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Welcome to the gospel of Matthew

A Lenten study series of our Lord Jesus Christ! Matthew 5 – 7. Welcome to the gospel of Matthew. Review

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Welcome to the gospel of Matthew

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  1. A Lenten study series of our Lord Jesus Christ! Matthew 5 – 7 Welcome to the gospel of Matthew

  2. Review It was no accident that Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, in lands of Zebulon and Naphtali – the place where Israel’s long exile began. The light of Christ would shine out to all nations from that very place, marking the start of a great reversal. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, he declared. And people from all nations will be drawn out of spiritual exile to find their places in the kingdom. Introduction to the sermon on the mount – chapters 5 – 7

  3. We are half-way through the first of Matthew’s five books

  4. The narrative section describing the preparations for Jesus’ ministry leads into Jesus’ most famous discourse: The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7). Just like Moses gave the Old Covenant Law to Israel from Mount Saini, Jesus will climb a mountain to deliver the spiritual law of the New Covenant. Narrative and discourse

  5. By the end of chapter 4, Jesus is attracting crowds of people from all over Palestine. They are anxious for the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. They have gathered to hear him and at the start of Matthew 5 he will sit down and began to teach them. Think about it for a moment: • What might you expect him to say to Jews and Gentiles? They are hungry…. Restoration of Israel

  6. When God called Abraham and made a covenant with him and his descendants, he promised them land, and an everlasting royal kingdom which would be the source of blessing to the entire world. It is significant, then, that Jesus’ first major pronouncement, the Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes – the blessings of the New Covenant. A deeper insight…

  7. Beatitudes are ways to achieve or endure possession of a perfect good. • A way of attaining Happiness or blessedness • Supernatural beatitude is the perfect happiness enjoyed by a nature raised by grace and the light of glory to the eternal vision of God. If we were to look up “beatitude” what would it mean?

  8. To be blessed, means to be highly favored or fortunate in the eyes of God; • To receive good favor • To be characterized by happiness or good fortune • Enjoying the bliss of heaven What does it mean to be blessed?

  9. What does Jesus proclaim in the Beatitudes will be “blessed” of the kingdom? • According to Jesus, the “blessed” of the kingdom • Will be poor in spirit • Those who mourn • The meek • Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness • The merciful • The pure in heart • The peacemakers • Those who are persecuted Who will be blessed?

  10. Ordinarily, beatitude or blessedness would be declared based on one’s good fortune. On what basis does Jesus declare his blessings? • Jesus is declaring blessings based on what we would consider • Bad fortune • Poverty • Sorrow • Hunger and thirst • Persecution • What a paradox! Taken properly, these do not constitute a curse but can actually be a blessing and usher one into the kingdom of heaven. On what basis do we receive blessings?

  11. True happiness or blessing is found in God’s kingdom and in his righteousness, not in the blessings of the world such as pleasure, wealth, achievement, or acceptance. We may think that these things will satisfy us, but in the end only God can fulfill the longings of our heart and meet our very natural desire for happiness. True happiness and blessing are found not by selfish striving and grasping but by giving ourselves away through practicing the virtues of mercy and purity of heart and peacemaking. The kingdom of heaven can’t be gained by birthright, force, or achievement – it belongs to those who are at heart children of God, who long for righteousness and who are intimate with him. What point is Jesus making about the kingdom of heaven and happiness?

  12. Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Who are the poor in spirit? The poor in spirit are humble. They realize their spiritual poverty, who know that of themselves they are nothing, and are convinced of their need for God’s love and mercy. The first beatitude lays the ground work for the rest…

  13. 544 - The kingdom belongs to the poor and lowly, which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts. Jesus is sent to "preach good news to the poor"; he declares them blessed, for "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." To them - the "little ones" the Father is pleased to reveal what remains hidden from the wise and the learned. Jesus shares the life of the poor, from the cradle to the cross; he experiences hunger, thirst and privation. Jesus identifies himself with the poor of every kind and makes active love toward them the condition for entering his kingdom. How does the catechism answer that?

