Navigating through the teachings presented in the Sermon on the Mount, we immerse ourselves in a narrative that profoundly unveils the character of Jesus. This substantial dialogue offers valuable life instructions and a close-up view of the speaker Himself.
In his beautifully poetic manner, John introduces us to Jesus, describing Him as the divine Word in human form, capturing the profound mystery of God intertwining with humanity (John 1:1-14). In harmony with this, Paul pronounces that Jesus serves as the fundamental foundation of existence and is the force that unifies the whole universe. In Him, we find the entirety of God’s nature in a form that is both tangible and accessible (Col. 1:17; 2:9). These are more than mere theological proclamations; they serve as open invitations for a personal and transformative encounter with the Divine.
Matthew’s rendition of the Gospel is profoundly steeped in Jewish tradition and heritage. The Sermon on the Mount, painted with a uniquely Jewish palette, encourages us to adopt a first-century Jewish viewpoint to truly grasp the essence of Jesus through the cultural and traditional backdrop of His time. Grasping this context is crucial as it reveals Matthew’s intricate and rich portrait of Jesus.
As Jesus climbs the hillside, settling into the position of a Rabbi, His disciples intuitively draw near, ready to soak in His teachings. This visual signal is transparent to the audience - a seated Rabbi is prepared to teach with authority. In this moment, Jesus assumes the role of a teacher, yet He is a teacher like no other. He communicates with authority and directness that goes beyond the traditional “Thus says the Lord,” choosing instead the more assertive “But I tell you…” At this moment, atop the mountain, Jesus is not just expounding on God’s Word; He is speaking as the very Voice of God Himself.
In his Gospel, Matthew portrays Jesus as the anticipated Messiah, the anointed leader, encapsulating the dreams and hopes of the people of God. In ancient times, mainly within Old Testament tradition, a leader was seen as an embodiment of the entire community. This leader was the people. This concept would be immediately understood by a Jewish audience well-versed in their traditions; in declaring Himself the Messiah, Jesus embodied the nation, manifesting God’s promises and presence.
The audience leaves the Sermon on the Mount in awe, not merely because of the eloquence of the words spoken but because they have encountered the God of the universe through those words. [Place yourself in their sandals; they encountered the God of the universe! If that doesn’t stir your emotions …] This moment’s power transcends the teaching’s content, directing attention firmly to the teacher Himself. This sermon is more than a discourse; it is a divine call to enter into the very heart of God, to experience His presence, love, and truth in an authentic and life-changing way.
If someone were to ask, "Who is Jesus?" the question invites deep reflection, as the answer opens the path to a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe and salvation. Let’s seek to comprehend Him intellectually and strive to experience Him on a heart level. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus extends an invitation - not to a philosophy or a set of rules, but to a transformative and transcending relationship.
So, friend, I invite you to contemplate, ponder, and open your heart to the call of Jesus.
Engage with the depths of His teachings, experience His divine presence, and allow His love to transform you as you listen to the One who speaks with the authority of God Himself.
#God #Love #Hope #Faith