Matthew 5-7 is called the “Sermon on the Mount” because Jesus gave it on a hillside near Capernaum. It is the “Magna Charta” of Christianity. In it Jesus proclaimed His attitude toward the Law and His expectations for those who will be Kingdom-dwellers. In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus teaches about retaliation, and in Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus teaches about loving enemies. To many Jews of Jesus’ day: “That ye resists not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” these statements were offensive. Any Messiah who would turn the other cheek was not the military leader they wanted to lead a revolt against Rome.
Many today find it offensive to suggest that our political leaders could learn much from the Sermon on the Mount. They are impressed with those that they perceive to be strong political leaders that are bombastic, bullies, narcissistic, and exudes a “macho” confidence. Jesus tells us: “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.” What a radical response to injustice and the end result is “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?”
Dear ones, in this very toxic political climate, even if the political leaders do not learn from the Sermon on the Mount, we certainly must. Jesus says in verse 48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Not sinless perfection, but perfect in character, in holiness, in maturity, and in love. We can be perfect if our behavior is appropriate for our maturity level-PERFECT.
Be blessed and be perfect,
Pastor J. Amos Jones
