Matthew Five

Chapter Five

1 - 11 The Beatitudes

The Sermon on the Mount - the first of Jesus' five great teachings.

12 - 16 Salt and Light

The salt must have taste; the light cannot be hidden. How can one call himself a Christian when he doesn't act like one?

17 - 20 Fulfilling the Law and the Prophets

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."

21 - 48 Jesus' Teaching Alters the Law

Six antitheses contrast with Jewish law (my notes)

1) "Do not murder" is strengthened to "Do not become angry"
2) "Do not commit adultry" is strengthened to "do not think of committing adultry"
3) "Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce" is strengthened to "he causes her to commit adultry."
4) "You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you made to the Lord" is strengthened to do not swear at all - let your yes be yes and your no be no.
5) "An eye for an eye . . ." is changed to "turn the other cheek"
6) "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy" is changed to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Question: Why do you think Jesus made these chages to the law?