The Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the most
significant discourse ever given. It was and still is revolutionary in its teachings
and message. Perhaps no other sermon of Jesus can compare
in helping us to better understand the attributes and characteristics of the Savior. The gospel of Matthew records that after Jesus’
baptism and fasting for forty days, he went about Galilee healing the sick and the afflicted. As Jesus’ fame spread around the countryside,
throngs of people began following Him, desiring to learn more about this miracle worker. As Jesus saw the multitudes following, he went up into a mountain overlooking
the Sea of Galilee. With this backdrop, the Savior began to teach. The scriptures often associate
mountains with places for worship and receiving revelation from God. The Lord commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac
atop Mount Moriah, and here Abraham was taught of the
interceding power of the Messiah. On Mount Sinai, Moses received
the Ten Commandments and instructions and ordinances
relating to the Tabernacle. While on Mount Carmel, Elijah
showed forth the power of God by calling down fire from heaven. Each of these mountains acted as a bridge,
so to speak, bringing the heavens closer to earth. Here on this mount overlooking
the beautiful Sea of Galilee, the Savior once again would bring
heaven down to earth. Jesus’ sermon began with what is now known
as the Beatitudes. The word beatitude means to be blessed,
prosperous or abundant. In giving this list of eight beatitudes, Jesus
differs significantly from the Ten Commandments. Instead of giving a list of “thou shalt nots,” he instead gives a list of things that we are to become. He uses phrases like, “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.” Notice that each of these speak to who the person is, and not just an easy list of dos and don’ts. For example, how does one become merciful? Is this a one-time event that you can check
off once completed? The answer is no, and that is perhaps one
reason why the teachings of Jesus within the Sermon on the Mount are so revolutionary. Jesus, in essence, breaks every perceived concept of what it means to be truly blessed or prosperous. He teaches that it is not through obtaining
wealth or power, as most Romans would have seen
as being blessed or prosperous. It is not even through strict obedience to the Law, as the Scribes and Pharisees would have understood. It is through becoming meek, lowly, hungering after righteousness,
being merciful, and a peacemaker. In short, the state of being blessed is about
who we really are, not just what we do. The Savior next instructs that as we work
towards becoming blessed, we then are commissioned to bless the lives of others. He shows this by giving two parable-type
teachings of salt and light. Salt in ancient times was extremely significant. Salt was not only used to bring out other
flavors and spices, but even more importantly,
was used as a preservative. In a world without modern refrigeration, meats could only be preserved
for later seasons by salting them. Additionally, salt was a part of every sacrifice
offered at the altar of sacrifice, symbolizing the lasting nature of the covenant. Jesus next teaches that we are to be a light
unto the world. He instructs “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.” The original word for candle in Greek actually
means an oil lamp, and the word for bushel “designates a vessel that could be used
to extinguish an oil lamp.” Thus, not only are we to bring light into
the lives of others, but also, we should not smother or
put out our own light for any reason. Both of these parables show how true disciples
can and should have a great impact on the lives of others bringing savor and preservation and giving light to those who are lost in darkness. Jesus then teaches “Think not that I am come to destroy
the law, or the prophets … but to fulfill.” The word fulfill does not mean to do away with, but instead means to complete or bring to fulness. Jesus fulfills the law, at least in part,
by showing through his teachings and his own example the true purpose behind the law. In essence, he helps his listeners to understand
that obedience is not the ultimate purpose; it is in becoming like God. Jesus demonstrates this by giving five examples
from the law each beginning with “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old…” and then quoting portions of the law to
which Jesus gives them new meaning. For example, when teaching about killing and
committing adultery, Jesus does not say that these laws
have been done away with, but instead He intensifies them. He teaches that even to think evil thoughts
is the same as actually committing the acts. Why is this the case? Well, again the ultimate purpose is not just obedience, but in becoming like our Heavenly Father. Another law Jesus quotes is about requiring
“an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” In our modern world we assume
this to be interpreted literally, meaning that you would actually cut someone’s
eye out if they had blinded you, but in ancient times it was interpreted far differently. In fact, several ancient Jewish sources discuss
this as being a form of recompense, not vengeance. For example, if out of rage you injured a carpenter, causing him to lose his eyesight, you would be required to help support his family because of the lost revenue in his trade. This “eye for an eye” actually was far
more just and merciful than even our own justice system today. Jesus next teaches that instead of seeking
recompense of an eye for an eye, we instead are to turn the
other cheek and go the extra mile. Roman soldiers were allowed to force a Jew
to carry their equipment for a mile. Thus, Jesus teaches that even when our enemies
compel us to do something against our will, we are to show true service by giving them
more then they even asked. The Savior concludes the five statements with
perhaps the most significant teaching, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Perhaps no other statement more fully demonstrates
the true character of Christ. When betrayed by Judas and arrested by the
temple priests in Gethsemane, Jesus turns and heals the
very soldier who came to arrest him. When on the cross, suffering beyond comprehension, the Savior forgives those who caused
him so much pain. And perhaps most significant of all,
as we each constantly sin and fall away from the perfection that Jesus directed, He quickly forgives, embracing us and helping us to once again continue our path of discipleship. The journey towards perfection,
as Jesus commands in Matthew chapter 5, can seem impossible to achieve. We must remember though,
that the word perfection in the last verse actually means to become complete or whole. This perfection is more of a final destination,
not a representation of our current state. It is the movement in the right direction
that is most important. As Jesus taught from this mount by the Sea
of Galilee, he truly bridged heaven and earth, giving us a glimpse into the eternities. Through his message he taught that we should
not become distracted with just mere obedience, but instead focus on becoming by lifting, serving, and being a light to those around us. As we rely on the Savior, repent of our sins,
and trust in the grace of Christ, it is His perfection that will ultimately
make us complete and whole.
