Session 3: Matthew 5

Session Three: Matthew Chapter 5 (Sermon on the Mount, Part 1)

Consider the rules/patterns of your household. How are they similar or different form the rules you had as a child? These may not be ‘written’ but rather generally carried out, such as dinner together, who cleans and how often, etc.

How has punishment of children changed over recent generations? What do you think has driven those changes?

Read Chapter 5.

Reading Questions

1.       Discuss the definition of the key words of the ‘Beatitudes’ and their rewards, Matthew 5:3-10. Choose all or as many as time allows; blessed, poor in spirit, mourn, meek, righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted.

2.       Salt has many uses today and was even used as currency in ancient times. Consider the following uses of salt and how each might relate to the Christian life.

 ·       essential to health

·       preservative

·       flavoring – enhances flavor and suppresses bitterness

·       cleaning agent/removes stains

·       kills weeds

·       anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory

·       removes toxins

3.       Let’s look at the next parts of chapter 5 in three groups:

·       Matthew 5:21-30

·       Matthew 5:31-37

·       Matthew 5:38-48

These sections touch on our hearts. Consider how the sections relate the heart to actions, words, and other people.

Consider the consequences given in each of these sections (i.e.: cut off hand). Some propose that Jesus uses hyperbole here. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

Old Testament Links

1. Psalm 51 reflects many of the ‘blessed’ attitudes in the life that David led. Read Psalm 51 and identify verses where David expresses that he is poor in spirit, mourning, meek, etc.

2. Deuteronomy 23:15-24:15 reflect the Old Testament laws related to or similar to verses 5:17-48. Read the passage from Deuteronomy and note the similarities and differences to these verses in Matthew. What personal characteristics may have been the objective in giving these laws? How do they compare to these teachings in Matthew?

3. Verses 5:17-48 deal with obedience to the law or in the heart. Consider the following Old Testament verses about the heart.  How do the Old and New Testament verses support or contrast each other?

Jeremiah 17:10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Proverbs 21:2 A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

Also consider Psalm 19:14, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Proverbs 27:19, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 3:3-4, time permitting.

Application

1.       Jesus’s teachings were interpreted as ‘radical’ at that time. Explain if you see them as radical or not and why.

2.       Jesus’s teachings in Chapter 5 focus on obedience to the law and in the heart, our attitudes and core beliefs as carried out in our actions. Which verses challenged you or made you reflect differently in this discussion?

3.       Jesus described the literal interpretation of murder as being too little, saying that even the thoughts and words we use are murderous. Today, how are the laws of the Bible interpreted?

4.       Consider the various uses of salt. Is there a way you could be ‘saltier’? Or is there a place where you have lost your saltiness?