Day 12 - The Sermon on the Mount

by Grace Outlaw

Matthew 5-7

Imagine yourself as a first century Jew. The average Jew was likely a farm laborer, working a small plot of land – or perhaps a fisherman – living in a modest home with stone and mud walls. You would likely work long hours, visiting the larger markets or towns for essential supplies when needed, and returning home in time for an evening meal with your family.

Rome’s presence has hung heavy over you for most – if not all – of your life. The soldiers that patrol the streets of your town are a constant cloud – a reminder of your oppression. The taxes you’re forced to pay have pushed your family to the brink of financial ruin. Many families you know have already lost their homes and lands to this crushing burden. You grew up learning about the Jewish slaves and God’s deliverance of them into the promised land. You can’t help but to pray for a deliverance of your own.

This past year or so you’ve heard of a man traveling the region… His teachings are said to be remarkable. He has even been rumored to heal the sick and dying! John the Baptist has proclaimed him to be some sort of Messiah – you don’t want to pin your hopes so singularly on one man, but could this Jesus of Nazareth be the one to overthrow the Romans and restore Israel and Jerusalem?

One morning you wake up and pack your modest provisions; perhaps some bread and dried fish. Maybe some figs or dates, olives or cheeses, and of course a waterskin for your day. You walk the dusty streets toward the outskirts of the village, as your fellow townspeople exit their homes and join you along your way. The street loses itself amongst the grasses that coat the hillside, wildflowers dotting the lush, rolling hills. A crowd has gathered in the natural amphitheater of the hills, the Sea of Galilee nestled in the basin below, reflecting the now-risen sun.

You settle in amongst the crowd, and look toward the lone figure at the top of the hill - just like Moses spoke from Mount Sinai! You’re nervous with anticipation and excitement - Finally! A man of God sent to deliver you from the Romans – no more mocking and bullying, no more taxation and suffering at the hands of those in power. This is what you’ve been waiting for! A strong, militant man who will help us come together and overthrow the Romans!

A hush falls over the crowd – men, women, even children – of all ages and stations, as Jesus of Nazareth begins to speak:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 

                         for they will be satisfied.    

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, 

                         for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

What follows is arguably the most pivotal and influential teaching of Jesus’ ministry. The infamous beatitudes kick off this sermon, turning all cultural knowledge completely upside down. When we think about what it means to be blessed, we don’t think of our times of mourning or meekness – being poor in spirit or persecuted. We think of conventional notions of what it means to be successful and happy: blessed are the RICH, blessed are the HEALTHY, blessed are the STRONG, and HAPPY, and PERFECT! I bet those first century Jews who gathered to hear Jesus speak were just as surprised as we are!

“You have heard it said…”

Jesus repeats this phrase six times during his sermon. He deliberately points to six teachings of the Torah and adds to them. It is no longer enough that we do not murder… we must not hate one another. Jesus emphatically points to our hearts rather than our ‘works.’ Hateful hearts do not function within the kingdom of God, no matter how well-behaved they may be. In this, Jesus challenges us to look inward and actively love those that are hardest to love.

How hard must it have been for those Jews to hear that they need to love their Roman oppressors? How hard is it for you to hear you need to love your enemy?

I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel like I have any enemies. I mean, that’s a historic concept… barbaric even, right? This is suburban, middle-class America! There are no Roman soldiers crucifying us! Women aren’t burned at the stake for reading and learning! Families can no longer be torn apart by being purchased like property…

But how did you feel about that person that cut you off in traffic today, causing you to slam on brakes and spill your morning coffee on your lap? How do you react when your kid doesn’t make varsity, but another, less-talented child does? How do you feel when someone from the other political party makes a Facebook post calling members of your political party stupid and hateful?

If Jesus can reasonably expect first-century Jews to show love to their Roman oppressors, he can absolutely expect us to show love to our next door neighbor who doesn’t pick up their dog poo when they go on walks.

How do you know a follower of Christ? 

“You will know them by their fruits…”

We are known by the love we show to one another. Not just to our friends, or to our family… That’s the easy part (mostly). We are called to love everyone. Even when it’s difficult.

What does the fruit you bear say about you?