Matthew 5-7 Class Comments

Notes from Thursday Class Discussion

The Sermon on the Mount

1. 5:1-12 Who was listening to this sermon? Why might they appreciate these blessings? (Also read 7:28.) Class Answer: His disciples – those who wanted to learn from Him, not just be healed by Him. The beatitudes (“blessed” could also be translated “happy”) assured them that even though they would go through difficult times as His disciples, they would be blessed by God. They also encouraged those who at this time were without either political or religious power.
   
2. 5:13-16 What are the qualities of salt and light that Jesus emphasizes here? What is the purpose of letting our lights shine? Class Answer: Salt enhances flavor and preserves. In the same way, the influence of Christians gives life meaning and also slows the moral decay of the world around us. As lights, we can show the way to the Savior and glorify God.
   
3. 5:17-20 What law is Jesus talking about? What did Jesus say about lawbreakers? Class Answer: His listeners would understand this as the Law of the Old Testament. Those who broke it would be the least in the kingdom. We weren’t sure exactly what this meant, except to refer to those who are weak. Still, like the Corinthians with all their problems, they are still in the kingdom.
   
4. 5:21-37 In these verses, how is Jesus “changing” the commandments and traditions of the (Old) law? Class Answer: He is not changing them, but fulfilling them. He is stating their intended purpose, which had been interpreted as external actions only. Not just “do not murder,” but do not hate, do not call others names, be reconciled to those with whom you disagree. Not just “do not commit adultery,” but don’t lust and bring your  body under control. And don’t treat divorce lightly. It causes adultery, against which there is a clear commandment. Not just “don’t break an oath,” but tell the truth without having to make an oath.
   
5. 5:38-48 What should be our attitude toward those who treat us badly? Class Answer: To rise above bad treatment. With all his power, Jesus never physically resisted authority, though he did combat false teaching and hypocrisy. We are to love  and try to understand those who hate or resent us, though that doesn’t mean we enable them. Prayer helps us to learn to love others.
   
6. 6:2-18 What should be our motivation when we give, pray, or fast? Class Answer: To please God and to glorify Him.
   
7. 6:19-34 List at least three attitudes we should have about material wealth. (19-21; 24; 25-34) Class Answer: Humility, happiness and contentment. Wealth doesn’t last; it causes divided loyalties; worrying about it shows a lack of faith.
   
8. 7:1-6 What are at least two things we should consider before we begin to judge someone? Class Answer: We will be judged by the same standard; we all have our own failings – planks in our eyes.
   
9. 7:7-12 What does our Father in heaven want to give us? Class Answer: Good things, just as we would give our own children. Note about 7:12, known as the Golden Rule: it includes acts of commission and omission – things we do for other people we would want done for us, and things we choose not to do that might hurt others.
   
10. 7:13-27 How can we tell the difference between true and false followers of Jesus? (verses 16, 21, 24) Class Answer: By their fruits, by watching their actions and the results of their actions, though that may take time. Also, by whether or not they do the Father’s will.
    
11. 7:28-29 Why were the crowds astonished at his teaching? Class Answer: This carpenter’s son spoke with wisdom that should have been beyond his experience. He also spoke with authority – beyond what they had heard from others – like someone who had not just learned from a book, but as someone who really knew.