The mission of Jesus Christ was for all; however, he focused on common examples to connect with his audience who mostly were people being persecuted or underprivileged within the society. To his audience, lessons based on life events that they could relate to increased their engagement to the teachings and even living the way Jesus taught them. To humanity, these teachings have offered hope to those who are hopeless as they touch on some of the issues that people go through every day.
In the sermon on the mountain beginning from Matthew 5:3, Jesus talks about the people who in his eyes are blessed. The people who are blessed and have the favor of God are the salt and the light of the world. The term salt of the world he compares to the ability of his followers as a source of hope to others. On the other hand, being the light of the world he commissions his followers to guide others to the truth. When he says ‘if salt have lost his savor,’ he is pointing to lack of faith among his followers.
The Mosaic Law did not include a plan for salvation, which Jesus brings into the picture by mentioning that he seeks to fulfill the law. The original intent of the Mosaic Law was to provide a blueprint for people to live peacefully and establish connections among themselves. However, by bringing in the new aspect of the law, Jesus makes the Mosaic Law a message of salvation to his followers and believers.
The sermon on the Mountain mentions that anyone who is angry at a brother without cause stands to be judged. Any act of retaliation is a sign of anger towards a brother, which breaks the bond of unity among brothers.
The Sermon on the Mount is not too high for anyone to climb as it offers counsel and teachings on dealing with everyday issues. When an individual sets principles to guide him or her, the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount become part of the values that define the way an individual lives.
The phrase is meant to signify that the amount given as a form of charity should not be made public. Publicizing information about a gift makes it hard for others to contribute, as they will feel they have given less or not as per their standard.
Jesus advises that treasures should be stored in heaven where moth, decay, or corrupt men cannot reach. In Matthew 6:21, he says, ‘for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’ (Bible Gateway, 2018). Where the treasure is kept is the where the heart of the owner is, making him the slave to the treasure.
Jesus points out that the worries for tomorrow are not within man’s control, while man might plan for the next day, fulfillment of the plans is largely based on many things including being alive. In real life, the message is a direction to understanding that the occurrence of things and the success of plans made for the next day are not in man’s hands.
A mote is likened to a small issue or sin that an individual has made tainting his or her faith. On the other hand, a beam is bigger mistake an individual has done. The message is used to point out that someone with a mistake cannot correct another before making his life right first.
Those who believe and trust in God are considered to produce fruits of joy, patience, peace, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, self-control, and gentleness (Bible Hub, 2017).
Thoughts
Despite knowing that these teachings are a central element in the New Testament teachings, the human race has ignored the facts of the message and even in other cases misinterpreted the message asserting personal aspects in place of the teachings. Many of the teachings are assumed as hard to be accomplished as they appeal to some of the critical areas in life, since the current generation is all about freedom and independence in personal decisions, applying these teachings has not yet become a reality.
Works Cited
Bible Gateway. “Matthew 6:21.” 2018. Bible Gateway. Article. 16 May 2018. <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A21&version=NIV>.
Bible Hub. “Galatians 5:22.” 2017. Bible Hub. Article. 16 May 2018. <http://biblehub.com/galatians/5-22.htm>.