Jesus’ most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount [SOM] (Matthew 5-7), is the explanation of how someone fulfills the law of God. From 5:22 on, he addresses the critical issues every disciple must address if they are to “love their neighbor as themselves.” From anger, to sexual attraction, to verbal manipulation, to by conduct between spouses, Jesus illustrates how someone might treat others as they would want to be treated — which is all the law and the prophets.

Jesus concludes the sermon by telling us that everything he taught is meant to be put into practice. The person who merely hears his words and does not do them is the life that comes crashing down. But the one who puts Jesus’ exhortations into practice is the wise person, whose life will be able to withstand anything.

Tragically, though, Jesus’ sermon remains the most HEARD sermon among his followers, without the INTENTION of actually doing the things Jesus says to do. Some of the blame can be placed at the door of people like me — pastors and teachers. We teach the SOM in the same grid as the Mosaic law: rules, given by God, to be done perfectly if we are to receive God’s favor. But we can’t do this, so we must run to grace for the forgiveness of our sins, and rely on the justifying work of Christ on the cross.

This is very precious truth — but expertly misapplied to the SOM. These are not actions that drive us toward belief, but belief that drive us towards action. As C.S. Lewis said decades ago: “The command ‘Be ye perfect’ is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures that can obey that command.” For Jesus is talking about disciples becoming like God from the inside out: inner transformation begetting the love of God.

To be continued…