Having described the kind of people in His Kingdom and the exceedingly high standard of righteousness which Kingdom citizens must follow, Jesus began issuing an invitation for us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven... to enter life (7.13-14). He then warned against dangers which could lead us off the narrow way, namely false teachers (7.15-20)... Continue Reading →

Only by following the narrow way can we reach our desired destination: eternal life (Matthew 7.13-14). Thus, it makes sense that after Jesus exhorts us to follow the narrow way, He warns against false prophets who would seek to divert our path (vss. 15-20). But false teachers are not the only danger, so Jesus warns... Continue Reading →

The "way" to eternal life is, according to Jesus, narrow. And certainly it must be, for it has one aim: to become "perfect, as you heavenly father is perfect" (5.48). There can be no deviation from this path, for any straying would lead us away from His nature, and thus away from Him. Thus, truth... Continue Reading →

"Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom..." (Matthew 4.23). The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is our most complete account of the message Jesus proclaimed, the gospel of the kingdom. Within the sermon Jesus reveals what kind of people are in the Kingdom (5.3-12)... Continue Reading →

Upon first reading, vss. 7-12 might seem to consist of "random" teachings which find no cohesion with what Jesus said earlier in the sermon. However, upon close examination we can pick up the thread of Jesus' argument. In vss. 1-5 Jesus dealt with what many would classify as a Pharisaical mindset. That is certainly a... Continue Reading →

Given that Jesus already rebuked the psuedo-righteousness of the Pharisees several times in His sermon (see 5.20; 6.1-2,5,16), it may be that He had them in mind when issuing His warnings regarding judging others in 7.1-5. After all, the Pharisees were quick to point out the sins and faults of others while they themselves were... Continue Reading →

Most times we assume materialism is a problem reserved for the rich, or at the least for those with "comfortable" lives. The Scriptures certainly warn these to be on their guard against "the love of money" (1Timothy 6.10), that they not "fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches" (1Timothy 6.17) and that they "store... Continue Reading →

The ultimate reward for the disciple of Jesus is "the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5.3,10). Within His sermon Jesus has warned about various snares that might prevent someone from attaining the Kingdom. Adhering to a false standard of righteousness would prevent someone from entering the Kingdom (Matthew 5.20), and those who do righteous deeds out... Continue Reading →

Shortly after David fled from Saul he sought refuge at the Philistine city of Gath. However, David was forced to feign insanity in order to escape the Philistine King (see 1Samuel 21.10-15). David's life was in peril; he could not go home, but his military successes meant that no other nation would grant him refuge.... Continue Reading →

1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 6.1) Righteousness is the major theme of Jesus' sermon in Matthew 5. His people are those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (vs. 6) and are persecuted as a... Continue Reading →