Week 1: Sermon on the Mount April 26-May 1

Okay, I am thinking that we can start with the things that Jesus, himself, taught.  Early in his ministry, he preached the Sermon on the Mount.  It is contained in Matthew chapters 5,6,7.  It is also in Luke chapter 6, but not nearly as detailed. Jesus preached this sermon which was completely different from anything people had been taught before. Before this, there was really little hope of a relationship with God. There was law, sacrifices, and ceremonies. Jesus offered a different way of doing things and a different attitude to go with it. He was calling for a personal relationship with a God that before, was mostly feared or only reverenced and it caused uproar where ever he preached.  I would like to break this sermon up into a few parts  over a few weeks.  I think this week we will start with this.The word Beatitude, comes from a latin word meaning 'happiness'.  Jesus began this sermon talking about being blessed under certain conditions. 

Each statement is a condition and a consequence. 

Think about what each statement means as you read it.
 

Look at Luke 6:20-26 for Luke's version. I think Matthew was more meticulous at writing down details.  He was a tax collector and probably made sure to get every detail.  Luke was a doctor and he seemed to 

focus on those key ideas. He wrote what he found was important to remember and pass along. Both hold some important information about what Jesus was hoping to teach the people.  Read through this scripture then think about the questions below. 

Matthew 5 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Beatitudes

5 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. ² Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    For they shall be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    For they shall inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    For they shall be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    For they shall obtain mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    For they shall see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    For they shall be called sons of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. ¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Believers Are Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

So I think I find a lot of things that send a message of hope.  I think Jesus was trying to tell those in need, that there is hope. There are different problems listed, different attitudes, different concerns, but in all, Jesus was offering hope. 
 

Questions to think about:

Where in your life do you find that you need to find hope?

Does God offer that hope you need?

Why does he follow with being a light?

Do we need to be a light of hope to those who need it?

How can I be that light shining in the darkness?
 

I think Jesus is hope. He offers hope, first of all through salvation. Then through a process of growing relationship that  should change us with every encounter.  I know this may sound basic, but I think, all of us can admit that we need to spend more time with the One who gives hope so we can be a better light to those around us. 

I think for me,  I need to find more hope in relationships with others.  I often don't say much or close off to others and wish I hadn't. I am realizing that I am missing out many times on what God really intends, because I don't always reach out when I should.  I miss the blessings that He wants me to have through others, or by being with others. I am not sharing the light he has given me, when I am not out there in the world where I should be. I am working on changing that and asking God for more boldness to step out of my little comfort zone. 

Please add to this, answer questions, ask questions.  Let's make this interactive and all participate.  But please remember to be respectful of one another. I do not want anyone to feel inferior or fearful of sharing.  I want us all to help one another grow and learn . As we go through the words of our Savior, let us always remember to start with prayer and ask for God's understanding to be given to us. God bless.

Welcome

     I know many of us are busy and have a lot to do.  But I also know we need more time in the Word of God. We need more time to spend with our Savior and develop that relationship for which we are created.  I encourage you to join in the reading, share your thoughts and questions, and pray for one another.  I hope to run through scriptures for 4-6 weeks per study.
     Thank you for participating and helping us all grow in the Lord.  This will be a great opportunity.eWe will try to get started on Monday!