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The sermon given by Jesus Christ on a Galilean hillside is known as the greatest sermon ever preached, It has been described as the greatest person who ever lived, giving the greatest sermon ever given, "The Sermon on the Mount." Have you read the sermon in Matthew 5; Luke 6 ? If so how do you feel about it, is it to you, the greatest sermon ever preached?
At the beginning of His ministry Jesus declared that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matthew 4:17, and then in the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5–7 taught doctrines and principles of righteousness that govern the lives of those who belong to His kingdom and lead to happiness and eventual perfection.
What is different about this sermon, is that at the conclusion, the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority. In other words, the people were astonished by what He said and by how He said it. He did not teach by citing examples or previous authority, as the scribes and rabbis did. He taught as one having the authority of God Himself.
The Sermon has come to be known as the Beatitudes. Beatitude is from the Latin word beatus , meaning “blessed,” and each of the teachings of the sermon begins with the word blessed. This week we will study the Beatitudes and learn how we can not only draw closer to the Lord but how we can have that joy and happiness described as well as the eventual perfection we are taught we can attain.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "This sermon is a recapitulation, a summary, and a digest of what men must do to gain salvation; and the eternal concepts in it are so stated that hearers (and readers) will get out of it as much as their spiritual capacity permits. To some it will point the way to further investigation; to others it will confirm and reconfirm eternal truths already learned from the scriptures and from the preachers of righteousness of their day; and to those few whose souls burn with the fires of testimony, devotion, and valiance, it will be as the rending of the heavens: light and knowledge beyond comprehension will flow into their souls in quantities that cannot be measured. Every man must judge and determine for himself the effect the Sermon on the Mount will have upon him." (Mortal Messiah, 2:116)
1. Lasting happiness comes from living the way Jesus Christ taught and lived. Matthew 5:1–12
The Savior’s Sermon on the Mount, which was addressed primarily to His closest disciples, begins with statements known as the Beatitudes, as described above, in which Christ invited us to rethink what it means to live a blessed life, a life of lasting happiness.
What makes you happy? Have you ever just sat down and thought about it, what makes "me" happy?
What is true happiness? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught that “So often we get caught up in the illusion that there is something just beyond our reach that would bring us happiness: a better family situation, a better financial situation, or the end of a challenging trial.“… External circumstances don’t really matter or determine our happiness.“… We determine our happiness” (“Of Regrets and Resolutions,” Ensign Nov. 2012, 23).
Would you be interested if you came across a speech by the Creator of the universe titled ‘Keys to Happiness’? President Harold B. Lee taught: “In his Sermon on the Mount the Master has given us somewhat of a revelation of his own character, which was perfect, … and in so doing has given us a blueprint for our own lives. … In that matchless Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has given us eight distinct ways by which we might receive [real] joy. Each of his declarations is begun by the word ‘Blessed.’ … These declarations of the Master are known in the literature of the Christian world as the Beatitudes. … They embody in fact the constitution for a perfect life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 200)
Matthew 5:1–12 The Beatitudes
Many centuries after the premortal Christ gave the law of Moses on Mount Sinai, the mortal Messiah ascended another mount to proclaim a higher law in a discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount. The first teachings in this sermon are known as the Beatitudes In Matthew 5, where the sermon begins, the word blessed means “happy. these verses called the Beatitudes mean ‘to be fortunate,’ ‘to be happy,’ or ‘to be blessed’
Latter-day Saints have four scripturally recorded versions of this sermon—in Third Nephi, in Luke, in Matthew, and in the Inspired Version of Matthew. No material changes were made by the Prophet in Luke's rendition. All four of these versions follow the same general pattern, present the same general truths, and do it in the same sequence. But in certain particulars, there are radical variations between all versions. Undoubtedly all are accounts of the same sermon, but all are abridgements only, and the same truths were not abridged in every particular into each of the accounts. The most comprehensive and complete report is in the Matthew-Inspired Version record. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Bruce R McConkie)
Matthew 5:3. “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit”
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This is the first of the Beatitudes taught by the Savior. President Harold B. Lee taught that the poor in spirit are “those who are spiritually needy, who feel so impoverished spiritually that they reach out with great yearning for help” (Teachings: Harold B. Lee, 197).
