Matthew Chapter 5

1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: Matt 5:1-2 (NIV)

1. What is the Sermon on the Mount?

The Sermon on the Mount is in effect King Jesus’ inaugural address, explaining what he expects of members of his kingdom. It is the first of five great discourses in Matthew.

Mountain. The exact location is uncertain. It may have been the gently sloping hillside at the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee, not far from Capernaum

He sat down. This was the normal posture for rabbis while teaching

Although He did not actually give the Sermon on the Mount to the multitudes, He gave it to the disciples because He saw the multitudes and their need. Therefore, it was given to the multitudes indirectly.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matt 5:3 (NIV)

2. How can you be poor and still blessed?

 Blessed. The word lit. means “happy, fortunate, blissful.” Here it speaks of more than a surface emotion. Jesus was describing the divinely- bestowed well-being that belongs only to the faithful. The Beatitudes demonstrate that the way to heavenly blessedness is antithetical to the worldly path normally followed in pursuit of happiness. The worldly idea is that happiness is found in riches, merriment, abundance, leisure, and such things. The real truth is the very opposite. The Beatitudes give Jesus’ description of the character of true faith.poor in spirit. The opposite of self-sufficiency. This speaks of the deep humility of recognizing one’s utter spiritual bankruptcy apart from God. It describes those who are acutely conscious of their own lostness and hopelessness apart from divine grace . theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Notice that the truth of salvation by grace is clearly presupposed in this opening verse of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was teaching that the kingdom is a gracious gift to those who sense their own poverty of spirit. The Lord Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount was not telling His disciples how to become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. They already were citizens of the Kingdom.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt 5:4 (NIV)

3. What kind of mourning is Jesus speaking about?

Mourn refers to not only those who mourn over lost loved ones, but primarily those who mourn over committed sin.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  Matt 5:5 (NIV)

4. What is meekness?

This beatitude is taken from Ps 37:11  and refers not so much to an attitude toward people as to a disposition before God, namely, humility. the earth. The new promisedland . The meek are not inheriting the earth in this day in which we live — I’m sure you recognize that. So apparently the Sermon on the Mount is not in effect today. However, when Christ is reigning, the meek will inherit the earth.

How do you become meek? Our Lord was meek and lowly, and He will inherit all things; we are the heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. We are told that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, temperance, and meekness. Only the Spirit of God can break you and make you meek. If you could produce meekness by your own effort, you would be proud of yourself, wouldn’t you? And out goes your meekness! Meekness is not produced by self-effort but by Spirit effort. Only the Holy Spirit can produce meekness in the heart of a yielded Christian. The Christian who has learned the secret of producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit can turn here to the Beatitudes and read, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth,” and see that the rewards of meekness are still in the future.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matt 5:6 (NIV)

5. Why doesn’t everybody hunger and thirst for righteousness?

hunger and thirst for righteousness. Have a deep longing for both personal righteousness and justice for the oppressed. What about the natural man; does he hunger and thirst for righteousness? The ones I meet do not! “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1Cor. 2:14) The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The “natural man” is in contrast to the spiritual man who has found that Christ is his righteousness — “…of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1Cor. 1:30)

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Matt 5:7 (NIV)

6. How can we earn mercy?

This beatitude is so misunderstood in our day because it makes our obtaining mercy conditional on our being merciful. This is not the condition on which we obtain mercy — “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” Titus 3:5. We should be merciful because we have obtained mercy. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1Pet. 2:9-10).

Remember mercy is different from grace. Grace is receiving something good you don’t deserve, but mercy is not receiving punishment you do deserve.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Matt 5:8 (NIV)

7. Are we talking about cardiovascular health?

heart. The center of one’s being, including mind, will and emotions

No honest man can say that his heart is pure. How can the heart of man, which is desperately wicked, be made clean? The Lord Jesus said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3). It is by the washing of regeneration that we are made clean. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us from all sin (see 1John 1:7).

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matt 5:9 (NIV)

peacemakers. Those who promote peace, as far as it depends on them (Ro 12:18). In so doing, they reflect the character of their heavenly Father and so are called “sons of God”  Christ alone is the great Peacemaker. He made peace by His blood between a righteous God and an unrighteous sinner. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Peace-makers are a very different kind of people. They are different to peace-breakers because they set a guard on their tongue at all times, they think before they speak, and they are NOT confrontive just for the sake of it. They don’t have to give their opinion all the time, and they are able to walk away quietly and avoid a conflict when the situation calls for it. Peace-makers are motivated out of love – real love. If there is any other motivation behind what you are doing or saying then you are NOT acting as a peacemaker.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matt 5:10 (NIV)

Blessed. Because persecution provides an opportunity for believers to prove their fitness for the kingdom .  What is righteousness?

