February 9, 2025
The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most famous passages in the entire Bible. Sections of it are often quoted or used in motivational speeches or critiques from the world to Christians, yet so many people don’t actually know the one who delivered this sermon or why he gave it at all. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus ushers in a new kingdom, one that is upside down from what this world and culture is like. He says things like, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” or “if you look at a woman with lustful intent you have committed adultery in your heart,” and “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where they will last forever.” These words and others in his sermon are so countercultural to our everyday life that at face value it seems strange and impossible. But Jesus doesn’t intend for his audience to live this sermon out on their own, rather the entire sermon isn’t about living in your own strength but living in the one who is giving the sermon, Jesus. In ushering in this new kingdom Jesus provides a way for us to live in his kingdom, by believing in his work on our behalf. In doing so and living the way our king has lived we will be “like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Let’s be citizens of the upside down kingdom and make much of our King, Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:24-29