Matthew 5-7

Jesus'

“Sermon on the Mount”

 Important Note

This block of teaching is only ONE

section in Matthew (and in the Bible).

Nowhere do Jesus or Matthew

indicate that we should elevate its
importance above other sections of
scripture.
 Key Point

Jesus teaches what the law was truly

intended for.

The law exists to be followed in a

process of obedience that both
pleases God and is itself a gift of
gratitude back to God.
 Context
Jesus was teaching Jews who understood
themselves to be in a covenant with God
going all the way back to Abraham.

They did not “keep the law” to gain God's

favor because they already had it within
the covenant.

“Keeping the law” had to do with

maintaining God's favor.
 Context

So Jesus taught them how to truly

“keep” the law: by being the people
God called them to be.
 3 Sections

1. Introduction (5:1-20)

2. Teaching (5:21-7:12)

3. Conclusion (7:13-29)
 Introduction (5:1-20)

The beatitudes describe how to live in

God's covenant.

They are character traits embodied

by those who follow Jesus into his
kingdom.
 Introduction (5:1-20)

Jesus reminds them they are to be

salt and light.

God's original intent in his covenant

was that Israel be a blessing to the
nations.
 Introduction (5:1-20)

Jesus came to “fulfill” the law instead

of “abolish” it because the law was
always about responding back to God
for his goodness.
 Teaching (5:21-7:12)

There are two main teaching sections:

1. External, moral ways of relating to each

other in community (5:21-48).

2. Internal, spiritual disciplines that

demonstrate your trust in God (6:1-7:12).
 Important Note
Many of the examples in this
teaching section both embody many
of the beatitudes and cause the
person doing them to be salt andl
light!

If people are glorifying God because

of your good deeds, is the law being
fulfilled?
 Conclusion

Jesus concludes by comparing his

teaching to a narrow road.

It's narrow NOT because it's hard to do

but because few will CHOOSE to follow.
 Conclusion (7:13-29)

You will know where you and others (false

teachers) sit by the fruit you bear.

Note how this section loops back to 5:1-20

and the fruit we bear as salt and light.

What kind of tree are you?

 Conclusion (7:13-29)
Not everyone who calls Jesus “Lord” is a
true disciple.

Note how this section loops back to 5:21-

48.
You can DO the law, but it doesn't mean
you KEEP the law.

What kind of servant are you?

 Conclusion (7:13-29)

Jesus teaches us to hear and practice his

words.

This section loops back to 6:1-7:12.

What kind of foundation are you built on?

 Key Point

Perfection is found in action.

Perfection is found the process of

obedience that comes as we practice his
words.

It's practice that makes us perfect!