Crowds Astonished-Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 7 and Luke 6

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 one or more may add something to today's post. 

We are sitting on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the day. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. The previous posts telling what he said already are below this one.  Just scroll down.

I am a witness and am here to tell you what Jesus said next on this day. A few moments ago, He spoke about our Father in Heaven who deeply cares for us. He then said there will be those who say they believe and obey in the living God, but they are liars.

Jesus said, "Then there are those who truly listen to my words. Those who live according to my teachings. Those who do are like the wise man who builds his house on a rock, a firm foundation. When a storm comes and the winds whip at the house and the rains pound down hard, the house stands strong because it was build on a rock.

"Those who say they are listening and don't prove they are willing to change and follow my instructions are like fool who builds his house on the sand. When a storm comes to this house, you know what would happen. The rains fall, soaking the sandy foundation away, and rise, flooding the house. The winds blow and the house collapses with a mighty crash."

And with those words, Jesus finished his message.

The people sat amazed. None of them stood. It was like they were replaying the words in their minds. 

The other disciples of Jesus and I saw the authority in His words. Everything Jesus said could be trusted and needed to be lived out. The crowds showed they saw it too. The difference between hearing Jesus speak and a Jewish rabbi, pharisee, or sadducee speak is Jesus taught in His own name, with His own authority.

Truly insightful. Hearing Jesus speak was like stepping on solid ground without any worry about falling.


The crowds eventually left. The only conversation I heard were words repeating what Jesus said. 

This was a day to remember.

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

*********************************************************************************************

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.

Watch for Deceivers-The Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 7

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 one or more may add something to today's post. 

We are sitting on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. The previous posts telling what he said already are below this one.  Just scroll down.

I am a witness and am here to tell you what Jesus said next on this day. A few moments ago, He spoke about judging others before seeing the problems we have. When He finished He returned to the subject of prayer.

Jesus said, "All you need to do is ask the Father. If you ask, it will be given to you. Search and you will find it. Knock and the door will be open to you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find it. Everyone who knocks will find the door opened for them.

He looked at the crowd's faces. They seemed a bit confused. "Let me ask you this. If your son asked for bread, would you give him a stone?" He paused. "Of course you wouldn't. Or if he asked for some fish to eat, would you give him a snake? No, you would give him the best you had. All right then, if you, a sinful person, know how to give good gifts to your children, think of how much more you heavenly Father, who is perfect, gives good gifts to those who ask him! And so, in every circumstance, in everything you do, do for others what you want them to do for you. This alone sums up the Law and the Prophets.

"You have two choices. You may only pick one. One has a narrow doorway, the other one, wide. The wide doorway seems easier, and many will choose this way. But the road beyond will end with destruction. Few people will chose the narrow gate. The path is narrow and the road difficult, but it will end with life."

Jesus then gave a warning about which this choice:

"There will come those who will deceive you and steer you toward the wide path. Each day, watch for them. They put on the clothes of a knowledgeable person, they speak convincing words, but inwardly they are like a ferocious wolf. How will you know who these wolves are? By looking at the fruit of their work. 

"You wouldn't find tasty grapes on a thorn bush or juicy figs from thistles, right? People are like trees. Every good tree will bear only good fruit, and every bad tree will only bear ugly, bitter fruit. These rotten trees are cut down and used for firewood. Listen carefully when a prophet comes to you. Look for the fruit of his words if they are sweet or bitter. If his words are true what he says will come to pass.

"So watch. Not everyone who says, Lord, Lord is honest. Some are deceivers. These deceivers will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter through this narrow way. The deceivers will say, 'But didn't we prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' I will say plainly to them 'Go away, I never knew you'--because I know they are deceivers and liars."


And so Jesus continued, but those words will be told next time. 

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

*********************************************************************************************

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.

You Hypocrite-From the Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 7, Luke 6

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, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below this one.  Just scroll down.

I am a witness and am here to tell you what Jesus said next on that day.

Jesus said, "Don't judge others for what they have done then you won't be judge for what you have done. Don't even condemn others if you hope to not be condemned. 

Instead 
Forgive others so that you also may be forgiven.

If you give to others they will give to you. When they do, you will receive a gift in full compensation, overflowing, then pressed down and shaken together to make room for more. Whatever you use to measure what you will give, whether too large or too small, the same will be used for the gift given to you."

Jesus paused for a moment then said, "There once was a blind man leading another blind man. You can imagine one eventually falling into the ditch and pulling the other one down with him. Think about this, does a student know more than the teacher? No. But if he works hard, he may learn as much.

"So, why fuss about a small thing? Isn't it nothing more than a speck in an eye? Take a look at what you've done. Your sin is like a huge board plunged into your eye. Is it really right to say you are helping your brother remove the tiny speck when you have a huge board in yours? You are a hypocrite.

