Going to School (Matthew 5:1-12)

Peter Fitch, St. Croix VineyardSunday, June 30, 2013

Last time . . .

• Matthew 12 asserts that Jesus was intentionally fulfilling Isaiah 42:1-4

• We looked at this passage and found qualities and characteristics of a ministry that God would love

• Today we will look at the first part of Jesus’s most famous sermon: Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)

Isaiah 42:1-4

Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry out or raise His voice, Nor make His voice heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.

God loves a ministry . . .

• That serves Him• That is chosen and upheld by Him• That brings Him delight• That is empowered by His Spirit• That is all about justice• That is incredibly humble• And gentle, caring for individuals• Yet never stops producing justice

Ezekiel 34 & Jeremiah 23

• A couple of years ago I felt drawn to these passages as Christmas approached

• God as Shepherd• His Chosen One, the Branch of David, to

produce a new tribe of Shepherds

Now, Matthew 5:1-12

1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:1-12

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:1-12

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What do you think Jesus is up to?

• Who is His sermon for?• What is He teaching?• At least these things shine brightly:– Be full of God’s Spirit– Be incredibly gentle & merciful– Don’t stop longing for & bringing justice– Do it through peace-making instead of domination

How did we get so far off-track?

• Early church overview• Constantine and the big change• Reading from Carl Volz• Blending Christianity and Christendom

How do we “get back to where we once belonged”?

• What would a fresh reading of the Beatitudes produce?

• Dallas Willard’s The Divine Conspiracy attempted this

• So did Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship

• What is the church’s role in society?

John Michael Talbot

Woman, look to the mirrorIn the autumn of your yearsWoman, you try so hard in hidin’As you're makin' up at the vanity of your fearsYou're paintin' your face in the mornin’And you touch up your grey-streaked hair with a dye of auburn-brown

John Michael Talbot

With a pencil you're linin' your eyes to a smileBut the years of your hardened heart 'still turnin' your mouth to a frownTake off your mask..., my ladyThe Marriage will come..., so prepare for the cleansing in the Lamb

John Michael Talbot

See the diamonds in that crown you've been wearin’Now do they resemble the thorns in the crown He did bear?Did He see you..., clothed in scarlet linenAs you turned out the homeless from your door with only a prayer?

John Michael Talbot

Did you remember the Power, how He Loved those who pierced HimWhile you were crusadin' by the power of your blood-stained sword?Were you sleepin' with kings in a bed that denied Him?Will you let go the gavel to hold the nail-scarred hands He bore

John Michael Talbot

Woman, look to the mirrorWhat will He desire in you in the autumn of your years?Your sins have marred you, but He will bring you beauty againHe will hold you if you'll cry a humble tear