Matthew 5:1-12
“Notice what you notice.” First thoughts… I always imagined the Sermon on the Mount as being a sermon to a crowd below, a crowd like in the “Feeding of the 5000”. In fact the end of the sermon notes that the crowds were astonished at his teaching (Mt.7:28). However, today’s first two verses have Jesus teaching only his disciples. Not a big item.
There has long been controversy among scholars as to whether there was in fact one long sermon or whether this Sermon on the Mount was a compilation of Jesus’ teachings. I lean toward the latter – in my earthly self, I wonder how Matthew could have captured that entire sermon (110 verses) without having Jesus’ handwritten notes! Perfect recall…??!!
I’m trying somehow to break down the rewards for these blessings. So here’s a shot. First, three “short-term” rewards: they shall be comforted (v. 4), they shall be satisfied (v. 6), they shall receive mercy (v. 7). Then there are three longer term: they shall inherit the earth (v. 5), they shall see God (v. 8), they shall be called sons of God (v. 9). Finally there are three related to our heavenly reward: theirs is the kingdom of heaven (v. 3, 10) and your reward is great in heaven (v. 12). But if you were to ask me whether the rewards line up “equitably” with the blessedness condition, I’m at a loss to say! Except that the greatest rewards lie with the poor in spirit (v. 3) and those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake (vv. 10-12).
Be thankful for the blessings. Later we get the woes!!
Slava Bohu!