I Introduction

Matthew 5:1-16 confirmed that Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is not a message about entrance into God’s kingdom, but training for disciples. The way in is through faith (Matthew 4:17), those who believe in the Messiah are those who belong, and now in this sermon they are taught what it means to live as citizens of the kingdom. What will life look like now that the Messiah has come?

The first lesson was that blessing is not to be measured by what we can see. Under the old covenant, there was a semi-direct connection between God’s favour and earthly prosperity, but this is no longer the case. In the time of the new covenant, following the arrival of the King, citizens will not be spared from the hardships of living in a fallen world. Scattered throughout the earth, there is no promise of your best life now.

Rather, we are waiting for the kingdom to come in all its glory. Confident of blessing because we belong to Christ, but waiting for the day when faith will be sight, and until then we must be salt and light in this world. We must learn to respect God, acknowledging our sinful natures and need for his forgiveness. We must also do good to all, showing mercy where we have been wronged, working to bring peace.

That is a brief summary of what we have seen so far in this sermon. Jesus speaking in general terms about kingdom attitudes and actions. He will give some very practical examples and specifics shortly, when we get to Matthew 5:21 and following, but before then, there is a very important concept that needs to be understood. That is the fact that Jesus has not come to abolish but to fulfil. Jesus’ mission on earth is not to do away with what God has revealed, but to bring it to completeness, to accomplish God’s plan of salvation.

II   Jesus has come to fulfill the Scriptures.

• Explain: Why is it necessary for Jesus to make it clear that he has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets?

• Explain: What does it mean for Jesus to fulfill the Law and the Prophets?

• Explain: What does Jesus’ work of fulfillment imply for the way we read and interpret old covenant law?

III  A blueprint for godly living, a promise of changes to come.

• Explain: Does Jesus’ fulfillment mean we no longer have to listen to the Old Testament?

• Explain: What does Jesus most likely mean with the distinction between the least and the greatest in the kingdom?

• Explain: What does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples they need a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees?

• Explain/Apply: What does it mean for Jesus’ teaching/law to be a blueprint for godly living? 

• Explain/Apply: What are the changes that Jesus wants to bring about in my life?

• Explain/Apply: How are we perfected in the sight of God? On the basis of whose works do we get to enter the kingdom of heaven?

IV Concluding prayer

Heavenly Father. Thank you that Jesus came to fulfill what was promised. Thank you that he kept           your law in our place and bore the penalties that the law required for disobedience. Thank you           also that the historical details of his life match what was revealed in Scripture so can have           confidence that he truly is the Messiah and that all your promises will be kept.

In particular, as we look forward to the day of Christ’s return, may we be certain that such a day is coming and that our present status as blessed citizens will then be made clear not only to us but to all creation.

Help us also to read your Word with the knowledge and conviction that it points to the work of your Son. Having done so, inspire and encourage us to obey your commandments in the power of your Spirit. We know your commands are for our good and for your glory. Help us also to see where the application of your law in our day will look different from what came before so that we will not fall into the trap of placing unnecessary burdens on our shoulders nor those of fellow believers.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.