  14. I. General blessings of the Kingdom (Beatitudes -- 5:3-12) II. General demands of the Kingdom (salt/light -- 5:13-16) III. Kingdom demands with reference to others (“antitheses” -- 5:17-48) IV. Kingdom demands with reference to God (6:1-34) 1. alms (6:1-4) 2. prayer (6:5-15) 3. fasting (6:16-18) 4. loyalty part 1 (3 short wisdom sayings -- 6:19-24) 5. loyalty part 2 (word of comfort to enable our loyalty-6:25-34) V. Judging others (7:1-6) VI. Prayer (7:7-11) VII. The Golden Rule (7:12) VIII. Four Warnings (7:13-28) 1. Two Ways (7:13-14) 2. False Prophets (7:15-20) 3. False Disciples (7:21-23) 4. Two Builders (7:24-27) The way of the kingdom big picture 5:1-7:29

  15. A. Kingdom attributes (5:1–12) • 1. The poor in spirit (5:3) • a. The role (5:3a): God blesses those who realize their need for him. • b. The reward (5:3b): The Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. • 2. Those who mourn (5:4) • a. The role (5:4a): God blesses those who mourn. • b. The reward (5:4b): They will be comforted. • 3. The meek (5:5) • a. The role (5:5a): God blesses the gentle and lowly. • b. The reward (5:5b): The whole earth will belong to them. • 4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (5:6) • a. The role (5:6a): God blesses those who seek after justice. • b. The reward (5:6b): They will receive it in full. Outline of Matthew 5:1-12

  16. 5. The merciful (5:7) • a. The role (5:7a): God blesses those who are merciful. • b. The reward (5:7b): They will be shown mercy. • 6. The pure in heart (5:8) • a. The role (5:8a): God blesses those whose hearts are pure. • b. The reward (5:8b): They will see God. • 7. The peacemakers (5:9) • a. The role (5:9a): God blesses those who work for peace. • b. The reward (5:9b): They will be called the children of God. • 8. Those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness (5:10–12) • a. The role (5:10a, 11): God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God. • b. The reward (5:10b, 12): The Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Outline of the sermon on the mount

  17. The answer is found in vs. 1 – on the mountain. • This is a setting of Jesus promulgating the law of the new covenant, and it parallels Moses’ experiences of Mt. Siani delivering God’s Old Covenant Law to Israel (Ex. 24:12-18) • St. Augustine says the mountain signifies the high standards of the new covenant. The tablets of the Mosaic Law and 10 Commandments were brought down Mt. Siani and promulgated at the foot of the mountain as a concession to the Israelites – they were weak and unfit to ascend into God’s presence – Ex. 19:23 and Ex. 32: 15-19 Where does all of this sermon start?

  18. The old covenant was thus a lower and less-perfect Law (Ez. 19:23 and Matt. 19:8) The New Law introduces a higher standards for holiness; Christ thus brings disciples up the mountain to receive his teaching. Jesus himself fulfills the New Law perfectly and empowers the church to live it faithfully through the Holy Spirit. – Rom 5:5, Rom. 8:3-4 fulfill

  19. What is the significance of Jesus sitting? • Sitting is a traditional posture for Jewish rabbis who speak with authority – Mat. 23:1-2, John 8:2 • At Mass, we sit at the feet of Jesus during the first reading, second reading, and during the homily. • It is the idea that we are listening to Jesus speak to us through the priest. Are we listening? Vs. 1 says he sat down

  20. The Beatitudes are put together logically, and they build on the one mentioned before each other. Notice what the basis for the foundation is for all of them? • It is poverty, the first one mentioned. • All of the other beatitudes build off of that one. What is the pattern of the beatitudes?

  21. He says the first seven beatitudes correspond to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. – Is. 11:2 Catechism 1831 - These gifts then are possessed in their fullness by Christ and are given to those who are baptized. What implications do the beatitudes have on us morally? - Ask St. Augustine!

  22. Some of you might be thinking how can this be? Being there are 8 Beatitudes and only 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit! • The eight Beatitude summarizes the first seven. • Repetition is good, and it helps us to learn • Think of the days of addition and subtraction or spelling! Beatitudes and gifts?

  23. The “poor in spirit” – vs. 3 – they exercise the fear of the Lord, • A gift of reverence for God that awakens the soul to its weaknesses and fosters a childlike fear of God. • Those who “mourn” – vs. 4 – they exercise knowledge, • A gift that imparts a correct estimation of created things and their relative value before God So how do the beatitudes link to the Gifts of the holy spirit?

  24. The “meek” – vs. 5 – they exercise piety • Piety is the gift of filial love for God that moves the soul to worship and it protects the soul against the hardening of one’s heart in the midst of trials. • Those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness” – vs. 6 – they exercise might or fortitude. • A gift of firm resolution to peruse holiness despite obstacles. gifts

  25. The “merciful” – vs. 7 – they exercise counsel. • Counsel is the gift that assists decision making and helps to guard against rashness; as an interior guide. It assists one to counsel others and to extend compassion to them. • The “pure in heart” – vs. 8 – they exercise understanding. • The gift of insight into the mysteries of the faith. It is not mere intellectual understanding but the spiritual perceptions of the heart. gifts

  26. The “peacemakers” – vs. 9 – they exercise wisdom. • The gift of contemplative reflection on and love for – divine things. It enables them to see things in the world through the eyes of God. • It enables one to assess the world by revealed truths and instills peace in the world. gifts

  27. Vs. 3 – those who are aware of their spiritual poverty, and they know they need God’s mercy. • They are like the lowly of the Old Testament, seeking on the riches of heaven. (Is. 61:1 and Zeph 2:3) • While this includes the powerless and materially poor, it refers to those who recognize their moral weakness. • With a humble spirit, they live inwardly detached from earthly goods – Catechism 544 and 2546 • What does the world say about poverty? Who are the poor in spirit?

