The Unfaithful - 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 has been speaking most of the morning. You can read what He has already said in the last posts. Just scroll down.

He hasn't taken a break since the last time I shared with you, but went on to talk about the seventh commandment next. Here is what he is saying:

"Let's talk next about the seventh commandment. You remember that God instructed Moses to teach: Do not commit adultery. You may think that you have obeyed this teaching, walked the straight and narrow road, but I tell you this, if a man even looks at a woman with lust, he has already committed adultery in his heart. 

"The eye must be tamed. If it causes you to sin, remove it and throw it in the garbage. It is much better for you to lose it than for you to be thrown into hell. 

"The same thing goes for your right hand. If it causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away, because it really is better to lose it than for you to be thrown into hell. 

"The same for your feet or stomach, any part of your body that may cause you to sin. Get rid of it to spare yourself from being cast into hell.

"The seventh commandment even includes this from the teachings of Moses: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce, being fair to her and sending her away without anything restarting her. But I tell you, unless she has cheated on you, you must not divorce her at all, no exceptions because a divorced person who marries again commits the sin of adultery.  See what a mess it creates?" 


Yes, this does make sense. He teaches with such 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.