Publisher's Synopsis
Prior to this remarkable three-chapter sermon, Jesus faced and defeated the tempter, chose His first four disciples: Peter, Andrew, James, and John, and began His ministry of teaching and healing throughout Galilee. (Matthew 4) Then in Matthew chapters 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount is presented to a wide audience, consisting of both Jesus' disciples and the crowds who had been following, and had gathered to listen to Him teach. The context and details of the audience can be understood through the wording and structure of the passage. Let's review this in detail, focusing on the beginning of the sermon as presented in Matthew chapter five. The text indicates that Jesus began teaching His disciples, though the crowds were also present to hear His words. This suggests that the Sermon on the Mount is addressed primarily to the disciples, but the crowds were also able to overhear and benefit from the teachings. The themes of the Sermon on the Mount are relevant to both the disciples and the wider crowd: - The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) describe the characteristics of those who are part of the Kingdom of God, highlighting humility, mercy, purity, and a desire for righteousness. These are qualities that would have resonated particularly with the oppressed and marginalized in society, as well as those longing for a deeper spiritual life. - Instructions on Loving Others (Matthew 5:43-48): Jesus calls His followers to love even their enemies, which would have been a radical message in a time of Roman oppression and nationalistic fervor. - True Righteousness (Matthew 5:17-20, 6:1-18): Jesus teaches about a righteousness that surpasses mere legalism, focusing on inner transformation and relationship with God, rather than outward displays of religious observance. - Warnings about Hypocrisy (Matthew 6:1-18): These teachings would challenge both the religious leaders and the crowd to examine their motives for practicing religion, emphasizing sincerity over showmanship. At its core, the Sermon on the Mount presents the ethics of the Kingdom of God. While it is aimed at Jesus' disciples who are called to live out these values, the crowds also hear this call, as it lays the groundwork for what the Kingdom of God looks like in practice. For the disciples, this sermon is a guide to how they should live as ambassadors of God's Kingdom on earth. For the crowds, it's an invitation to consider what it means to be part of God's Kingdom.
