Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5-7
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Sitting on a mountainside, Jesus gave His disciples teachings called the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5:12). In part of the sermon, Jesus promised special blessings, known as the Beatitudes, to people who live in certain ways. He taught:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:36).

Jesus also described blessings that come to the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness' sake (see Matthew 5:710).

Jesus went on to teach His disciples:

"Ye are the light of the world. ...

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:16).

Jesus reminded the people of many teachings in the law of Moses, one of which had told the Israelites to love their neighbors and hate their enemies. But now Jesus taught His disciples a higher law, telling them to love their enemies and do good to them. (See Matthew 5:17, Matthew 5:4344.)

After telling His disciples to pray without letting others know about it (see Matthew 6:56), Jesus gave a pattern for prayer (see Matthew 6:913).

Jesus also said that His people should not judge others and that if His people first repent of their sins, they are better able to help others (see Matthew 7:15).

Telling His disciples how to obtain blessings from heaven, Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:7).

He also taught that few people find the narrow gate and path to heaven. Instead, many people choose the way to destruction. (See Matthew 7:1314.)

Jesus compared those who obey Him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. When the rains, floods, and winds came, the house did not fall, because it was built on a solid foundation. (See Matthew 7:2425.) He compared those who do not obey Him to a foolish man who built his house on sand. When the rains, floods, and winds came, the house fell. (See Matthew 7:2627.)

After Jesus ended teaching, the people were astonished because He taught them with the authority and power of God (see Matthew 7:2829).

Summary

Sitting on a mountainside, Jesus gave what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. Included in this sermon were the Beatitudes, special blessings that Jesus promised for righteous living. He also asked His followers to be good examples and to love their enemies. Jesus taught them how to pray and encouraged them to repent of their sins and not judge others. He taught that those who obey His words have a strong foundation for their lives. Those who heard Jesus were astonished, for He taught with the power of God.

Artist, Harry Anderson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: The Sermon on the Mount is a few chapters long and you probably live by many of His teaching although, perhaps, unaware of the source. In 3 Nephi 12 Jesus gives the Nephites the Beatitudes also. In verse 3 Nephi 12:3 we get a better understanding of how the beatitudes work. The key words are "who come unto me". Go back and read the "Blessed are.......and add "who come unto me" and see if you feel differently about what you are reading. Christ is able to make anything and everything OK for lack of a better term at this moment. Perhaps the word should be GOOD. "Good" because that is a "Godly Characteristic"... remember the Old Testament post about Joseph fleeing from Potiphar's Wife...go back and read it....Oct 27...I think.

If we live by these "Be-attitudes"...as President Hinckley use to say....we will find lasting happiness. Where pleasure is short-lived, happiness takes effort to acquire but is also much longer lasting.

The Primary Children learn "The Wise Man and The Foolish Man" song (#281). (If the above link doesn't work go to www.lds.org click on Gospel Library, go to Music, click on Interactive music player. You should be able to put in the song by title or page #. Good luck.) It's always a favorite...and it teaches us about strong foundations. What foundation are your beliefs, thoughts, desires based on? Do they bring you pleasure or happiness? Check out this scripture Heleman 5:12.

Read through these references...what do you learn about "building"? Built, building, foundation, cost... about that last reference...read the whole scripture. What kind of "house" are you building? Is it worth the cost? Are our "houses" built with quality knowledge, actions and re-enforced materials that will withstand the storms of life? Do you think the cost of building such a "house" or testimony worth the effort?....Remember: "Suck it up buttercup; pain is your friend!" You have a few days yet to complete the challenge of reading the Book of John...the cost is small the benefits terrific!