the lamp under a bowl, but we put it on a stand so that it brings light to everyone. We should also show our light to others so they can see our good deeds and glorify the Father. (v14-16)
Both these analogies symbolize our ability to reflect God's character, such as love, compassion, kindness and integrity. We can guide and influence others towards God. We need to be faithful and bold to show our faith to others, so as to fulfill our purpose of being a beacon of hope and truth in the world.
v17-20: The Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus said he came to fulfill the law, which will not be changed until what it says are accomplished. Anyone who did not practice the least of the law will be considered the least in the heaven; however, those who practice and teach these commands will be called great in heaven. In fact, our righteousness must surpass that of the pharisees and teachers of the law, else we will not enter into heaven. (v17-20)
This is a daunting command from Jesus. He is raising the standards of righteousness, as he will do for the rest on this chapter. This righteousness is not just about external adherence to rules, but about a deeper, heart-level transformation.
By setting such a high standard, Jesus highlights the reality that human beings, on their own, cannot achieve the level of righteousness required to enter the kingdom of heaven. This underscores the need for a Savior and points to Jesus as the one who provides the righteousness that people cannot attain by themselves.
v21-25: Murder and Reconciliation
In the OT, the punishment for murder is death. Deuteronomy 19:11-13 says: "But if out of hate someone lies in wait, assaults and kills a neighbor ... the killer shall be ... handed over to the avenger of blood to die. Show no pity. You must purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood.."
Jesus explained that murder is not just taking the life of a man. Even if you are angry with someone, you are also be subjected to judgement. You will also be judge if you call someone 'Raca' or 'You fool'. (v21-22)
Raca means "empty-headed," "worthless," or "foolish." By using this term, a person would be showing disdain and disrespect toward another individual.
Jesus told them to leave their gift offering in front of altar, and go to the person when you remember he/she has something against them. First they must go and be reconciled to them, then come to offer the gift. (v23-24)
The act of offering a gift at the altar was a significant part of worship and devotion in Jewish religious practices. By using this scenario, Jesus emphasizes that maintaining right relationships with others is more important than religious rituals.
Jesus continued to say it is important to settle matters quickly with your adversary if he is taking you to court. Otherwise, you may be handed to the judge, and the judge will throw you into prison. You will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (v25-26). Jesus is using an example of debtor and the borrower.
v26-27: Adultery
In the OT, the punishment for adultery is death for both the man and woman. "If a man is found sleeping with another man's wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel." (Deut 22:22)
However, Jesus explained that adultery is not only having sexual relationship with someone who is not your spouse. Even if you just look lustfully at a woman, you have committed adultery with her in your heart. (v27-28)
Jesus said that it is better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. It is better to cut out your eye or your hand if they caused you to stumble. (v29-30)
Jesus often used hyperbole, an exaggerated form of speech, to make a point more memorable and impactful. He didn't mean for people to literally mutilate themselves, but rather to understand the extreme measures needed to avoid sin.
He wants His followers to recognize that sin can lead to spiritual destruction, and they must take it seriously. This can mean avoiding certain behaviors, environments, or influences that tempt one to sin. It's better to make sacrifices in this life to avoid sin than to face eternal consequences.
v31-32: Divorce
Jesus explained to them what the Torah really mean, when it spoke about divorce. In Deuteronomy 24:1-2, it says "If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man...".
The certificate of divorce serves as an official document confirming the end of the marriage, allowing the woman to remarry if she chooses. Whereas Jesus said that divorce is prohibited, unless there is a sexual immorality. And that anyone who marries the divorce person commits adultery. (v31-32)
Reading from NKJ makes His statement clearer: "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. (v32)
Take note of this particular phrase: "..whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery;" Another way to say this is, when a man divorce an innocent woman, he caused her to have adultery with himself!
NIV said the man "makes her the victim of adultery". In other words, she was unknowingly tricked into adultery with her husband. However, she was not guilty as she was a "victim" of her husband who decided to divorce her without the reason of an affair.
However, if she had an affair, then the man has the right to divorce her, and anyone who marries her commits adultery. Similarly, if the man had an affair, then anyone who marries him commits adultery.
Can an innocent man or woman who was divorced remarry without committing a sin? John MacArthur, a prominent evangelical pastor and author, stated that remarriage is permissible for the faithful partner when the divorce was on biblical grounds. (From the booklet "The Divorce Dilemma".)
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In Matthew 19:4-11, Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees when He said that marriage is "one flesh" and that "what God has joined together, let no one separate." (19:6). The pharisees quoted Deut 24:1-2 to challenge what Jesus said.
Jesus replied: “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (19:8-9)
It is also clear here, that if an innocent man divorce an innocent woman, and he marries another woman, he is committing an adultery with the new wife.
To summarize what Jesus said:
Jesus is asking for a higher standard of righteousness that goes beyond the letter of the Law. He emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage, teaching that it should not be dissolved except for reasons of sexual immorality.
In the context of Jesus' time, divorce often left women vulnerable and without support. By setting a higher standard for divorce and remarriage, Jesus is also protecting the welfare of women who might otherwise be unjustly cast aside.
In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul said: "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."
Note that Paul did not give an exception to divorce, as Jesus did. However, Paul was not trying to contradict Jesus. He is just encouraging that, even if the spouse is sexually immoral, you still can hold on to him/her. Chances should be given to him or her to repent and to reconcile with the spouse.
Both Jesus and Paul points back to God's original design for marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman.
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God hates divorce. Malachi 2:16 says:
"....You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?”
It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.
“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.
So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."
I believe that though we are legally divorce, God still treat us as spiritually married. The marriage vow says we are wife/husband until "death do us part". We can still dishonor our vows practically, but we cannot
However, the Bible also emphasizes grace, forgiveness, and the possibility of restoration. Each situation is unique, and individuals are encouraged to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and the counsel of trusted spiritual leaders when facing marital challenges.
