Sermon

2 Pages 596 Words

The Slippery Slope
Twelve disciples, along with a multitude of people, gathered upon a hillside to hear Jesus of Nazareth speak. What they heard was both profound and amazing; it conflicted with everything they’d been taught. They had come to see miracles, to be healed and to be comforted; not necessarily to be corrected, as only a father could do. Jesus Christ took on this daunting task and through his divine wisdom was able to overcome the impossible. He had a plan, as recorded by St. Matthew, one of the twelve. The Sermon on the Mount was more than a Sunday chat, it was about gaining trust, instruction on proper living and the discipline of forgiveness.
Jesus’ first order of business was to comfort those assembled and to build trust. In all likelihood, many of those present were the poor and downtrodden from all around the neighboring townships of Judea. Jesus accomplished this by preaching the way of blessing commonly referred to as the Beattitudes. For example, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” The blessing Jesus spoke of would not require money, or power, or authority; the blessing he offered would be free for those willing to follow his instructions. In exchange for their obedience, god would reward them, but more importantly it said, “God is your father!”
This message of hope and the way in which Jesus spoke with authority would undoubtedly win over many of those whose hearts were hardened.
After gaining their trust, Jesus continued with many examples of Proper Christian living. The religious leaders of that time had instructed the people incorrectly and in many ways contrary to what they were now hearing. One such example of this is found in chapter 5:38 where Jesus states, “Ye have heard that it has been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: ..but whosoever shall smite thee on they right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Again, a few sentences lat...