It also means to be humble and “to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord; to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 86).
Why do you think the attribute of being “poor in spirit” is first in the Beatitudes? We must recognize our spiritual need before we can make progress toward Father in Heaven.
What important phrase does the Book of Mormon add to this Beatitude? The account of the sermon in 3 Nephi states, “Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me” 3 Nephi 12:3
Why do you think the phrase “who come unto me” is an important addition? It tells us not just the poor in spirit in general, but those who accept Christ by accepting his gospel.
Matthew 5:4. “Blessed Are They That Mourn”
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
To mourn is to feel or express sorrow. A person may mourn over the difficulties and trials of mortality, including the death of loved ones. Likewise, a person may also mourn because of sorrow for sin.
President Harold B. Lee explained that “they that mourn” relates to those who mourn over their sins: “‘And again, blessed are all they that mourn’ 3 Nephi 12:4; Matthew 5:4. … He is talking about repentance. He is talking about the promise that will come to whom? All who would ‘come down into the depths of humility’ and have been baptized and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost (see 3 Nephi 12:2)” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 112).
Another meaning of this teaching is provided in Mosiah 18:9, which teaches that one requirement of Church membership is being “willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”
3 Ne. 12:4. Mourners who believe the gospel and who gain an understanding of the part grief, sorrow, and death play in this mortal probation, shall—in this life and through that knowledge gain comfort and peace from the Spirit; then, eventually, perfect comfort shall be theirs in that glorious day when "God shall wipe away all tears." (Rev. 7:17.) (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Bruce R McConkie)
Matthew 5:5. “Blessed Are the Meek”
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
What does it mean to be meek? To be gentle, forgiving, or benevolent. To be “meek” means to be God fearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering. The meek are willing to follow gospel teachings.
Meekness does not imply weakness; rather, as Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, meekness is “kindness and gentleness. It reflects certitude, strength, serenity; it reflects a healthy self-esteem and a genuine self-control” (“Meekly Drenched in Destiny” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 5, 1982).
While serving as the Presiding Bishop of the Church, Bishop H. David Burton explained the necessity of being meek: “Meekness will allow us to be tutored by the Spirit” (“More Holiness Give Me,” Ensign Nov. 2004, 99).
When Jesus promised that the meek would inherit the earth, He was quoting from Psalm 37:11. To “inherit the earth” means to inherit the celestial kingdom. This earth will one day be “sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory” D&C 88:18, and “the meek of the earth shall inherit it” D&C 88:17.
Matt. 5:5. The meek] The godfearing and the righteous, those among the true saints who are living a celestial law. Shall inherit the earth] Not in this day when wickedness reigns, but in that coming day when the earth is sanctified, cleansed from all unrighteousness, and prepared for celestial glory. (D. & C. 88:16-32.) (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Bruce R McConkie)
How can we develop meekness? To be meek, as defined in Webster’s dictionary, is ‘manifesting patience and long-suffering: enduring injury without resentment’ Meekness is not weakness. It is a badge of Christian courage” (Robert D. Hales, “Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Ensign Nov. 2008, 73). (Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 1976)
Matthew 5:6. “Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness”
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
The Greek word that was translated as “filled” also means “to feed or fatten an animal in a stall” and gives the idea of eating until completely satisfied. This helps us understand the Lord’s promise to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.
To hunger and thirst after righteousness implies a great desire to know and do the will of God. Our desires should be more of righteous manner than worldly.
Matthew 5:7. “Blessed Are the Merciful”
This is one of the many times the Savior taught that the way we treat others affects how God will treat us. President Gordon B. Hinckley wrote: “I plead for a stronger spirit of compassion in all
of our relationships, a stronger element of mercy, for if we are
merciful we shall obtain mercy from the Ultimate Judge. … It is
impressive to watch those who with a compelling spirit of kindness reach
out to those in distress, to help and assist, to feed and provide for,
to nurture and to bless. As these extend mercy, I am confident that the
God of Heaven will bless them, and their posterity after them, with His
own mercy. … One cannot be merciful to others without receiving a
harvest of mercy in return (Standing for Something Gordon B Hinkley).
