Sermon On The Mount

Jesus inaugurates a new era in God’s gracious dealing with His creation.

”You have heard it was said of them of old time, but I say unto you…
Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament law. He also came to begin a new era of relationship with God. The Jewish leaders continued to keep the law. Jesus gave them and us a new law.

Jesus’ new law is to love God and love each other. He inaugurates this new law in His Sermon on the Mount. He began what is sometimes identified as the “Upside Down Kingdom.” Everything humans think they need to survive is now reversed in this Kingdom.

The poor in spirit inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
The meek inherit the earth.
Those who mourn are blessed.
The merciful receive mercy.
Offenders are to be blessed.
Peacemakers are called the children of God.
The pure in heart see God.
Those persecuted for righteousness inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Do not retaliate.
Hatred is murder.
Lust is adultery.

There are two ways, two kingdoms, two destinations, two foundations, two masters, two houses. Everything the world values, loses its value. The heart is the goal of this Kingdom.

Actually, the heart was always God’s goal for His Kingdom. Now Jesus makes your heart the heart of His Kingdom. This is the heart of His new era of life. Your heart is the heart of His Kingdom. Your heart must beat with His heart as you live as a member of His Kingdom. That is the message of the Sermon on the Mount. That is the essence of the Kingdom of God. His call on our lives is the heart of His Kingdom as we thus show the world around us how to live.