Invitation to the New Testament 9/27

In the reading for Monday we read one of the most famous, and possibly most challenging, of Jesus' teachings, The Sermon on the Mount.  It is a broad collection, covering the law, adultery, divorce, taking oaths, loving enemies, fasting, offerings, money, judgment, and tons of other stuff.  Some scholars believe that this sermon was actually a compilation of many of Jesus' teachings, while others do actually see it as one full sermon.

Many people have tried to use the Sermon on the Mount as kind of a "new law"  to judge other Christians.  Often we want to see it as a list of "do's" and "don'ts" that keep us in line with God.  However, I don't think that is what it was for.  Dallas Willard is a Christian author, and he says that the sermon on the mount is not a new law, but instead a picture of what life looks like lived fully in God's kingdom.  In God's Kingdom, when things are right and God is totally in control, the poor are blessed, we live in love towards one another, there is no divorce, we love our enemies, we don't need recognition from others for our giving, we are generous and we don't worry about tomorrow.  Instead of using these teachings as a "law" to make us feel guilty, we should see them as a goal to strive for, knowing that they are only possible for us and the rest of the world when God is in control and Christ is Lord.  When we fail to live up to what Jesus calls us to, then we call on Jesus for forgiveness and help, and we live in the grace that Christ offers, knowing none of this is possible without it.

As a side note, I learned something interesting about one part of this passage that goes along with our discussion on Sunday about reading things in the context of the author and original audience.  In Matthew 6:19-24 you have what seems like an out of place passage.  Jesus talks about treasures on earth and heaven in v. 19-21, and about serving two masters, God and money, in v. 24.  In the middle of two teachings about money you have what seems to be an out of place statement about people's eyes.  However, in Jesus' day a person who was generous was said to have a "good eye."  This was a term that implied generosity and thankfulness, someone who was helpful and used their resources to care for others.  Jesus is saying that how we handle our money is a reflection of our spiritual health and how we use our money reflects our priorities and how we feel about God.  So, when Jesus says that your eye should be healthy, he is calling for generosity with the resources God has given you, which goes perfectly with the rest of that section.  Pretty cool.

What things stuck out to you about this reading (or the others)?  Do you find the sermon on the mount encouraging or discouraging?  What is your favorite part and what is the most challenging part for you?  Feel free to leave a comment and/or question below.