As I was saying in Part 1 yesterday,
when I worked on a seatbelt assembly line I found a different way to assemble
the bracket on the rail. It not only
increased the production, but it was far less stressful on the workers. When Jesus came, it was to show mankind the
way of salvation through Him and restoration to the Father because of Him. At the same time He taught the people
differently from the norm, and the Sermon on the Mount, though it seems
lightweight is actually very provocative. Here are some more of my thoughts on
the rest of the verses:
(Remember,
this sermon was spoken to Jesus’ disciples- believers)
But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to
those who hate you, (v.27)
-Most everyone
loves those who love them, but Jesus says to love our adversaries or those
who detest
us, and do good to them. This goes far beyond expectations, and all who see
will know we are Christ followers.
bless those who curse you, and pray for those who
despitefully use you. (v.28)
-Don’t curse
back, or scream at, but speak well of (yes, that’s part of the meaning) and
pray or those who use us, (perhaps instead of telling everyone how awful they
are, we can
bless and pray for those who use us.
And to him who strikes you on the one cheek, also offer the other.
And to him who takes away your garment, do not forbid your tunic also. (v.29)
-Actually
sounds like He wants us to allow others to take advantage of us, doesn’t it. I
they steal from us, give them more. Hmmm. And maybe we are to remain humble and
loving
even to our own non-physical hurt (as striking cheek also means an
insult / offence).
Give to everyone who asks of you, and from him who takes
away your goods, do not ask them again. (v.30)
-Give to
EVERYONE who asks, not just those who can reciprocate, or those who aren’t
‘always asking’ for hand outs. And don’t ask for your stuff back if they take
it. That is
surely different teaching!
For if you love those who love you, what thanks do you
have? For sinners also love those who love them. (v.32)
-People who
aren’t saved love those who love them. We are to be a cut above and love
everyone, even if they hate us, revile us, treat us badly, or turn their nose
up at us.
And if you do good to those who do good to you, what
thanks do you have? For sinners also do the same. (v.33)
-If we only do
good to those who will return the favour, so what? Most people do that. But
do
good to those who can’t do back and watch society get confused. A different
way.
And if you lend to those of who you hope to receive, what thanks
do you have? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (v.34)
-I’m never
inviting them for supper again because they’ve never had us over! Heard that
before? I have, and we are not supposed to care about receiving back… ever!
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for
nothing in
return. And your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of
the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. (v.35)
-Love, do good
and lend not just to friends, family, and others who do the same back to us,
but even to our enemies. Why? Because we were enemies of God “For if while we
were
enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now
that we are
reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Rm. 5:10 ESV) but now,
through the blood of
Jesus Christ and His great love for us- even while we were
sinners (Rm. 5:8)- we can be
reconciled to our Creator, our Lord, our Father…
our greatest Love!
'Sermon on the Mount' is still a different way to live.