Moses and the Prophets had always given Israel a high standard – but always in the context of saying either “you have failed” or “you are going to fail”!
Jesus doesn’t. And Jesus makes clear that his standard reaches into the heart. He is not merely concerned with outward behavior. He shows us that anger is murder, lust is adultery. And it’s not enough simply to avoid doing bad things! You have to love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you!
Jesus says that you ‘must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (5:48)
You look at the church around the world – or for that matter, just look around this room!
We’re a bunch of screw-ups! We’re just like our fathers in the wilderness!
What gives Jesus the idea that this time it will be different?
Jesus has the authority to guarantee that this time it will be different. It will be different – not because we are any better than our fathers – but because he is. When Jesus preached this, they didn’t understand what it meant. But by the time Matthew wrote this, Jesus was sitting at the right hand of the Father.
The Sermon on the Mount will characterize the church of Jesus Christ because Jesus is King and Head of his Church – and by his Holy Spirit he will do what he has promised.
Our problem is that we confuse the kingdom with the benefits of the kingdom....
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