• PER086 The Sermon on the Mount (2): the woes recorded by Luke

    This article focuses on the woes Jesus pronounces in the Sermon on the Mount according to Luke's Gospel. By denouncing attachment to material things and the pursuit of human approval, these warnings highlight the essential values to follow as a true disciple.

    Luke 6.24-26 (King James Version) :
    But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER087 The Sermon on the Mount (3): the salt of the earth

    The article examines the ‘salt of the earth’ in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, analysed in Matthew 5:13 with connections to Mark's and Luke's Gospels. Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate the disciples' role as bearers of wisdom and protection against corruption, warning against losing their spiritual influence.

    Luke 14.34-35 (King James Version) :
    Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER088 The Sermon on the Mount (4): the light of the World

    This article explores how, in the Sermon on the Mount, the image of the ‘light of the world’ teaches disciples to live their faith visibly, illustrated through Matthew 5:14–16, Mark 4:21–22 and Luke 8:16/11:33–35. These allegories encourage them to be examples of integrity, reflecting God's light to inspire others to celebrate him.

    Luke 11.33-35 (King James Version) :
    No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.
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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.

    Matthew 5.21-48 (King James Version) :
    Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.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.Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.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, and persecute you;That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
    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.

    1 Kings 8.39 (King James Version) :
    Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)
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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.

    James 5.12 (King James Version) :
    But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
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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.

    Deuteronomy 19.21 (King James Version) :
    And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
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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.’

    Matthew 5.43-48 (King James Version) :
    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, and persecute you;That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER095 The Sermon on the Mount (11): Giving

    This article explores Jesus' teaching on giving in the Sermon on the Mount. By insisting on a personal relationship with God, it criticises the Pharisees' ostentatious practices. The setting is Galilee shortly after Passover in AD 31, highlighting a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry.

    Matthew 6.1-4 (King James Version) :
    Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER097 The Sermon on the Mount (13): forgiveness

    This article explores forgiveness in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasising that our ability to forgive is connected with divine forgiveness, a central theme in Matthew's Gospel.

    Luke 6.37 (King James Version) :
    Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER098 The Sermon on the Mount (14): fasting

    The article analyses the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus criticises the Pharisees' religious formalism. It stresses the importance of sincere and discreet motives when practising fasting and other religious acts.

    Mark 2.18-20 (King James Version) :
    And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER099 The Sermon on the Mount (15): treasure in heaven

    This article analyses a passage of the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus Christ discusses the importance of choosing between earthly and spiritual riches, emphasising that true treasure is in God's kingdom. Jesus highlights the incompatibility of serving both God and money, advocating priority for spiritual values.

    Matthew 6.19-24 (King James Version) :
    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER103 The Sermon on the Mount (19), the golden rule

    The article discusses the golden rule in the Sermon on the Mount, explains that spiritual transformation is necessary to put it into practice, and emphasizes the need for God’s help.

    Galatians 5.14 (King James Version) :
    For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER104 The Sermon on the Mount (20), the two paths

    The article discusses the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus explains the importance of spiritual choices, symbolized by two paths. This recurring theme emphasizes Jesus’ call to his disciples to choose the difficult way leading to eternal life.

    Matthew 7.13-14 (King James Version) :
    Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER106 The Sermon on the Mount (22), those who call me Lord

    The article explores the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus speaks of supposed disciples whom he does not recognize. Comparing the evangelists Matthew and Luke, it discusses the authentic faith needed to enter the Kingdom of God, beyond ethnic identity and miraculous deeds.

    1 John 4.7 (King James Version) :
    Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER108 The results of the Sermon on the Mount

    PER108 concludes the Sermon on the Mount according to Matthew 7.28-29. The crowd and the disciples are struck by Jesus’ unique authority, so different from that of the Pharisees. Through 23 points, Jesus has outlined the portrait of a true disciple, an ideal impossible to attain without profound transformation. The crowd glimpses the Messiah in him and longs for the new life he offers.

    Mark 1.22 (King James Version) :
    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER140 The parable of the measure

    The parable of the measure (PER140) teaches that the way we judge and treat others determines how God will measure us in return. Jesus calls for attentive listening, reciprocity, justice and generosity. This principle, shared by Mark 4.24-25, Matthew 7.1-2 and Luke 6.38, echoes the golden rule and forms the heart of Christian ethics.

    Luke 6.31 (King James Version) :
    And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate