Sermon on the Mount study notes – Matthew 5:21-26
I have started a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group. [Reminder that these are only notes!]
Sermon on the Mount – Part 6
Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.
What does “blessed” mean?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.
Matthew 5:21-22:
“Said to those of old …” – could be said today: “That’s an archaic saying!”
What is the anger Jesus is referring to?
To be enraged, basically to lose control of oneself to emotion or extreme action. (Matthew 15:16-20)
(Interestingly, the work for judgment in Greek is our root for “crisis”)
What about these “insults”?
Gr. “Rhaka” – Numbskull! Fool!
Yet, “You fool!” – Gr. “more” or “moros” – our root for “moron”
Liable to the council could simply mean “the city elders” or, in our case, church elders, or it could even mean local authorities!
The “hell of fire” is literally “Gehenna”, the perpetually burning fire pit outside of Jerusalem at that time. The implication is eternal torment.
Matthew 5:23-26:
- Vv.23-24: “offering your gift” – We don’t make sacrifices anymore, but we give our gifts of physical worship and financial support.
- What if “they” don’t want to accept reconciliation?
- “So far as it depends on you …” – Romans 12:18
- “… shake the dust off your feet …” – Luke 9:5
- Do your part, stop if they want you to, but keep the door open.
- Like what?
- Going on a mission trip (To get away from some people?)
- Starting a Bible study/Ministry (To show everyone how bad they are?)
- “I’ll pray for you.” How are we using this? Snidely, or sincerely? Intending then forgetting?
- How are we giving?
- OT: Tithe given to support the Temple and priests/caretakers (Basically a national tax)
- Angry/Bitter?
- Not giving because of what “the church” did to you
- Giving to prove you are better than someone
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 –
- Giving to receive?
- Prosperity gospel teaches “See, sow a seed and reap a financial and physical bounty!”
- The only promise we get from Scripture is receipt of eternal life.
- Giving because of gratefulness?
- 2 Corinthians 9:11-15
- Giving to receive?
- What if “they” don’t want to accept reconciliation?
- Vv. 25-26: Mentioned possibly church or city elders could be the judges. Could mean actual court.
- 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 – We are to avoid lawsuits and being like the world.
- Hebrews 10:26-31 – God is the Judge to worry about most!
- Hebrews 12:12-17 – We will all stand before The Judge: can we ever pay our debt? (No.)
