The Sermon That's Not For Everyone

The Sermon on the Mount 

Matthew 5-7

Jesus’ popular teachings that are often called “the sermon on the mount” are not for everyone.  And yet, of course, they are for everyone.  Let me explain.

In Matthew chapter 4 we read that Jesus had been supernaturally healing everyone who came to him.  Naturally, this stirred a lot of interest!  More and more people began to follow him.  Such a huge crowd of people followed him that he went up on a mountainside to teach them.  It’s as if he was saying: “So you are looking for physical healing from God – let me show you how to find true and complete healing from God – a life transformation.”

I’m sure many books have been written on the teachings in this sermon of Jesus’, but I want to focus on his one simple message –

Here’s how a person who wants to follow God

 can line up his behavior with what God is really like.

I see three truths that Jesus revealed about God:

• God is holy – no fudging it.
• God is genuine – no faking it.
• God is generous – no worries.

Here’s where I explain why this sermon is not directed at “everyone” – Jesus was talking to those who were “following” him, those who were seeking God.

So when he talks about divorce, murder, adultery – he tells them that their cultural morality they have grown up with won’t do.  If you’re seeking after God, God is holy – you will have to set the bar higher.  You think that a good person is kind?  God is even kind to his enemies.  You think that you’re OK in your marriage if you stop short of sex with others, but where is your head?  You think it’s natural to want revenge for a wrong, but God is forgiving and compassionate.

Next he kind of addresses the “religious” crowd – those who have been faithful to go to synagogue and obey the Mosaic law all their life.  Praying, fasting, and tithing, these people “seem” to be seeking God.  But you can’t fake God out – you will have to really mean your prayers and do your service to others from the heart if you want to follow God.  God entertains no fakers.  Get real.

And then there are his encouraging words to the normal, hard-working people – don’t be discouraged, because God is way more generous than you think and he’s got your back.  So you work 9 to 5 and take a second job to support the family and still you worry that you can’t make ends meet?  Look around you!  Even flowers and birds get their needs met by this caring Father, and you have the privilege and ability to ask when you need something!  Don’t worry about it.

So, you see, Jesus was not talking to people who want to be good, he was talking to people who want to have God.  You can be good by the world’s standards and miss God’s completely.  How badly do you want God himself?  It’s up to you.