Sometimes an outline or a chart can say more than flowery language or an extensive exposition on a topic. That’s what happened for me when I found a great outline/chart of The Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The flow of teachings from Blessings, to Right-Relatedness: with God and others, to Worship reflects a familiar pattern: the CALL TO SERVICE from God of the Covenants to the people of God. It was so simple and clear to see all the connections. I was so excited to share it with all of you that I bookmarked it to share this month – since we’re studying Jesus’ lessons on practical piety.
So… what did I do with the book?
Here’s my attempt at re-creating that chart for you.
A CALL TO SERVICE
Establishing Jesus’ Teaching Authority Mt. 5:1-2
more than prophet/Messiah
king w/ ‘royal subjects’ at inaugural address.
Blessing of the People The Beatitudes Mt. 5:3-12
- Poor in Spirit (5:3)
- Those who Mourn (5:4)
- The Meek (5:5)
- Hunger-Thirst for Righteousness (5:6)
- The Merciful (5:7)
- The Pure in Heart (5:8)
- The Peacemakers (5:9)
- The Persecuted for Righteousness Sake (5:10, 11-12)
8a. Those who persevere, though persecuted,
‘rejoice’/ ‘be exceedingly glad’ for your
work builds upon those who were before you
and sets the groundwork for those who will
come after you.
Call to Ministry / Call to Service Mt. 5:13-16
Be Salt / Be Light / Be Leavening in a hurting/oppressed world.
Jesus’ Establishes the Historical Line of Teaching Mt. 5:17-20
Fulfillment of The Law
‘The Law’= {5 Books of Moses: 1st 5 Books of Old Test.}
TORAH = The Law + The Prophets
Jesus offers a ‘corrective’ interpretation of The Law
Quality of Living in Right-Relationship {righteousness} with ‘Others
Who is “Called to Serve” {everyone who hears}
The Correctives to Live By Mt. 5:21-48
- Anger/Murder (5:21-26)
- Lust (5:27-30)
- Divorce/Fidelity & Wellness in Relationship (5:31-32)
Jesus is especially concerned with the rights/wellness of women - Truthfulness/Fidelity in Oaths (5:33-37)
- Practice of Nonviolent Resistance (5:38-42)
- Love for Enemy: the ‘Other’ as Neighbor (5:43-48)
Imitate GOD’s Compassion
Personal Piety / Ways to Become Better-Related Mt. 6:1 – 7:12
- Charitable Giving is service – not for recognition (6:1-4)
- ALL Prayer is directed to GOD – not for ‘show’ (6:5-8)
{not literally ‘private/secret’ but rather the intention of the prayer}
2a. Model Prayer = The Lord’s Prayer (6:9-13)
- Fasting for the right reasons (6:16-18)
- Right-Relatedness to Money/Wealth
4a. What do you treasure most? (6:19-21)
4b. Generous Eye/Compassionate Body (6:22-23)
4c. GOD or Money: Money as Idol-Worship (6:24)
- (4d) Trust in God: “Don’t Worry, Be Faithful” (6:25-34)
- The Sin of Judgmentalism is self-indulgence (7:1-6) and a lack of gratitude for GOD’s mercy & grace
- Pray! For all with GOD all things are possible (7:7-11)
- THE GOLDEN RULE! Sums it all it (7:12)
This IS the whole Torah (The Law & The Prophets)
Final Caution & Call to Proper Living (GK: poieo = “do” or “make”) Mt. 7:13-23
- Narrow Gate = do/live what is right (7:13-14)
- Beware of False Teachings/Bad Role-Models (7:15-20)
look for the outcome of their actions= Paul’s Fruit of the Spirit
- Disciples Act Upon Jesus’ teachings (7:21-23)
Not just possess/know/quote Jesus’ words
Precursor to The Great Commission (28:18-20)
- Promise of Blessing & Curse Mt. 7:24-27
Blessing: All who Hear & Act will be sustained
Curse: All who Hear & Don’t Act will be ‘adrift’
Jesus’ Authority is Affirmed Mt. 7:28-29
Re-statement of the Opening of the Call (Mt. 5:1-2)
May this be fruitful in your discernment of how God is calling upon you to “Seek first the Kin-dom.”
Peace,
Rev. Chellie
John Street United Methodist Church 