Matthew 5

QUESTIONS FROM YOU...

Anonymous...

Why does Jesus tell us to be perfect like His Father is (verse 48) when He knows we fall short of the glory of God?

Jennings Answer: Many times Jesus spoke in hyperbole. Or in extreme language. This is an excellent teaching tool that knocks us off balance and helps us realize the seriousness of what He was saying. Here Jesus is pushing us to do better, he is looking for a heart change. Many of us will not do something because we know it is impossible. But this is life and death. Perfection is what we are always striving for even if we know it is unattainable. John Wesley believed that some people could actually reach perfection like the Father for a time. Jesus is pushing us to greatness and not mediocrity.

Erin B. said...

What's the difference between saying Good for nothing and you fool? And why does one send you before the Sanhedrin and the other to hell?

Jennings Answer: Here again I think Jesus was speaking as a teacher giving examples of how serious this language we use is. Think about how easily language affects and effects our attitudes. The words we say seem arbitrary but actually have to power to change our perspective and eventually our hearts. Jesus understood the power of words. I have had friends who have called me names, most likely joking, but over time their words began to affect my confidence and my heart. When someone compliments you you feel very different than when they run you down. Jesus def understood this. He had to power to even cast out demons and heal disease with His words. Prayer is another example of how powerful words are. Basically like the proverbs Jesus is pointing out that the words we use are destructive and lead us to a progression that if our hearts get hard result in total destruction by way of Hell.

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Sermon on the Mount Begins!!!


Jesus had an amazing ability to really understand and get at the heart of the sinner. Throughout this chapter we see Jesus more concerned with the heart than the actions of the heart. He was looking to change us from the inside out.

verses 17-20 talks about Jesus' relationship with the law or the Old Testament commandments. Jesus is saying that he came to fulfill these commandments and not do away with them. Much like his great great great great grandpappy David, Jesus understood the heart of the law and why the commands were given instead of falling into the legalism that many of the Pharisees had. Once again we see some judgment language in who gets into Heaven

All the topics addressed in this chapter (Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, etc.) should raise some very serious questions and discussion...

Verses 43-48 - I think it is interesting that the first time we see Jesus using Love Language is in reference to those who are against us! Our enemies! How many of us think of love in this context?