In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated, He preached to the people. He began with the Beatitudes and covered several topics. We have a tendency to compartmentalize the Scripture but we should look at all the topics He covered in this one sermon on the mountain:
We are the salt of the earth
Christ Fulfills the Law
Murder Begins in the Heart
Adultery in the Heart
Marriage Is Sacred and Binding
Jesus Forbids Oaths
Go the Second Mile
Love Your Enemies
Do Good to Please God
The Model Prayer (The LORD’S Prayer)
Fasting to Be Seen Only by God
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
The Lamp of the Body (is the eye)
You Cannot Serve God and Riches
Do Not Worry
Do Not Judge
Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
The Narrow Way
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
I Never Knew You (who practice lawlessness)
Jesus ended His message on the mountain in Matthew chapter 7:
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”
Trials and tribulation will come our way for the adversary goes about seeking whom he may devour. However as we become doers of The Word, we will be able to withstand all the challenges which are set before us. Our foundation of Love will overcome all obstacles, challenges, and trials. Jesus intends for us to be well-rounded in our walk and thus He covered many topics in just one sitting. If we will contemplate those topics He covered and walk accordingly, our foundation will remain strong. He clearly stated the key to success: we must be doers of The Word.
Jesus shared the reality of those who are hearers only:
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
If we fail to heed His Word, then He warns us of the consequences. We will suffer in some manner, possibly on many fronts. Jesus set many detailed expectations in this sermon on the mount but they can all be accomplished if we will walk in unconditional Love. Our motivation of Love will guide us in our daily walk and we will fulfill each of these areas with a joyful heart. How did the people respond?
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,
29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Love says: Be a Doer of The Word.