Gospel of Matthew Series: Chapter 5 Overview

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SERIES:

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Chapter 5 Overview

SUMMARY OF THE THEMES FROM CHAPTER 5

 Now we reach the first central teaching of Jesus-Chapter 5-7. In the next few week, we will examine these chapters in detail. In discussing why, the Sermon on the Mount is so significant, I have decided to outline the themes that are expressed from Chapter 5-7 first over the next couple of weeks, and then identify a number of passages and discuss their significance for us today.   You may decide to work out your own action plan for these chapters applicable to your life.

 

Chapter 5:

 

Verses 1-2: Teaching with Authority and the impact on his listeners

We are told that Jesus went up the hill and taught. High places were important to Jewish people in that it was a representation of ‘God, Heaven, the Creator and such like’.  So Jesus going up the hill to teach is an important phrase.  It is also important when it is compared to Chapter 7:28-29, when we are told that Jesus taught with Authority not like the Scribes and Pharisees. Chapter 8:1 is important because it tells us that not only did Jesus come down the hill, but also great crowds followed.  In other words, his teachings had a great impact on those who listened to Him.

 
Verses 3:12:  ‘The Beatitudes.’

This is referred to as ‘the Beatitudes’- in other words the Be- attitude of the disciple in following Jesus.  

I will discuss these verses in another post.

Verse 13: ‘Salt of the earth’

Jesus tells us to be salt of the earth.  This is vital because in those times salt was the way of preserving and keeping good, the nourishing quality of food.  Here Jesus invites to do the same- keep our relationship with Him and our neighbour alive, healthy and well.

 
Verses 14-16: ‘Light of the World’

In those times, there was no electricity so the lamp was an essential part of daily life.

Here Jesus tells us the need for our light to be in Him, for it to be shining brightly and that we must radiate Him to all those around us.  In fact, our light for Him must be as essential to daily living as the lamp was then.

 

Verses 17-19: Jesus identifies his mission and the responsibility of the disciples.

 

Verses 20-48:  Style of living expected of a disciple.

Jesus outlines what he expects of the disciple and the quality of his/her living.  The essential phrase in this whole section is Verse 48 ‘ You must be perfect just as your Heavenly Father is perfect’.  The demand of discipleship is high- but we have Our Heavenly Father to help us.  This links also with Genesis in that Jesus is reminding us that we are made in the image and likeness of Him.

 

You may decide from having an overview of the main themes in this chapter to re-read it and work out your action plan, just as I have done in previous chapters, or you may prefer to work and reflect with some of the chapter and/or specific themes.