In introduction to the Sermon on the mount, well summarized by William Barclay, asserting: "When we turn to Matthew, we turn to the book which may well be called the most important single document of the Christian faith, for in it we have the fullest and the most systematic account of the life and the teachings of Jesus." (William Barclay) The whole essence for the study is to lay bare definitively the rich truth there is in Matthew's gospel. But, particularly – the sermon on the mount. The focus is, on the dichotomous distinctives our Lord presented, if we are to know who the disciple of Christ is, or the must be possessed qualities that confirms this sobering claim to discipleship. Verse. 1 and 2 presents the Person of Christ the Lord, and the exposure of His compassionate heart c.f. Matt. 4v23 – 25. The learners in – Matt.4v23 – 5v1, presented varied physical needs; yet Christ saw beyond what the natural eye could see. Christ saw them as sinners, objects of God's wrath in darkened and distressful state. The teaching, dubbed lectures delivered (5v2) spills over from Matthew 5v3 – Matt. 7v29. These sections, are ground yet to be trodden in the series. Commenting on verse, John Gills Commentary; "And he opened his mouth...." asserted: "He spoke with a clear and strong voice, that all the people might hear him; and with great freedom, utterance, and cheerfulness, and things of the greatest moment and importance…" And, Matthew records at the close of the sermon on the Mount with these words: 28 [a]When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29 for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matt. 7v28 – 29 |