Winter 2025             Matthew 5 – 7

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Introduction

The first four chapters of Matthew emphasize the fulfillment of OT prophecy. Through the genealogy and birth narrative, we understand Jesus to be the promised Messiah. His identity and purpose are then developed through his temptation, baptism, and the start of his public ministry.  The one declared to be “My beloved Son,” by a voice from heaven, preaches, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” The opening unit concludes with the calling of the first disciples and the drawing of great crowds to listen. This is the context for Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

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This synopsis of Jesus' teaching about the kingdom of heaven is more than great moral teaching. Matthew wishes us to see the parallel to Mount Sinai as Jesus “went up on the mountain,” and his disciples and the crowds are gathered. Jesus is the prophet Moses foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15, and yet, Jesus is more than Moses could have imagined. He is God speaking to His people and describing the nature of the new covenant kingdom. With all authority, Jesus declares, "You have heard it said..., but I say to you...." 

 

Jesus makes clear that his instructions are for the subjects of the kingdom of heaven. He says, “You are the light of the world.” Those whose hearts are shaped by the beatitudes will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ disciples are called to see the deeper nature of sin and to exhibit a righteousness that fulfills the law and exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. They are urged to seek first the kingdom of heaven and to build their house on the rock.

 

The rock is the teaching of the Son of God, who is calling a people to himself. His authority is a key feature of this sermon. Hence, the recorded reaction of the astonished crowds when he is finished: “He was teaching them as one who had authority and not as their scribes."

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Schedule

Jan 5:         Matthew 5:1–10             “Blessed are you.”                               (Nathaniel Jackson)

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Jan 12:        Matthew 5:11–16           “You are the Light.”                             (Stefan Matzal)

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Jan 19:              Sanctity of Human Life Sunday                                           (Stefan Matzal)

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Jan 26:       Matthew 5:17–26         “But to Fulfill Them.”                            (Nathaniel Jackson)

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Feb 2         Matthew 5:27–32         “But I say to you”                                  (Stefan Matzal)

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Feb 9         Matthew 5:33–42         “Simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’”                           (Nathaniel Jackson)

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Feb 16        Matthew 5:43–48         “Love your enemies”                           (Nathaniel Jackson)

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Feb 23       Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18   “Your Father who sees in secret”       (Stefan Matzal)

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Mar 2         Matthew 6:7–15            “Pray then like this”                              (Nathaniel Jackson)

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Mar 9         Matthew 6:19–24          “Treasures in heaven”                         (Stefan Matzal)

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Mar 16        Mathew 6:25–34          “But seek first the Kingdom”               (Nathaniel Jackson)

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Mar 23       Matthew 7:1–6              “With the measure you use”                (Stefan Matzal)

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Mar 30       Matthew 7:7–11             “Ask, and it will be given”                    (Nathaniel Jackson)

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Apr 6         Matthew 7:12–20          “Enter by the narrow gate”                  (Stefan Matzal)

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Apr 13        Matthew 7:21–29          “Be like a wise man”                            (Nathaniel Jackson)

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Apr 20:             Easter                                                                                    (Stefan Matzal)

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Apr 27:             Topical Sermon: Resurrection                                             (Nathaniel Jackson)

 

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--The Eldership: January 2025