The Prophet Joseph Smith placed mercy in the context of forgiving others: “Ever keep
in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother
on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and
should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent
or ask forgiveness, our heavenly Father would be equally as merciful
unto us” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith)
How can we show mercy to others? “Mercy is the compassionate treatment of a person greater than what is deserved” (“Mercy,” Gospel Topics, lds.org/topics)
Why do we need mercy from the Lord? Alma 42:13–15
13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.
Matthew 5:8. “Blessed Are the Pure in Heart”
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God
Who are the pure in heart? “The pure in heart are those who love the Lord, who seek to follow Him and keep His commandments, who are striving to live virtuous lives and endure faithfully to the end. The pure in heart are those who control their thoughts to keep themselves free from immoral fantasies and deeds” (Sheldon F. Child, “Words of Jesus: Chastity,” Ensign, Jan. 2003)
What do you think it means to have a pure heart? While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Gerald N. Lund explained that a pure heart is free from contamination and open to the Holy Spirit: “In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior said, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God’ [Matthew 5:8]. If something is pure, it is not polluted or tainted by things which do not belong to it. Purity of heart is certainly one of the most important qualifications for receiving inspiration from God. While none of our hearts are perfect, the more diligently we strive to eliminate impurity, or push out things which do not belong there, the more we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit” (“Opening Our Hearts,” Ensign May 2008)
Why must we have pure hearts if we are to see God and dwell with him? Elder Bruce R. McConkie discussed the connection between being pure in heart and being able to see God: “Purity of heart is a figure for purity of soul. They are the ones who received a remission of their sins in the waters of baptism; who, after baptism, have so lived as to retain a remission of sins; who have had their sins burned out of their souls as though by fire by the power of the Holy Ghost. They are God-fearing and righteous souls; and being pure, they qualify to see and associate with other pure beings, the chief of whom is the Lord of Purity” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith 1985 )
How can we purify our hearts? Helaman 3:35
35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
Matthew 5:9. "Peacemakers"
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
What is a peacemaker? “[Peacemaking] is the gift to help people find common ground when others are seeing differences” (Henry B. Eyring, “Learning in the Priesthood,” Ensign May 2011)
In the full sense, only those who believe and spread the fulness of the gospel are peacemakers within the perfect meaning of this Beatitude. The gospel is the message of peace to all mankind. Children of God] Those who have been adopted into the family of God as a result of their devotion to the truth. By such a course they become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. (Rom. 8:14-18; Gal. 3:26-29; 4:1-7.) (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Bruce R McConkie)
How can we be peacemakers in our homes and communities?
Matthew 5:10–12 They Which Are Persecuted For Righteousness
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
To be “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” means to be willing to obey and defend Jesus Christ and His teachings, even when we may be mocked or mistreated for doing so.
Matt. 5:10-12; I. V. Matt. 5:12, 14. Persecution for his name's sake is the heritage of the faithful; in it they rejoice, for it evidences that they have forsaken the world and come unto Christ, so as to be future inheritors of the fulness of his Father's kingdom. "And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name's sake, shall find it again, even life eternal." (D. & C. 98:13.)
(Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Bruce R McConkie)
Why are righteous people sometimes persecuted?
How should we respond to persecution? Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:35
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Of these eight Beatitudes discussed, which do you feel are especially helpful for you personally?
What could you change in order to be the type of person described in these verses?
What will happen to us as we develop these and other Christlike attributes? As we develop Christlike attributes, we will find increased happiness.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
"Ye are the light of the world; a city set upon a hill." What does that mean? The Lord here warns us that the standard of living in the Church must be visibly higher than the standard of living in the world. A church that tolerates a corrupt ministry or laxity of life among its communicants is not bearing its witness as the church of Jesus Christ before the world. (Ye Are The Light Of The World Harold B Lee)
What principle can we learn from verses 14–16, about how our righteous example can influence others? Our righteous example can encourage others to draw nearer to Heavenly Father.
How do you feel when you read Jesus’s statement that you are “the light of the world”?
