THE BEATITUDES. The section of Matthew's Gospel included in Chapter s 5-7 is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the entire New Testament. In the simplest language, but with singular force and pertinency Jesus here gave a summary of His moral teaching, the doctrine "of the fruits and good wo... [ Continue Reading ]
A solemn and dramatic description of the beginning of a weighty discourse: AND HE OPENED HIS MOUTH AND TAUGHT THEM, SAYING. It was a confidential, awe-inspiring communication of the great Teacher which the evangelist records, Job 3:1; Daniel 10:16; Psalms 78:2. A well-prepared, carefully outlined di... [ Continue Reading ]
His first words strike the key-note of the entire discourse: Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The reference of Jesus here is not primarily to temporal poverty, to earthly misery, as in other passages of the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 1:26; James 2:5. He is speak... [ Continue Reading ]
Closely connected with this thought is the next: BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN; FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED. The disciples are subject to conditions and circumstances which cause, which bring about, mourning, Luke 6:21; John 16:20; Acts 14:22. But the chief reason for their lamenting lies in the fact... [ Continue Reading ]
These two conditions form the prerequisite for the third beatitude: BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY. SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH. Their heart is not filled with self-righteousness, pride, and conceit. They are bowed down with grief, and therefore are ready and willing to endure with a meek spirit, Psalms... [ Continue Reading ]
Having named a few negative virtues, the Lord next mentions some positive qualifications which should characterize His disciples: BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH DO HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS; FOR THEY SHALL BE FILLED. This righteousness is not that of Christ, imputed by faith, in which case this... [ Continue Reading ]
One of the chief proofs of the Christian's piety is mercy: BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY. A heart filled with deep sympathy and sincere compassion for the temporal and spiritual need of the neighbor, that is deeply concerned for, and earnestly endeavors to do good to, all me... [ Continue Reading ]
But hypocritical behavior will not stand the test of His scrutiny: Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. A mere outward purity in keeping the ceremonial injunctions of the Law is not sufficient in the economy of God. He desires such hearts as keep themselves pure, unsullied with the... [ Continue Reading ]
A third positive Christian virtue, reflecting the perfection of Christ Himself: Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. The disciples of Jesus are children of peace: they not merely have peace in their own souls through purity, they are not merely peace-loving, but... [ Continue Reading ]
It is inevitable that the reproach of Christ will strike the disciples in their endeavor to follow these rules, and so Jesus adds: BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE; FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. In living these principles of Jesus and thus confessing Christ befor... [ Continue Reading ]
Jesus applies this to His immediate disciples: BLESSED ARE YE WHEN MEN SHALL REVILE YOU, AND PERSECUTE YOU, AND SHALL SAY ALL MANNER OF EVIL AGAINST YOU FALSELY, FOR MY NAME'S SAKE. These are a few of the forms in which the hatred of the enemies will be likely to manifest itself. It is a persistent... [ Continue Reading ]
In spite of the persecutions, then: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Joy, gladness in the highest measure is possible, an irrepressible exhibition of exultation is expected of Christ's followers. For all th... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CHIEF FUNCTIONS OF THE DISCIPLES IN THE WORLD. The Lord continues to address His disciples directly: YE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH; BUT IF THE SALT HAVE LOST HIS SAVOR, WHEREWITH SHALL IT BE SALTED? IT IS THENCEFORTH GOOD FOR NOTHING BUT TO BE CAST OUT AND TO BE TRODDEN UNDER FOOT OF MEN. Having... [ Continue Reading ]
YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A CITY THAT IS SET ON A HILL CANNOT BE HID.... [ Continue Reading ]
The same admonition under a different figure:... [ Continue Reading ]
NEITHER DO MEN LIGHT A CANDLE AND PUT IT UNDER A BUSHEL, BUT ON A CANDLESTICK, AND IT GIVETH LIGHT UNTO ALL THAT ARE IN THE HOUSE. Christ is, strictly speaking, the only true light of the world, John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:35. But His disciples partake of His nature; they are a light in and through... [ Continue Reading ]