Ultimately, the Bible calls believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage, seek reconciliation, and approach divorce with a deep sense of responsibility and humility.
v33-37: Oaths
Jesus brought up the matter of Oaths or Vows. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are permitted to make a vow to God. Examples:
Numbers 30:2 - "When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said."
Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - "If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty."
In those days, they tend vow using the name of God. Moses have warned them not to do so. Exodus 20:7 says "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." and Leviticus 19:12 says: "Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.
However, Jesus said that we should not make a vow towards God at all. Whether in the name of heaven, where God's throne is; or earth, the footstool of God; or Jerusalem, the city of the Great King (i.e. Jesus). They should not vow on their own head, since they have no control over the color of their hair. (v34-36)
He said we just need to say "Yes" or "No." In fact, Jesus said vowing comes from the devil. In other words, you are opening up the door for evil if you failed to fulfill your vows. (v37)
Jesus is asking them to have a character of honesty and reliability. Believers should speak the truth plainly and consistently, without relying on oaths to validate their statements. Your word should be trustworthy on its own. Pre-believers who knows you are honest will be more likely to accept Jesus when you speak with them.
v28-48: Love Your Enemies
The concept of an "eye for eye" was introduced in Exodus 21:23-25. It said "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."
This law applies to fights among the Israelites. The law seems to be harsh and violent. However, it is also proportionate to the damaged done, and prevents people from revenging and killing those who had hurt them. Some people will go to the extent of wiping out their enemy's family and friends.
However, Jesus thought them not to confront an evil person, but turn the left cheek if he slaps you on the right cheek. If anyone sues you for your shirt, then give him the coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and don't turn away from one who wants to borrow from you. (v39-42)
Jesus is challenging the common practice of seeking retribution or revenge. By instructing His followers to turn the other cheek, He is encouraging them to break the cycle of violence and retaliation. This doesn't mean accepting or condoning injustice but rather responding to it in a way that promotes peace and reconciliation.
Doing what Jesus said does not mean we are weak. It is an act of strength and dignity, showing that one's self-worth is not diminished by the insult or aggression of others. It demonstrates a refusal to be dragged down to the level of the aggressor.
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At that time, the Israelites believe they should love their neighbors, and hate their enemies. (v43) Though the Torah never teaches them to hate their enemies, this reflects their culture of slavery, conflict, and warfare when the Torah was written.
However, the time has changed and a time of a new covenant was coming. Jesus told them to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven." (v44). This is opposite of what they usually do, to ask God to curse their enemies and the Romans.
Jesus explained that this is the right thing to do, for God allow the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous. (v45). God loves all the people, not only the believers.
Jesus told them God would not reward them if they love those who love them, for even tax collectors (whom the Israelites hate) do the same thing. They greet and be kind to their own people and family. but not to others. Even the pagans did the same thing. (v46-47)
He calls them to extend their love and kindness to all people, including those who may be different from them, such as foreigners and gentiles, or even those they considered as enemies. Jesus approach allows us to show our love and care for foreigners and our enemies, and our concerns about their salvation. It can lead to a change of heart and transformation in them, promoting peace with us and reconciliation with the Father.
Jesus then said "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (v48) Is it possible for us to be "perfect"? Answers is no, not at this moment.
The term "perfect" in this context comes from the Greek word "teleios," which means complete, mature, or fully developed. This is part of sanctification after your salvation. Jesus is calling His followers to strive for spiritual maturity and wholeness, reflecting the character of God in their lives.
It means living a life that is fully integrated with God's will, where every aspect of one's being is dedicated to serving and honoring Him. To be "perfect" does not mean to be sinless, but to develop a deep, intimate relationship with God and allowing His love and grace to transform one's character and actions to those of Christ.
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Example of Loving Your Enemy
David Wilkerson was a small-town Pentecostal pastor from Pennsylvania who felt a calling to help troubled youth in New York City. In 1958, he read an article in Life Magazine about seven teenagers who were members of a criminal gang and were on trial for murder. Moved by their plight, Wilkerson decided to travel to New York City to reach out to these young people and share the message of hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Despite facing numerous challenges and dangers, Wilkerson began ministering to gang members and drug addicts in the city. One of the most notable individuals he encountered was Nicky Cruz, a notorious gang leader of the "Mau Maus."
Initially, Cruz was hostile and resistant to Wilkerson's message. At one point, Nicky Cruz, trying to intimidate Wilkerson, threatens him by saying, "You come near me and I'll kill you!" Wilkerson replied, "You could cut me into a thousand pieces and lay them in the street, and every piece will still love you."
David Wilkerson's courageous and loving response had a profound impact on Cruz. After his conversion, Cruz and some of his fellow gang members went to the local police station and turned in their weapons, including bricks, handguns, and knives. This act shocked the police officers and symbolized their commitment to leaving their violent past behind.
Cruz became a preacher and evangelist, sharing his testimony and the message of Jesus Christ with others. He returned to his old neighborhood and preached to former gang members, leading many, including the new leader of the Mau Maus, Israel Narvaez, to Christianity.
He worked with David Wilkerson at Teen Challenge, a Christian organization dedicated to helping young people overcome addiction and find a new purpose in life. He founded his own evangelistic ministry, Nicky Cruz Outreach, which focuses on reaching out to troubled youth and sharing the message of hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Cruz has written several books, including his autobiography "Run Baby Run," which details his life story and conversion.
Wilkerson's story was documented in the book "The Cross and the Switchblade," and subsequently adapted into the 1970 film of the same name. The film stars Pat Boone as David Wilkerson and Erik Estrada as Nicky Cruz.
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