This Sermon on the Mount is probably one of the most challenging passages to hear for all of us. Jesus lays out a whole different way of thinking about following rules and laws, and reminds us that it is in the living out of Jesus' teaching that we have a solid foundation for our lives. Believing and doing and intimately connected. We cannot say we believe if we do not also live the life. And it is a challenging life!
- In this section are the numerous "You have heard it said but I say to you..." statements,
- The idea of backward reciprocal thinking - Don't treat and react to people as they treat you, but as you would like them to act toward you,
- The fruit of our lives indicates what tree we are connected with,
- Doing the will of God is more important than miracles and other "works" we may think are important,
- And, the idea that the foundation of our lives will be solid when we not just believe the right stuff and listen to many sermons and teachings, but actually do what God's word tells us to do.
When we put all that teaching together I wonder if what Jesus is teaching is this: Believing in Jesus includes obedience to God's Word and Will, but not with a legalistic understanding. We must obey with an inner desire and will to not just obey the letter of the law, but to
live the life of God from the inside out.
What struck you about this reading for the day? What was your favorite part?
2 comments:
There is a lot happening in these two chapters. Not only what will happen to us (persecuted, insulted) but who we are to be (salt, light). Our words and actions – forgiveness; yes, yes, no, no; those who ask – give. Acts of righteousness. Prayer. Storing up treasures. Treasures in heaven. Where is your heart? Your treasure will be. Can’t serve both God and money (coming right after treasure). Don’t worry. Seek first….his kingdom….his righteousness…
When I read a chapter or two as this it reminds me of truly how much I have grown, yet how much more I still need to grow. We must constantly strive. We must constantly abide.
Thank you, Mary. You are right, we have so much to grow, but we do so by constantly abiding.
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