Leave Your Gift- Go-Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so they may add something to today's post. 

We are sitting on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee with a large number of people, some have traveled a long ways.

Jesus is in the midst of speaking to the very large crowd. They are very intrigued and so are we disciples. Here is what He is saying:

"Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law or over turn what the Prophets have said. I haven't come to undo them, but to fulfill them.

"I am here to tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the smallest stroke of a pen will in any measure disappear from the  sacred Law, for absolutely everything will be fulfilled and accomplished.

"You see, anyone who breaks even one of the littlest commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called small, even obscure in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever follows these commandments, practicing them and teaching others how to live them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

"Know this, and it is truth, unless your righteousness is deeper and richer than that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

"Here is what I mean by this. Consider the sixth commandment. You know that God instructed Moses to teach this: Do not murder. Anyone who murders will be judged and punished. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be judged and will receive a punishment. If anyone even taunts his friend, calls him a fool, looks, down at him, he will be judged and will be in danger of the fire of hell.

"So, if you come to the altar and offer your gift then remember your brother is upset with you, leave your gift at the altar and, first go, speak with your brother. Apologize and make things right. When you have forgiven each other, go back to the altar and offer your gift.

"If someone says they will sue you, settle the matter quickly. Do it while you are still with him, before you are taken before a judge who then may turn you over to an officer. You may be thrown into prison. If this happens, you won't get out until you have paid the last penny."

These words of Jesus made such sense. I may have heard something like this before, but not like how Jesus explained. He taught us with a deep understanding. I am sure we all learned more than we had in a very long time. Jesus has more to say. I will share them next time.

Author's note, this section is from the Sermon on the Mount. Come back to read the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.