What does it mean to hide our light “under a bushel,” and why might we be tempted to do this? Elder Robert D. Hales encouraged us to think about how our lives can lead others to glorify our Father in Heaven: “Wouldn’t it be pleasing to Jesus if we could let our light so shine that those who followed us would be following the Savior? …“Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps you are the light sent by Heavenly Father to lead another safely home or to be a beacon from a distance to show the way back to the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life? Your light is a beacon and should never stop burning or mislead those who are looking for a way home” (“That Ye May Be the Children of Light” (Brigham Young University fireside, Nov. 3, 1996)
3. Jesus Christ taught a higher law that can lead us toward perfection Matthew 5:17–48
17 ¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 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.
21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 ¶ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The Savior taught that He came to fulfill the law of Moses, not to destroy, or do away with, any of the eternal truths in the law of Moses. Jesus Christ restored the fulness of the gospel that had been lost due to wickedness and apostasy, corrected false teachings, and fulfilled the prophecies made by Old Testament prophets. Eventually, as part of the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel, some aspects of the law of Moses were discontinued, such as circumcision and animal sacrifice.
Matthew 5:21–48 includes the Savior’s teachings about various laws and traditions the Jews had developed or added under the law of Moses. As Jesus Christ explained the true meaning of the laws, He taught a higher way of righteousness. Members of His kingdom must live this higher law. These higher laws provided guidance to help disciples of Jesus Christ avoid breaking God’s commandments.
Elder Marion D. Hanks: "Jesus referred repeatedly to the old law by which they had been governed—and then fitted those teachings into the higher and holier context of the law of love he had come to invoke among God’s children. He was not content with the old levels of concept and conduct. He wanted those who were the salt of the earth, the light of the world, to rise to nobler heights than the old law had required: 'Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, … But I say unto you'." (Conference Report, April 1992)
Righteousness Matthew 5:20
20 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.
Jesus said that his disciples’ righteousness should “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees”
What was lacking from the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees? They focused only on outward appearances of the law and ignored the importance of inner faithfulness. If they had observed the law as it was given, they would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
Ye have heard that it was said: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus used these words when he referred to commandments that were part of the law of Moses. But I say unto you: Jesus used these words when he taught his disciples his higher law.
Matthew 5:21–22 Anger
21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
What ancient law did Jesus refer to? Thou shalt not kill
What higher law did Jesus give concerning this commandment? Do not get angry
Note that the phrase “without a cause” does not appear in the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 5:22 or in 3 Nephi 12:22.
Why is it significant that the phrase “without a cause” is omitted from this verse? Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy referred to these verses when teaching the importance of eliminating anger from our lives: “A cunning part of [Satan’s] strategy is to dissociate anger from agency, making us believe that we are victims of an emotion that we cannot control. … The Lord expects us to make the choice not to become angry. … When the Lord eliminates the phrase ‘without a cause,’ He leaves us without an excuse. …“Anger is a yielding to Satan’s influence by surrendering our self-control. It is the thought-sin that leads to hostile feelings or behavior. … Understanding the connection between agency and anger is the first step in eliminating it from our lives” (“Agency and Anger,” Ensign, May 1998)
The word raca comes from an Aramaic word meaning “imbecile, fool, or empty-headed person.” Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained a broader meaning of the term: “Profane and vulgar expressions vary from nation to nation and age to age, but the intent of this passage is to condemn any language which conveys improper feelings about another” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary)
How is the commandment to avoid anger a higher law than the commandment against murder?
“To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice. If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry. I testify that such is possible. …We are all susceptible to those feelings which, if left unchecked, can lead to anger. We experience displeasure or irritation or antagonism, and if we so choose, we lose our temper and become angry with others. Ironically, those others are often members of our own families—the people we really love the most. …May we make a conscious decision, each time such a decision must be made, to refrain from anger” (“School Thy Feelings, O My Brother,” Ensign Nov. 2009, 68–69)
Matthew 5:23-25 “Agree with Thine Adversary Quickly”
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift
What did Jesus say his disciples should do if they had angry feelings as they prepared to bring a gift to the altar? Before the people offered sacrifices to the Lord, they first needed to repair their relationships with other people.
How might this apply to us? If we desire to come unto Jesus Christ, we must first do our part to be reconciled with others. To settle disputes or restore harmony in the relationship. This includes those who have unkind feelings toward us and those toward whom we may have unkind feelings.