Jesus Himself applies the parable: LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. The policy of obscuration, of hiding beliefs and convictions, is often urged by lukewarm Christians, so-called "reasons of prudence and wisdom: gradual... [ Continue Reading ]
CHRIST CONFIRMS AND EXPOUNDS THE LAW OF MOSES. Good works Jesus has just urged. He now proceeds to give a definition of good works from the Law. He makes clear His position with regard to the Law: Think not that I am come to destroy the Law and the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill... [ Continue Reading ]
Note the emphasis of His assertion: FOR VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, TILL HEAVEN AND. EARTH PASS, ONE JOT OR ONE TITTLE SHALL IN NO WISE PASS FROM THE LAW TILL ALL BE FULFILLED. With a solemn oath Christ here affirms that the Law shall be retained also in the Church of the New Testament in the unabridged... [ Continue Reading ]
In the meantime all men should know: WHOSOEVER THEREFORE SHALL BREAK ONE OF THESE LEAST COMMANDMENTS, AND SHALL TEACH MEN SO, HE SHALL BE CALLED THE LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT WHOSOEVER SHALL DO AND TEACH THEM, THE SAME SHALL BE CALLED GREAT IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Here is a conclusion. S... [ Continue Reading ]
How strongly this feature is brought out by the contrast: FOR I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT EXCEPT YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL EXCEED THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, YE SHALL IN NO CASE ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Not in the teachers of the people as they were then acknowledged, but only i... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord now proceeds to prove His condemning statement by expounding a few of the commandments of the Law according to their full spiritual significance: Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill: and, Whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment. They were... [ Continue Reading ]
Christ's exposition is not so narrow: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire.... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,... [ Continue Reading ]
Jesus presents the positive side of His exposition:... [ Continue Reading ]
LEAVE THERE THY GIFT BEFORE THE ALTAR, AND GO THY WAY, FIRST BE RECONCILED TO THY BROTHER, AND THEN COME AND OFFER THY GIFT. The forgiving attitude is pictured from a happening which was very frequent among the Jews, with which they were thoroughly familiar. A Jew might bring his Corban, his gift, u... [ Continue Reading ]
AGREE WITH THINE ADVERSARY QUICKLY, WHILES THOU. ART IN THE WAY WITH HIM, LEST AT ANY TIME THE ADVERSARY DELIVER THEE TO THE JUDGE, AND THE JUDGE DELIVER THEE TO THE OFFICER, AND THOU BE CAST INTO PRISON.... [ Continue Reading ]
The same truth in a different parable:... [ Continue Reading ]
VERILY, I SAY UNTO THEE, THOU SHALL BY NO MEANS COME OUT THENCE TILL THOU HAST PAID THE UTTERMOST FARTHING. The picture is that of a debtor on the way to court with his creditor, Deuteronomy 21:18; Deuteronomy 25:1, who is his adversary, but probably might be found willing to come to terms outside o... [ Continue Reading ]
YE HAVE HEARD THAT IT WAS SAID BY THEM OF OLD TIME, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.... [ Continue Reading ]
A lesson from the Sixth Commandment:... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT WHOSOEVER LOOKETH ON A WOMAN TO LUST AFTER HER HATH COMMITTED ADULTERY WITH HER ALREADY IN HIS HEART. The Sixth Commandment had indeed been given to "them of old time," Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18. But it was understood by the Jewish teachers of the sin in deed only, of t... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IF THY RIGHT EYE OFFEND THEE, PLUCK IT OUT AND CAST IT FROM THEE. FOR IT IS PROFITABLE FOR THEE THAT ONE OF THY MEMBERS SHOULD PERISH, AND NOT THAT THY WHOLE BODY SHOULD BE CAST INTO HELL.... [ Continue Reading ]
Christ's advice to the tempted:... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IF THY RIGHT HAND OFFEND THEE, CUT IT OFF AND CAST IT FROM THEE. FOR IT IS PROFITABLE FOR THEE THAT ONE OF THY MEMBERS SHOULD PERISH, AND NOT THAT THY WHOLE BODY SHOULD BE CAST INTO HELL. The right eye and the right hand are named as prominent members in the actual committing of sin, through whi... [ Continue Reading ]
IT HATH BEEN SAID,. WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, LET HIM GIVE HER A WRITING OF DIVORCEMENT.... [ Continue Reading ]