Righteousness is first the DECLARATION OF GOD. Righteousness is not based upon anything we do; the Bible says our righteousness is as filthy rags to God. God says we are righteous through faith in Christ Jesus. The blood of Christ makes it possible for us to be made righteous. As we “come clean” before God confessing our sin, with the full knowledge that Jesus paid the death penalty in our place, God declares us righteous.

Righteousness is also the DYNAMIC POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Spirit of God within you empowers you to live a holy life. Righteousness is not living according to a legalistic set of “dos and don’ts.” Righteousness is a life lived under the control and influence of God’s Spirit living in you. Righteousness is not forced upon you from the outside, but flows from within you by the dynamic power of God for the world to see.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matt 5:11-12 (NIV)

When you encounter persecution you are blessed when you remember it’s not you your attackers are outraged with. It’s not about you; it’s about Jesus! People have continued to resist Jesus. The Lord wants us to remember when we encounter persecution it’s not about us. It’s about Him.

John 15:18 If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. (MsgB)

Don’t be surprised when people despise you, or treat you unfairly. As long as they hate Jesus, they will continue to hate you

2 Corinthians 4:17-18  For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. (NLT)

Let’s keep the prize we have to gain always in our sight. In this way we will be blessed, and it will help us to make the right response to any persecution we may face.

Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. (NLT)

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matt 5:13-16 (NIV)

8. How are we the salt of the earth?

Salt is a flavoring which influences that which it touches. The world around us should be changed in some way by our presence. Our lives need to be an influence for truth and good and all the principles that Jesus has taught us.  Salt is also a preservative. It keeps things from rotting. Our lives and spiritual presence keeps society from deteriorating into chaos. Laws, ethics and morality come from God, through His people, to the world.

9. How are the light of the world?

We need to be a light in our neighborhood and wherever we go. We have no light within ourselves, but the Word of God is light. Being a light means giving out the Word of God in one way or another. People can’t see the light of Jesus except what they see in us.

The Fulfillment of the Law

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:17-20 (NIV)

10. How did Jesus fulfill the law?

Remember that part of the Mosaic Law was the ceremonial law. Christ was the sacrifice for the sins of the world, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth. Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill the Law. He fulfilled it in that He kept it during His earthly life. And the standard which was set before man He was able to attain, and now He is able to make over to you and me (and every believer) His own righteousness. God’s standards have not changed, but you and I cannot attain them in our own strength. We need help; we need a Savior. We do need mercy, and we obtain mercy when we come to Christ.

11. How can our righteousness exceed the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time.

The Pharisees were the religious group who prided themselves on keeping the 613 commandments of the Mosaic Law to the letter, as well as all the other man made rules and regulation that were added to the Law. Unfortunately they kept the letter but not the spirit of the law. They did what God wanted outwardly, but privately they were corrupt and sinful in their hearts. They went and worshipped God at the temple, but threw widows and orphans out of their houses.

Murder

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca, ‘ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Matt 5:21-26 (NIV)

12. What is Jesus trying to say here?

Raca. May be related to the Aramaic word for “empty” and mean “Empty-head!”

Jesus is taking the Law to a higher level, not just the outward appearance of keeping God’s Law, but the inward self. He is addressing the anger and hate that boils on the inside. The feelings that may never come out in action or word, but are still there and may result in cold or resentful behavior.

13. Is he saying don’t bring your offering to church?

No, he is saying if you go to church with resentment and anger in your heart, you are just wasting your time. God wants authentic worship, not phoniness. Reconcile with that person you are angry with, at least as much it is possible for you to do, then go to church with a clean heart. That’s what God wants, he wants the real thing. Then bring your offering.