  28. By being poor in spirit, those who mourn lament mankind's earthly trouble. • They recognize that one cannot, with human effort alone, reach the blessedness of heaven. • Disciples who mourn are likewise troubled by the injustices of the world and grieve over their sins. – Is. 61:2 • Why does the world say that those who mourn are cry babies and sissy’s? Who are those who mourn?

  29. Meekness is not weakness, but humility and faith in God especially during trials – James. 1:12 – • The meek maintain serenity and self-control through difficult circumstances. • Moses exemplified this virtue more than any other in the Old Testament – Numbers 12:3 and Sir 45:4 – • Meekness is a dominant characteristic of Jesus – Mat. 11:29 who obeyed the Father’s will unto death. • What does the world say about being humble? Who are the meek?

  30. The meek will inherit the earth? • This is a similar blessing that was offered to ancient Israel, the Promised Land • A complete trust in God’s plan • Going where God wants us to go • Doing what God wants us to do • Jesus’ words encompass the whole earth, which God can safely entrust to those who mourn, and correctly estimate the world’s value in light of eternity Meek?

  31. The meek are not satisfied with earth but long for a heavenly inheritance. They strive to secure it through holiness and obedience to the word of God. – Heb. 12:14 • They will be satisfied! Those who seek and desire righteousness, will receive a heavenly gift – Rom. 5:17 • Where does the world tell us to turn to fill our hungers and desires? Those who hunger and thirst?

  32. Those who are satisfied for their hunger and thirst for righteousness and mercy, they long extend that gift to others – Lk. 6:36 • Catechism 2447 – The merciful imitate God by forgiving their neighbor and they seek to remedy material and spiritual injustices in the world. • What does the world say about being merciful vs. being self centered and worrying about yourself? The merciful?

  33. The heart has great implications and for the ancient Hebrew people, the heart signified the center of the person • Source of love and obedience were the origin of every act and decision. • Having obtained mercy, the pure are given clear spiritual vision for single minded devotion • They will see God!!! – the inwardly pure behold God in the simplicity of faith, and they will see him face to face in heaven. 1 Cor. 13:12, 1 Jn 3:2 • What value does the heart have in the worlds decisions? The pure in heart?

  34. In the bible, God’s peace is the interpersonal harmony established by relationships between God and man. • More than a mere absence of conflict, true peace stems from reconciliation with God – 2 Cor. 5:18-20 – • The pure in heart already stand in God’s peace as his children – Rom. 5:1. • They seek to extend this gift to others by advancing the gospels? • Who does the world say is number 1 yourself or the Lord? The peacemakers?

  35. The peacemakers who spread the gospel will encounter hostility and persecution. • Jesus here, envisions new covenant disciples in line with the old covenant prophets, many of whom were abused and killed by their kinsmen. • They suffered because of their love and faithfulness to God and their denunciation of personal and social evil • Great example is the martyrs • What does the world say about faithfulness to the will of God? Those who are persecuted?

  36. After the Beatitudes, the kingdom attributes, and the ways we will be filled. • Jesus now begins to talk about the kingdom actions and shows us how to live these attributes that were just laid out for us. • Followers of Christ are now called to fulfill the vocation of Israel – Gal. 6:16 • To be a light to the nations – Is. 42:6, and Is. 49:6 • Light is lived by being obedient to the law of God – Is. 51:4 Mat. 5:13-16 Salt and light

  37. Israel was given a God given mission, and now Jesus asks his followers to fulfill this mission. • In the Old Testament, God called Israel to fulfill his mission for him: • to be a light to the nations • To open their eyes • To bring them out of darkness into the light of salvation. • Now, Jesus calls on his followers to fulfill the same function • To shine through their good works - light • To live that so others will be attracted - salt Not the first time Israel is called to be children of light. Is. 42:6-7

  38. The Israelites were called to live heroic and exemplary lives that would attract other nations. Jesus now call us to shed the light of the new covenant beatitudes, by putting them into action and shedding light on the new covenant by doing good work – vs. 16 And to bring flavor to those who are around us A light to the nations?

