Unit 1 "Sermon On The Mount"

Author Bio: Sermon on the Mount is an excerpt by one of Jesus 12 disciples, Matthew. The New Testament records that as a disciple, he followed Jesus, and was one of the witnesses of the Resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus. Afterwards, the disciples withdrew to an upper room in Jerusalem. The disciples remained in and about Jerusalem and proclaimed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. But Matthew was not in fact the actual author of this excerpt. Nowhere does the unknown author claim to have been an eyewitness to these Christian historical events. There is no information on the true author who put Matthews teachings into the bible.

Date/Context: This event occurred around 25 AD. This document describes one of Jesus’s miracles in action. It entails Jesus’s interaction with the sick and the healing that follows. He incorporates some of his teachings into his message to the people of Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea and the land on the other side of the Jordan.

Summary: Jesus ventured all over many towns throughout Jerusalem, Galilee, Judea, and many others. He spread the good news of the kingdom, and healed the sick. He cured people of every disease imaginable. People came from all over to receive the great gift of a clean bill of health from Jesus. He then decided to climb upon a hill, taking all these following people with him, and begins to inform them of teachings from God. He states that you should not act on revenge. If someone has wronged you, your first reaction may be an eye for an eye. But you should not demean yourself to this level. Jesus also discusses that you should do kind actions not only when people are watching, but especially when they aren't. This includes praying. Last, he talks about loving your enemies. He says we should “pray for those who mistreat others, so you may become the sons of your Father in heaven”. He states if you follow this, you will be rewarded with the gift of eternal life in heaven.

Key Quotes:

“Happy are you when men insult you and mistreat you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Rejoice and be glad, because a great reward is kept for you in heaven.”

“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But now i tell you: do not take advantage on someone who does you wrong. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap you on the left cheek too. And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it another mile.”

“Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies, and pray for those who mistreat you, so that you will become the sons of your Father in heaven.”