Adultery

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

14. What’s wrong with looking?

Adultery. Jesus indicated that the sin described in Ex 20:14 lies deeper than the overt act. Every one that looketh characterizes the man whose glance is not checked by holy restraint, and who forms the impure purpose of lusting after her. The act will follow when opportunity occurs. Right eye. To the man who blames the sin on his eye, Jesus shows the logical procedure to follow. As we amputate diseased organs to save lives, so an eye (or a hand) so hopelessly affected needs drastic treatment. Of course, Jesus wanted his hearers to see that the real source of sin lies not in the physical organ but in the heart. A man’s evil heart must be changed if he would escape final ruin in hell—Wycliffe Bible Commentary

Divorce

31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

Whosoever shall put away his wife—The Jewish doctors gave great license in the matter of divorce. Among them, a man might divorce his wife if she displeased him even in the dressing of his victuals! Rabbi Akiba said, “If any man saw a woman handsomer than his own wife, he might put his wife away; because it is said in the law, If she find not favor in his eyes.” Deuteronomy 24:1.

Josephus, the celebrated Jewish historian, in his Life, tells us, with the utmost coolness and indifference, “About this time I put away my wife, who had borne me three children, not being pleased with her manners.”

A writing of divorcement—The following is the common form of such a writing. .

“On the day of the week A. in the month B. in the year C. from the beginning of the world, according to the common computation in the province of D., I, N. the son of N. by whatever name I am called, of the city E. with entire consent of mind, and without any compulsion, have divorced, dismissed, and expelled thee—thee, I say, M. the daughter of M. by whatever name thou art called, of the city E. who wast heretofore my wife: but now I have dismissed thee—thee, I say, M. the daughter of M. by whatever name thou art called, of the city E. so as to be free, and at thine own disposal, to marry whomsoever thou pleasest, without hinderance from any one, from this day for ever. Thou art therefore free for any man. Let this be thy bill of divorce from me, a writing of separation and expulsion, according to the law of Moses and Israel.

Cause of fornication—Λογου πορνειας, on account of whoredom. As fornication signifies no more than the unlawful connection of unmarried persons, it cannot be used here with propriety, when speaking of those who are married. I have therefore translated λογου πορνειας, on account of whoredom. It does not appear that there is any other case in which Jesus Christ admits of divorce. A real Christian ought rather to beg of God the grace to bear patiently and quietly the imperfections of his wife, than to think of the means of being parted from her. “But divorce was allowed by Moses;” yes, for the hardness of their hearts it was permitted: but what was permitted to an uncircumcised heart among the Jews, should not serve for a rule to a heart in which the love of God has been shed abroad by the Holy Spirit. Those who form a matrimonial connection in the fear and love of God, and under his direction, will never need a divorce. But those who marry as passion or money lead the way, may be justly considered adulterers and adulteresses as long as they live.—Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Oaths

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

The OT recognized the useful role of swearing oaths in certain situations (even God swore oaths: see, e.g., Ge 22:16; Jos 5:6; Ps 89:3–4, 35; Isa 45:22; Jer 22:5; Eze 26:7; common profanity is not in view. Jesus urged such honesty and integrity in all human speech that swearing oaths in support of assertions or commitments would not be necessary.

An Eye for an Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

The purpose of the “eye for eye, tooth for tooth “ thing was not a command to inflict retribution upon those who cause us injury. The purpose was to put a fair limitation on repayment of  suffered injury.

Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech! For I have killed a man for wounding me, Even a young man for hurting me. 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.” Gen 4:23-24 (NKJV)

Jesus was calling His followers again to a new standard. They were not to engage in equaling the score, but to go the “extra mile “and show a new concept of human relationship, unconditional love without regard for cost.

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

• Here is calling for the followers to do something which will not be possible until the Day of Pentecost, when they are filled with the “power” of the Holy Spirit. Loving our enemies is not within our flesh to do.
• ESVN………….ESV Study Bible Notes
• MSBN…….MacArthur NASB Study Notes
• NIVSN…..NIV Study Notes.
• JVM ….J Vernon McGee,
• ACC …. Adam Clarke’s Commentary
• BN …..Barnes Notes
• WBC……   Wycliffe Bible Commentary
• CN …… Constables Notes
• IC……….Ironside Commentary
• NET………Net Bible Study Notes.
• JFB…………..Jamieson  Fausset  Brown Commentary
• VWS……………..Vincent Word Studies
• CMM………….Commentary on Matthew and Mark
• BDB………….. Barclay’s Daily Study Bible (NT)
• Darby………..John Darby’s Synopsis of the OT and NT
• Johnson………Johnson’s Notes on the New Testament.
• NTCMM…………..The New Testament Commentary:  Matthew and Mark.
• BKC………………….Bible Knowledge Commentary
• PCB…………………… Popular Commentary of the Bible,
• SSN…………………..Scofield’s Study Notes/
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