  39. Enhance your understanding of what God calls his children to do? Well. • Without light, we cannot see things as they are • Without light, we cannot find our way • Without light, we become afraid • Without light, we make mistakes • Without light, we stumble • Without light, we fall • But light enables us to see clearly, to find our way, and to walk steadily and well. Light is necessary for us to grow and live How does the image of light…

  40. People who are without the light of God cannot see the truth. • By shining the light of God’s Word on the paths that we take in life, or by reflecting his light into the world by our attitudes and actions and behaviors • We can do for the world what a light does for a dark room or path. On the flip side of the coin?

  41. Salt can be applied in a number of ways: (5 of them) • Salt is pure. It is used to purify other things. Christ’s followers are to be pure in character and free from the contamination of sin. • Salt is a preservative. In this sense, our life is about preserving our faith and passing it on to others, and we are called to preserve others around us from their sinful ways. But what does it mean to be salt?

  42. Salt seasonsfood and enhancesflavor. In a similar way, “salty” Christians can bring out the best in the community. Salt produces thirst, and the lives of Christians should produce a thirst for God in those around them. Salt is needed to stay alive. Even so, we should be like Jesus, transforming the world around us with his love and bringing new life to those around us. Salt?

  43. This is a reference to Jerusalem. • The temple, Mt. Zion, is meant for all the world to see as a light to truth. • The church is the fullness of the truth, and it is meant to be a light to the nations, so that others may see the goodness of man, and give glory to God. What is this city set on a hill? = vs. 14

  44. In vs. 16, we read that our Father is in heaven. • Matthew, up to this point, has not made a reference the fatherhood of God. We did hear the voice of the father at the Lord’s baptism, but nothing about his fatherhood. • Matthew, in chapters 5-7, calls God “Father” 17 times • The fatherhood of God is the deepest mystery of his identity, and from all eternity • he fathers a divine Son, = John 1:1, • and throughout history he adopts us as children in Christ – Gal. 4:4-7 fatherhood

  45. Basic outline of verses 17 – 20 which talks about the kingdom and the law A. The Redeemer and the law (5:17–18): Christ did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. B. The redeemed and the law (5:19): Those who obey and teach God’s laws will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. C. The religious leaders and the law (5:20): People like the godless Pharisees, who do not obey the law, will not enter into the Kingdom. Matthew 5:17-48 – the law and the prophets

  46. III. The Kingdom and the Old Testament (5:21–48) • A. In regard to murder (5:21–26) • 1. The basic concept (5:21): The law says, “Do not murder.” • 2. The broadened concept (5:22–26): Jesus says that hating someone in your heart is the same as murder. Our relationship with God is dependent on our relationship with others. • B. In regard to adultery (5:27–30) • 1. The basic concept (5:27): The law says, “Do not commit adultery.” • 2. The broadened concept (5:28–30): Jesus says that looking lustfully at someone is the same as adultery in your heart. • C. In regard to divorce (5:31–32) • 1. The basic concept (5:31): The law says, “A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a letter of divorce.” • 2. The broadened concept (5:32): Jesus says that unlawful divorce and remarriage is the same as adultery. Outline of verses 21-48

  47. D. In regard to oaths (5:33–37) • 1. The basic concept (5:33): The law says, “You must make good all that you vow.” • 2. The broadened concept (5:34–37): Jesus says, “Don’t make any vows!” A simple yes or no should suffice. • E. In regard to retaliation (5:38–42) • 1. The basic concept (5:38): The law says, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” • 2. The broadened concept (5:39–42): Jesus says to turn the other cheek and to do more than is demanded. • F. In regard to love (5:43–48) • 1. The basic concept (5:43): The law says, “ ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.” • 2. The broadened concept (5:44–48): Jesus says, “Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Outline of verses 21-48 continued.

  48. The Lord just asked his followers to be light and salt in this new law. Here is where Jesus applies his New covenant understanding to the Old covenant laws regarding murder, adultery, divorce, swearing, retaliation, and enemies. Now he gives a summary in verses 17 -48 of the Old Testament How would you summarize this message? Hint you might want to use the word “fulfill” Matthew 5:17-48 – the law and the prophets

  49. Jesus is taking examples from the old covenant law when he uses the phrase… • “You have heard that it was said….” • And now he adds a new interior depth to this meaning when he says… • “But I say to you….” • Jesus is indicating that his interpretation is an authoritative one. It is not simply the act that is wrong, but the thoughts that lead to those actions are wrong as well. Let’s look at it!

  50. Under the new law, Jesus tells his followers they need to go the extra mile • Give more than is demanded • Avoid retaliation • Love your enemies • Bless those who persecute you • He is telling his followers who would understand the Jewish laws that rather than using the law as your ruler and measuring out fair play, use God as your measure and be merciful as he is merciful. • Take a moment and explain to someone at your table your understanding and the purpose why you think Jesus is doing this A bit more

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