“…the beauty of the vision is found in Jesus’ tenacious belief that humanity can find practical ways to live into peace, justice, and kindness. This vision is not realized without genuine change or clear intentions.” [Vision Beautiful, Sean M. Gilbert]
In the second year of Jesus’ public ministry (after his baptism), he walked up a hill on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee and began teaching his disciples. What he taught as the crowds gathered has become known as “the Sermon on the Mount.” Some of Jesus’ most well known teaching are contained in this “sermon.” You might think of the Beatitudes (Blessed are…), the Lord’s Prayer, the idea of “turning the other cheek,” “loving your enemy,” and the challenge to notice the logs in one’s own eyes before nagging your neighbor to remove the speck in his.
Most of us sitting in the pews today think of ourselves as “practical people.” We have little use for pie-in-the-sky ideas and much prefer concrete tasks that lead to tangible outcomes. We are a community of “doers” – happy to dive in and get our hands dirty whenever the call is made. As “practical people,” we sometimes wonder, “How do I translate all this stuff in the Bible to my own life? To my life as a sister-in-law or grandparent? To my context of work, family, or community?” It can feel like such a stretch that we content ourselves with simply being nice or kind without getting into the nitty gritty of it all.
The Sermon on the Mount is the perfect sermon for “practical people.” In it, we can see how big, complex concepts like God’s love and justice are translated into the here and now of our everyday lives. Jesus takes the religious laws that people loved to argue about and mapped out how to live them concretely. In this sermon, he gets into the nitty gritty of real relationships, feelings, and behavior and leaves very little doubt as to what it looks like to live faithfully. I other words, here is Jesus’ practical guide to following him.
This week, we begin a five-week sermon series studying the Sermon on the Mount. I encourage you to dive in and get your hands dirty: to prepare for each Sunday’s worship time by reading a reflecting on the weekly focus scripture, and by taking seriously how to apply Jesus’ teachings in your own life. Another significant way to dive in is to participate in a weekly small group. There, you’ll have the opportunity to consider: What are Jesus’ words saying to me…today? Small groups offer a nurturing space to grow, find support, and be accountable.
- Jan. 30th – Matthew 5:1-12/ Blessings ReInterpreted
- Feb. 6th – Matthew 5:13-20 / Staying Salty and Bright
- Feb 13th – Matthew 5:21-37 / You Have Heard It Said
- Feb. 20th – Matthew 5: 38-48 / Going the Extra Mile
- Feb. 27th – Matthew 6: 24-34 / Guest Preacher: Rev. Elmar De Ocera (Pastor, South Hayward UMC)
May the vision Jesus casts take hold of us anew. May we hear for ourselves the words that lead of Life. And may we have the courage to be truly practical and find ourselves transformed.
Peace, Pastor Emily