-THE LIFE OF CHRIST - THE GALILEAN MINISTRY

-The Sermon on the Mount

-Matthew Chapters 5-7, Luke 6:17-49

-Within the scope of this particular study we will not focus on the details of the sermon on the
  mount.  For this study, our purpose is to indicate that it was during this time in the life of Christ
  that He presented this sermon.

-The sermon on the mount could be another study in itself.  To refer to it as a masterpiece would
  be but an incredible understatement.  It has correctly been referred to as the greatest sermon
  ever preached.  Any sermon since delivered by man, no matter how well done, merely falls
  within the shadows of the sermon on the mount.  If we would only strive to grasp its concepts,
  applications and completeness of Christian character and respond in an effort to meet its
  challenges, all would benefit tremendously.

     -As one studies the life of Christ, he/she must remember that Jesus lived in accordance with
         all that He taught – including the idealistic principles of the sermon on the mount.

-There has been some speculation as to whether or not the accounts in Matthew and Luke describe
  the same occasion.  Some say that they are the same occasion while others say that Jesus preached
  the same lesson on two different occasions.  For example, consider the following:

    -“There is little doubt that the discourses given by Matthew and Luke are the same, Matthew
        locating it on ‘the mountain,’ and Luke ‘on a level place,’ which might easily be a level spot
        on a mountain…Observe that they begin and end alike, and pursue the same general order. 
        Luke omits various matters of special interest to Matthew’s Jewish readers (e.g. Matt.
        4:17-42), and other matters that he himself will give elsewhere (e.g. Luke 11:1-4, 12:22-31);
        while Luke has a few sentences (as ver. 24-26, 38-40), which are not given by Matthew”
       (Robertson, pg 48).

    -“This ‘sermon’ is a synopsis of a continuous discourse, spoken at one time; it may have
        been repeated a number of times and Luke gives a record of the sermon which was
        repeated at some later time than the record given by Matthew” (Boles, pgs 133-134).

-While reading the sermon on the mount, remember it is being given in the context of the
  Jewish leaders.

     -Remember, prior to giving this discourse, Jesus had been challenged by the Pharisees and
       had withdrawn to the sea of Galilee due to the conspiracy of the Pharisees and Herodians.

   -“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the
       scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:20). 

   -Jesus addressed their teachings concerning the law and Jewish traditions and then corrected
      their shortcomings with His own teachings.

-Again, the sermon on the mount is an extremely profitable study in itself.  However, such a
  study at this time goes beyond the scope of our current study.  For that reason, with some
  regrets, we’ll move on.  Hopefully we’ll have the opportunity for a future study on this
  masterpiece of a sermon.  Ideally, I would like to then attach it to this study as an appendix.