• PER089 The Sermon on the Mount (5), the Messiah Jesus' relationship with the law

    The fifth part of the Sermon on the Mount, this article analyses Jesus' relationship with Mosaic law on the basis of Matthew 5:17–20. Jesus states that he came to fulfil the law fully according to God's original purpose rather than abolish it. He distinguishes Moses' authentic law from the religious traditions added by scribes and Pharisees and warns that their institutionalised righteousness does not lead to the kingdom of heaven.

    Luke 24.44 (King James Version) :
    And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER090 The Sermon on the Mount (6), murder, offerings, and forgiveness

    The sixth part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21–26), this pericope examines Jesus' teaching on murder, offering and forgiveness. Jesus deepens the fifth commandment by showing that anger and contempt towards one's brother are spiritually as serious as murder itself. He contrasts the letter of Pharisaic law with God's original spirit and affirms that sincere forgiveness alone, rather than an offering, restores a normal relationship. The warning is eschatological: without reconciliation, there is Gehenna.

    Luke 18.9-14 (King James Version) :
    And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER091 The Sermon on the Mount (7), adultery and divorce

    Pericope 91 explores the seventh part of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on adultery and divorce (Matthew 5:27–32; Luke 16:18). Jesus goes beyond Mosaic law by condemning not only the act but also thoughts in which one indulges. He addresses divorce in relation to the schools of Hillel and Shammai, setting radical demands. The metaphors of the eye and hand emphasise the need for an inward transformation of the heart to avoid sin.

    Mark 10.37 (King James Version) :
    They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER092 The Sermon on the Mount (8): perjury

    In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about perjury (Matthew 5:33–37). Against the contemporary practice of conditional oaths, he requires simple, honest speech: let ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and ‘no’ be ‘no’. Matthew is the only Gospel writer to report this teaching, as Luke addresses non-Jews less concerned with this practice. James 5:12 repeats this precept in the apostolic tradition.

    Matthew 5.33-37 (King James Version) :
    Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER093 The Sermon on the Mount (9): Vengeance

    PER093 examines Jesus' teaching on vengeance in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38–42). Jesus reinterprets the law of retaliation (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21) by calling his disciples to non-violence, forgiveness and love of enemies. This teaching, unique to Matthew, advocates a peaceful response transcending the logic of vengeance rather than total passivity, in keeping with Romans 12:17 and 1 Peter 3:9.

    Romans 12.17 (King James Version) :
    Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER094 The Sermon on the Mount (10): loving one's enemies

    The tenth section of the Sermon on the Mount concerns love of enemies (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:27–36). Jesus goes beyond Pharisaic interpretation by inviting his disciples to love even Gentiles, following God, who loves all people. The ‘Golden Rule’ (Matthew 7:12) complements this teaching. The ultimate aim is divine perfection: ‘Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

    Luke 6.31 (King James Version) :
    And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate