The Best Sermon Ever - Week 1
Matthew 5:1-16
One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them. 3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
BACKGROUND TO SERMON ON THE MOUNT
-Took place on a Hillside near Capernaum
-Probably lasted several days
-Jesus challenged the legalistic religion of the day
-Obedience is greater than observance
-Speaking to his disciples about what to expect as a follower
“I GOT YOUR BACK”
Vs. 1-2“His disciples gathered…”
Vs. 3“realize their need for him”
Vs. 4“comforted”
Vs. 5“humble”
Vs. 6“hunger and thirst…satisfied”
Vs. 7“merciful”
Vs. 8“pure…for they will see God”
Vs. 9 “children of God”
Vs. 10 “persecuted for doing right”
Vs. 11“all sorts of evil things”
Vs. 12“Be happy, be glad, rejoice…”
Vs. 13“Salt of the earth”
Vs. 14-16“You are the light of the world”
WHY IS THIS CONSIDERED THE BEST.SERMON.EVER?