The Sermon On The Mount....Matthew 5-7

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was a teaching event that really caught the attention of the Jews who heard Him.  Those who heard Him, recognized that He was teaching from and a new perspective. 

The last two verses in Matthew 7 grabbed my attention:  Matthew 7: 28-29  Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

The crowds were taught by one who looked at the world through the eyes of God and not as the world sees.  The sermon begins with  the Beatitudes...the Blessed Are's...which are so contradictory to the teachings of the world.  He points out in  this sermon the contrast between the righteousness of God as compared to what man call righteous...murder as God sees it, adultery in God's sight, forgiveness, judging others, and God's love and faithfulness to us.  This sermon illuminates the difference between our humanity and God's majesty.

As we read the words in these chapters, it becomes very clear that our best is not good enough. Our understanding is lacking. Our knowledge and wisdom are limited.  Our worldly perspectives will be flawed, in every aspect of life, as long as we are looking at the world through our own eyes and using our own understanding. 

We need a Savior and thankfully, Jesus offered Himself.  Through His death and resurrection and with the gift of the Holy Spirit we can see the world differently.  By prayer and reading of His Word, He will transform us into that light He calls us to be.

Matthew 6: 16  "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."