What do you think it means to agree with your adversary quickly? Elder David E. Sorensen explained that agreeing with one’s adversary means working out disagreements before they lead to a worse situation: “The Savior said, ‘Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him’ [Matthew 5:25], thus commanding us to resolve our differences early on, lest the passions of the moment escalate into physical or emotional cruelty, and we fall captive to our anger. Nowhere does this principle apply more than in our families” (“Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love,” Ensign 2003, 11)
Matthew 5:27–28 “Whosoever Looketh on a Woman to Lust after Her”
27 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
What ancient law did Jesus refer to? Thou shalt not commit adultery
What law did Jesus give to supersede this commandment? Avoid lustful thoughts
What are some results of unclean thoughts? Elder Jeffrey R. Holland discussed the seriousness of the sin of lust: “Why is lust such a deadly sin? Well, in addition to the completely Spirit-destroying impact it has upon our souls, I think it is a sin because it defiles the highest and holiest relationship God gives us in mortality—the love that a man and a woman have for each other and the desire that couple has to bring children into a family intended to be forever. … Love makes us instinctively reach out to God and other people. Lust, on the other hand, is anything but godly and celebrates self-indulgence. Love comes with open hands and open heart; lust comes with only an open appetite” (“Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul,” Ensign May 2010, 44–45)
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency spoke about the effects of pornography; a prevalent cause and promoter of lust, on those who view it: “Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. It erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behavior. As conscience is desensitized, patrons of pornography are led to act out what they have witnessed, regardless of its effects on their life and the lives of others” (“Pornography,” Ensign May 2005, 89)
What can we do to keep our thoughts pure? Do not even entertain the thoughts. If we choose to entertain lustful thoughts or desires, it is like committing adultery in our hearts.
Matthew 5:29–30 “Pluck It Out, and Cast It from Thee”
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
What do these verses teach us about how we should deal with our sins? The Savior used startling images to teach followers the importance of casting away their sins and removing themselves from sinful places, people, and situations.
President Joseph Fielding Smith taught that the terms “right eye” or “right hand” can mean “close friends or relatives who [endeavor] to lead us from the path of rectitude and humble obedience to the divine commandments we receive from the Lord. If any friend or relative endeavors to lead a person away from the commandments, it is better to dispense with his friendship and association than to follow him in evil practices to destruction” (Answers to Gospel Questions)
Matthew 5:31–37 Divorce, marriage, and making oaths
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 ¶ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
In the subject of divorce and marriage, at the time of this sermon; in ancient Israel, a man could put away, or divorce, his wife for insignificant reasons. Jesus taught that in a perfect world, such as the celestial kingdom, divorce does not exist. Because the earth is not yet perfect, divorce is allowed but should not happen except for the most serious reasons. Matthew 19:9 indicates that a man who put away his wife for a frivolous reason was still married to her in the eyes of God, and he thus committed adultery if he married another woman. (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 473–75, 484; see also Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979–81], 2:138–39.)
Concerning making oaths, how did people in Old Testament times signify that they were telling the truth? Perform oaths to the Lord.
What law did Jesus give to supersede this practice? Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: “Under the Mosaic law the taking of oaths was so common and covered such a variety of circumstances that, in practice, little verity attended statements that were not made with an oath. … Under the perfect law of Christ every man’s word is his bond, and all spoken statements are as true as though an oath attended each spoken word” (The Mortal Messiah, Vol 4)
Matthew 5:38-42 Taking Offense
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
What ancient law did Jesus refer to? An eye for an eye; “an eye for an eye” meant that a person who injured another could receive the same injury as punishment; Leviticus 24:17–21.
What commandment superseded this law? Matthew 5:39–40. Turn the other cheek.
What principles did Jesus teach when he spoke of turning the other cheek to someone who hits us and giving our cloak to someone who takes our coat?
