Sermon on the Mount
Jesus, seeing a great multitude of people, went up a mountain where he taught his disciples many things. These teachings are called the Sermon on the Mount.
In one part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus promised special blessings, known as the Beatitudes, to people who lived in certain ways. He taught:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled"
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5: 3-10)
Jesus also taught His disciples:
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).
Jesus reminded the people of many teachings in the law of Moses, one of which had told the Israelites to love their neighbors and hate their enemies. But now Jesus taught His disciples a higher law, telling them to love their enemies and do good to them.
After telling His disciples to pray without letting others know about it, Jesus gave a pattern for prayer.
Jesus also said that His people should not judge others and that if His people first repent of their sins, they are better able to help others.
Telling His disciples how to obtain blessings from heaven, Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find".
He also taught that few people find the narrow gate and path to heaven. Instead, many people choose the way to destruction.
Jesus compared those who obey Him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. When the rains, floods, and winds came, the house did not fall, because it was built on a solid foundation. He compared those who do not obey Him to a foolish man who built his house on sand. When the rains, floods, and winds came, the house fell.
After Jesus ended these teachings on the mountain, the people were astonished at his doctrine because He taught them with authority and the power of God.
Why is loving your enemies considered a higher law? (Matthew 5: 43-44)
No comments:
Post a Comment