Matthew chapters 5-7 contain the Sermon on the Mount. The words Jesus spoke were done so very early in his ministry. The end of his ministry was marked by his preaching on Mount Olivet before his Ascension.
A Pastor could preach every sermon his whole life and not get out of these verses. This was, by far, Jesus’ most lengthy sermon. His other at Mt. Olivet. Times were fixing to change. His death and resurrection would usher in the dispensation of Grace. There was a lot to be taught to his followers and a lot for them to process spiritually. Jesus is with his disciples on a high place that really isn’t officially named, but none the less, it was where Jesus needed to be.
Jesus laid out a road map of precepts that let the crowd know what would be expected of a true believer. The cost of sin, taking care of the needy and, oh my goodness, even loving your enemies. And a treasure of verses that will ultimately allow the world to see Jesus through us.
Let’s look at Chapter 6 and his specific instruction about prayer. Jesus initially started his part of this teaching with an overview of where to pray. Back in the day, and even in church today, believe it or not, Worship and Prayer are more centered on man’s selfish need to be looked at as someone super spiritual or just plain better than anyone else.
God is not impressed with big words or platitudes. He wants a true cry from our heart. A disciple asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was and he said, “Love God with all your heart and put others before yourself.” Sounds simple, but we just don’t work that way.
I got kicked out of the kitchen, where I have been doing my writing. We got a new puppy and there is no way I am going to wake him up. He will not be a house dog, but if left outside the mosquitoes may carry him off to feed their young. I moved to the living room and I am using my father’s desk.
I have many fond memories of lying on the floor as he studied God’s Word. My daddy was very close to God. He spent a lot of time in prayer. He would go out in the pasture past a wild plum orchard and on to a hill covered with oaks that overlooked two pastures. He felt close to God there at first, but then he noticed a loose gate hinge or a strand of barbed wire that needed re-stretched, maybe a cow was limping a little, and oh he had to tell mama the grapes were ready to pick.
He wound up moving to the front living room for peace and quiet, where nothing could come between him and talking to God. Everyone has a bucket list. His was short and simple: all his kids to trust in Jesus for their salvation and to physically hear God’s voice. I can’t say for sure, but the day before he passed away, I walked into his hospital room. He had his Bible open and was weeping. Two days after his funeral, I looked thru his Bible and found a message written in pencil. Two words, “fret not.” I would like to think he got a message to give to us.
We find as the chapter unfolds Jesus is speaking to the crowd of followers directly. This message is personal. It is not just written commandments in general terms. He uses the word “you” and I believe he made eye contact with everyone there. It would be easy to break the scripture down and dissect all the words, but we will go the simple route. Yes, we all need to study the word. Paul tells us to study to show ourselves approved, but I have to use terms that I understand and can apply in my spiritual walk.
It’s easy to pray and ask God for things. You don’t have to go far to hear preaching that declares prayer that sounds more like a Christmas list for Santa than a true petition to God. The Lord's Prayer teaches us that God's will should be our will. We should always put others before ourselves, and the hardest part for man is forgiveness. If we truly had the capacity to forgive, the world would be a different place. The only way to get forgiveness is to unconditionally love and forgive others.
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