Main ideas:
v.1-2 gives us the key to the passage: This is about the teaching of the disciples whom Jesus just called in chapter 4.
"v.1-2When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. Then he began to teach them by saying:"
NET, "The term Blessed introduces the first of several beatitudes promising blessing to those whom God cares for. They serve as an invitation to come into the grace God offers."
There sees to be 2 camps of people from now on, Jesus/disciples/prophets/Father in heaven and "people who persecute you," "the earth," "the world," "people" v.11-14
"v.11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way. "
What did Jesus teach His disciples? Why would that be a difference from now on between the disciples and the world?
We call this passage v.3-12, the "8 blessings, " the first 4 is about the God/man relationship, and the last 4 about the man/man relationship. In the 4th and the 8th blessings, they common theme is about "righteousness." Before God, we are huger for righteousness
v.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Before man, we are persecuted because of righteousness
v.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Righteousness is defined in the law and we need to obey and teach other to do so. It is the key to enter the kingdom of heaven.
v.20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, in the following chapters, Jesus was going to explain the OT laws to the disciples.
Difficult passage:
What does "salt of the earth" mean? How can salt loses its flavor? NET notes, "It is thus often assumed that Jesus was referring to chemically impure salt, perhaps a natural salt which, when exposed to the elements, had all the genuine salt leached out, leaving only the sediment or impurities behind."
I think the context suggests that the salt should have be useful. v. 13b, "It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people." What is our use in front of other people? Our good deeds can give honor to God. v.16 "In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven."
Reflection:
1. People were invited to repent and enter the kingdom of heaven, but not without requirement. However, the requirement is not fulfilled by our effort. In v.3-6 Jesus talked about the poor, the mourners, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst.
Sermon notes, "v.3 Poor-We need to recognize that we cannot do anything to inherit the kingdom. v.4 Mourn-feeling when someone close to you die. We need to see that there is nothing you can do to save yourself, therefore you mourn. When one admits that he is a sinner, it is not a causal matter. v. 5 meek-God can do whatever He likes with me."
2. When we are followers of Jesus persecution is expected. "On account of me" will be our greatest comfort when we face persecution/challenge. When we follow God's way and find it difficult to do remember this is done "on account of Jesus."
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