Analysing the Sermon on the Mount

Analysing “The Sermon on the Mount”

Please use your text: “In Search of the Good” pages 90 – 106 or the Bible to answer this assignment.

Sermon on the Mount This is the greatest sermon Jesus ever preached. The Lord's Prayer, the beatitudes, and the golden rule are in this sermon. Jesus delivered this sermon on a mountain near Capernaum. Jesus sat while delivering the Sermon on the Mount. Sitting signified authority, so rabbi's often sat while teaching.

Divisions The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew 5 -7. It is divided into 5 sections listed below: Beatitudes : Matthew 5:1-16- Teachings that begin with "blessed." These were meant to comfort suffering believers. The word "beatitude" is derived from the Latin "beatus," which means blessed or happy. This designation is appropriate because each teaching begins with the word "blessed." New laws : Matthew 5: 17 – 48 - Contrasts the old Law of Moses with the new Law of Christ. It is a brief summary of Christian doctrine. Lord's Prayer : Matthew 6:1 - 19 - Instructions on prayer. Jesus also teaches the proper instructions on giving and fasting. Money : Matthew 6:20 - 34 - Christian attitudes concerning the use of money. Reasons to avoid worry. Warnings : Matthew 7 - Dangers of false teachers and hypocrisy. Jesus also presents several warnings, the golden rule, and the parable of the wise and foolish builders.

INTRODUCTION: In order to understand the scripture of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses some new vocabulary. Define the following terms: 1. Parousia: ______2. Torah: ______3. Beatitudes: ______4. Gospel: ______5. Eschatological: ______6. Grace: ______A. BEATITUDES Matthew 5:1-16 1. List the four beatitudes which express an action of God to the poor 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______

2. List the four beatitudes which talk about our behaviour to our neighbour. 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______

3. Fill in the blanks: Beatitudes are a form of pronouncement. They presuppose that a ______or ______has already been given or is about to be received. The gift here is the ______?

4. Read the sections on “Salt and light” - Matthew 5: 13-16. Please describe in 2-3 sentences what you think Jesus is talking about. ______

SALT AND LIGHT – THE SCHOLARLY INTERPRETATION - Fill in with Mrs. A. ______

B. NEW LAWS Matthew 5: 17 – 48 Read the following sections of the Sermon on the Mount give a brief explanation (2-3 sentences) of each one. 1. The law and the prophets: ______2. Concerning Anger: ______

3. Concerning adultery and divorce: ______

4. Concerning oaths: ______

5. Concerning retaliation: ______

6. Love for enemies: ______

C. LORD’S PRAYER Matthew 6:1-19 Read the following sections of the Sermon on the Mount and give a brief explanation (2-3 sentences) of each one. 1. Concerning almsgiving: ______

2. Concerning prayer: ______

3. Concerning fasting: ______

Why do you think the Lord’s Prayer is placed in this section of the Sermon? ______MONEY: Matthew 6:20-34 What is Jesus trying to have the listener learn about money and wealth? ______

D. WARNINGS Matthew 7 What does the Sermon on the Mount teach us about ….. 1. Judging others: ______

2. Ask, Search, knock: ______

3. The Gold Rule: ______

4. The Narrow Gate: ______5. Self-deception: ______6. Hearers and Doers: ______

Overall, what is Jesus trying to warn the listeners about? ______

Conclusion: 1. What is meant by the following statement: “Eschatological ethics strives for the infinite good”? (5 marks) ______

2. Why is it important to study the Sermon on the Mount in order for Christians to understand ethics and morals? Give 3 concrete examples of topics in the Sermon and explain how they can influence your ethical life. (10 marks) ______