Going the Second Mile: Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Apparently Jesus had reference to the Roman law which authorized troops passing a district to commandeer the people and compel them to carry their luggage. To comply with this law often resulted in great inconvenience. The principle involved is that the saints should pay their taxes, abide by the laws of the land, and submit to those public burdens attendant upon citizenship." (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: "The application of this principle, difficult to live but wondrous in its curative powers, would have a miraculous effect on our troubled homes. It is selfishness which is the cause of most of our misery. It is as a cankering disease. The healing power of Christ, found in the doctrine of going the second mile, would do wonders to still argument and accusation, fault-finding and evil speaking." (Conference Report October 1988)
Matthew 5:43-47 “Ye Have Heard That It Hath Been Said”
43 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
What ancient practice did Jesus refer to? Love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. The commandment “Love thy neighbour” is found in Leviticus 19:18, but no scripture in the Old Testament commands us to hate thine enemy. It appears the Savior was referring to a saying common in His day. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1946 may reveal that some Jews at the time of Christ did in fact teach that they should love fellow members of their community but hate outsiders (see Dana M. Pike, “Is the Plan of Salvation Attested in the Dead Sea Scrolls?” in Donald W. Parry and Dana M. Pike, eds., LDS Perspectives on the Dead Sea Scrolls [1997], 93, note 19).45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
President James E. Faust taught about the healing power of forgiveness: “Our natural response [to injuries inflicted by others] is anger. We may even feel justified in wanting to ‘get even’ with anyone who inflicts injury on us or our family. “Dr. Sidney Simon, a recognized authority on values realization, has provided an excellent definition of forgiveness as it applies to human relationships:
“‘Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves’ [with Suzanne Simon, Forgiveness: How to Make Peace with Your Past and Get On with Your Life (1990), 19]. …“… It is not easy to let go and empty our hearts of festering resentment. The Savior has offered to all of us a precious peace through His Atonement, but this can come only as we are willing to cast out negative feelings of anger, spite, or revenge. For all of us who forgive ‘those who trespass against us,’ even those who have committed serious crimes, the Atonement brings a measure of peace and comfort. “… With all my heart and soul, I believe in the healing power that can come to us as we follow the counsel of the Savior ‘to forgive all men’ [D&C 64:10]” (“The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign May 2007, 68–69)
Matthew 5:48 Perfection
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
How are we to understand the Savior’s command that we become perfect? President Russell M. Nelson explained the meaning of the word perfect as used in Matthew 5:48: “The term perfect was translated from the Greek teleios, which means ‘complete.’ … The infinitive form of the verb is teleiono, which means ‘to reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or to finish.’ Please note that the word does not imply freedom from error; it implies achieving a distant objective. …“We need not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seem so arduous and endless. Perfection is pending. It can come in full only after the Resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all who love him and keep his commandments” (“Perfection Pending,” Ensign, Nov. 1995)
President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “I believe the Lord meant just what he said: that we should be perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect. That will not come all at once, but line upon line, and precept upon precept, example upon example, and even then not as long as we live in this mortal life, for we will have to go even beyond the grave before we reach that perfection and shall be like God.
“But here we lay the foundation. Here is where we are taught these simple truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in this probationary state, to prepare us for that perfection. It is our duty to be better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we are today. … If we are keeping the commandments of the Lord, we are on that road to perfection” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, Vol 3. see also D&C 93:11–14, 19–20)
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
President Harold B. Lee taught: “In his Sermon on the Mount the Master has given us somewhat of a revelation of his own character, which was perfect, … and in so doing has given us a blueprint for our own lives. The Sermon on the Mount helps us “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” As we follow the Savior’s teachings and commandments, we can become perfect like our Father in Heaven. It doesn't happen all at once, but as we are taught, its a gradual process that by over time, we change and evolve into those beings Father has designed us to be. The Sermon on the Mount is the perfect example of line upon line, precept upon precept. Christ came and line upon line he has given eveyrone what we need to for our journey to live with Him again. It is now up to us to study, understand and live according to the higher law.
Next Week: Matthew 6–7 “the constitution for a perfect life”
Resources
New Testament Student ManualNew Testament Seminary Manual
Doctrines of Salvation Bruce R McConkie
Doctrinal New Testmant Commentary Bruce R McConkie
The Mortal Messiah Bruce R McConkie
Answers to Gospel Questions Joseph Fielding Smith
Ye Are the Light of the World Harold B Lee
A New Wittness for the Articles of Faith Bruce R McConkie
Teachings of the Presidents of the Chruch Joseph Smith Jr
Standing for Something Gordon B Hinkley
The Teachings of Harold B Lee
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference
Studies in Scripture Vol 5 Kent P Jackson
Ensign
Conference Reports
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