A further illustration;... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, SAVING FOR THE CAUSE OF FORNICATION, CAUSETH HER TO COMMIT ADULTERY; AND WHOSOEVER SHALL MARRY HER THAT IS DIVORCED, COMMITTETH ADULTERY. The form in which Jesus here speaks indicates that He disapproves of their literal interpretation of t... [ Continue Reading ]
AGAIN, YE HAVE HEARD THAT IT HATH BEEN SAID BY THEM OF OLD TIME, THOU SHALT NOT FORSWEAR THYSELF, BUT SHALT PERFORM UNTO THE LORD THINE OATHS.... [ Continue Reading ]
An illustration from the Second Commandment:... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, SWEAR NOT AT ALL, NEITHER BY HEAVEN, FOR IT IS GOD'S THRONE;... [ Continue Reading ]
NOR BY THE EARTH, FOR IT IS HIS FOOTSTOOL; NEITHER BY JERUSALEM, FOR IT IS THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.... [ Continue Reading ]
NEITHER SHALT THOU SWEAR BY THY HEAD, BECAUSE THOU CANST NOT MAKE ONE HAIR WHITE OR BLACK.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT LET YOUR COMMUNICATION BE, YEA, YEA; NAY, NAY; FOR WHATSOEVER IS MORE THAN THESE COMETH OF EVIL. Jesus introduces the subject as before, referring to the customary reading of the Law and the accompanying teaching. The implication of Christ is that the people were really kept under a false impres... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LAW OF LOVE TOWARD THE ENEMY. v. 38. YE HAVE HEARD THAT IT HATH BEEN SAID, AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH. Jesus here refers to the law of retribution, or compensation, as contained in the Levitical ordinances, Exodus 21:24. This is said to the government, and is a sound principle f... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT WHOSOEVER SHALL SMITE THEE ON THE RIGHT CHEEK, TURN TO HIM THE OTHER ALSO.... [ Continue Reading ]
Christ brings out this fact by a few examples:... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IF ANY MAN WILL SUE THEE AT THE LAW, AND TAKE AWAY THY COAT, LET HIM HAVE THY CLOAK ALSO.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND WHOSOEVER SHALL COMPEL THEE TO GO A MILE, GO WITH HIM TWAIN. There is a climax in the examples chosen by Christ; injury goes from bad to worse. There will be times and circumstances when love will be ready patiently to suffer the repetition of the same injury: the disgrace of being struck with t... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVE TO HIM THAT ASKETH THEE; AND FROM HIM THAT WOULD BORROW OF THEE TURN NOT THOU AWAY. To give and to lend are two duties of charity which Christ puts on a level, both guided by prudence and the interest of the neighbor, 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 20:4. Stewards of God's bounty will have to g... [ Continue Reading ]
YE HAVE HEARD THAT IT HATH BEEN SAID, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR, AND HATE THINE ENEMY. The first injunction is found in the Law, Leviticus 19:18. The second part of the sentence is an addition made by the rabbis. They understood the word "neighbor" of the members of their own nation only, arguing... [ Continue Reading ]
Final illustration, from the general law of love:... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, BLESS THEM THAT CURSE YOU, DO GOOD TO THEM THAT HATE YOU, AND PRAY FOR THEM WHICH DESPITEFULLY USE YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU. The injunction receives its application at all times and in all places. The impressiveness of the passage is heightened by the contrast pr... [ Continue Reading ]
Such behavior is in agreement with the true nature of Christians: THAT YE MAY BE THE CHILDREN OF YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN; FOR HE MAKETH HIS SUN TO RISE ON THE EVIL AND ON THE GOOD, AND SENDETH RAIN ON THE JUST AND ON THE UNJUST to become and to be indeed the children of God, to possess and e... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR IF YE LOVE THEM WHICH LOVE YOU, WHAT REWARD HAVE YE? DO NOT EVEN THE PUBLICANS THE SAME?... [ Continue Reading ]
And there is also the moral distinction;... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IF YE SALUTE YOUR BRETHREN ONLY, WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS? DO NOT EVEN THE PUBLICANS SO? That is the usual, the customary way of dealing in the world: Kind deeds are rewarded with kind deeds, friendly words are given in return for friendly words. That is the height of human morality. The word... [ Continue Reading ]
A summary of this section: BE YE THEREFORE PERFECT, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT. Since all these arguments must be accepted, and since love is the fulfillment of the Law, the Lord draws His conclusion. Ye who wish to be counted as My disciples shall stand out in contrast with... [ Continue Reading ]