"You must first remove the large board in your own eyes before dealing with the speck in your neighbor's eye.

"Giving holy things to a depraved man is like giving pearls to a swine. The swine will trample the pearls then turn and attack you.

And so Jesus continued, but those words will be told next time. 

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

*********************************************************************************************

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.

Jesus-Don't Worry About Food and Clothing

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5, Luke 6

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, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below.  Just scroll down.

I am here to tell you what Jesus said on that day.

Jesus said, "Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. Don't think about your body, what you will wear. Life is much more important than food, and the body is more important clothes. Look up. See the birds. they don't plant or reap or store away their food in barns, and yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they? How can worrying add a single hour to your life? It can't. 

"So why worry about our clothes? Look about you. See how the lilies of the field grow? They don't work or spin their clothes. Not even Solomon in all his spender was dressed like one of these. If God shows care for the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, won't he care for your clothes? 

"You have such little faith. Don't worry and say, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink' or 'What shall we wear?' The pagan are the ones who fret over these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them. Instead, look first for his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.

"I'll repeat this, don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

And so Jesus continued, but those words will be told next time. 

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

*********************************************************************************************

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.

Jesus: Fasting, Treasures, and Light

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5, Luke 6

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, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below.  Just scroll down.

I am here to tell you what Jesus said on that day.

Jesus said, "When you set aside eating a meal to worship the Father do not go about looking somber as the hypocrites do. They disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their full reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, go about not attracting attention to yourself. Isn't the reason for fasting to give God the glory and not yourself? Your Father who sees what is in secret will reward you.

"I say, do not store up wealth on earth. Moth and rust destroy all these things. Thieves break in and steal these things. Instead, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. There moth and rust will not destroy and thieves won't be able to break in and steal. Where your treasure is truly hidden, there your heart will be.

"Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eyes are good, opened wide to see all that God has for you, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, squinting with greed and distrust then your whole body will be full of darkness. If you have blinds blocking the light to your eyes, how great is that darkness! You are empty.

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

And so Jesus continued, but those words will be told next time.

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

*********************************************************************************************

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.

Jesus-This is How You Should Pray-Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5, Luke 6

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, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below.  Just scroll down.

I am here to tell you what Jesus said on that day.

Jesus said, "Be careful not to do good deeds so that other can see what you've done. If you do, your reward will be given to you by those who saw, instead from your heavenly Father. 

"So, when you give to the needy, don't announce it in front of everyone like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets. I tell you the truth, they have received their full reward. But, when you give to the needy, do it in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.


"Let's talk about how to pray. When you pray don't be like the hypocrites who love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by everyone. I tell you the truth, they have received their full reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done is secret, will reward you. 

"When you pray, don't babble like the pagans who think they will be heard because of their many words. Don't do that because your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.

"This is how you should pray:

Our Father who is in heaven

Holy is your name

your kingdom come

your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us for our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever and ever, Amen.

"If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive them, your Father will not forgive you."

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

*********************************************************************************************

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.

Jesus Teaches From On the Mount By the Sea

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5, Luke 6

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, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below.  Just scroll down.

A balmy breeze blew across the crowd. The fresh air perked up everyone, and they sat straighter listening to Jesus speak. One child off to the side pushed another. The second child pushed the first one back.

Jesus pushed strands of hair away from his face and said, "You've heard these words, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, Don't resist an evil person. If someone hits you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek. If someone wants to sue you and take the clothes off of your back, let him have your coat too. 

"If a soldier forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to the one who asks and don't turn the one who wants to borrow away from you. What I am saying is to do to others what you would like them to do for you.

"Now I will talk about our enemies. You have heard these words, 'Love your neighbor and hate you enemy.' But I say, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This is what your Father in Heaven has done and expects of you.

"God cause his sun to rise on evil and good, He sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous. It really isn't difficult to love someone who loves you. Don't the tax collectors do the same? You welcome your brothers into your home, how is that different from those who worship idols? Or if you lend money to someone whom you know will pay you back, how is that different from anyone else who expects to be repaid?

"I say, love your enemies, do good to them. Lend to them without expecting anything back. Then you will receive a great reward, and you will be call the sons of the Most High, because God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

This teaching of Jesus was completely different from what we've heard in the past. He isn't asking us to rise up and fight the Roman rule. Instead He speaks of respect. The people sitting around me were very intrigued.

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

*********************************************************************************************

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.

Jesus-Broken Promises - Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5, Luke 6

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, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below.  Just scroll down.

Jesus took a moment break between each subject, giving us time to think about His words. The break has ended and He is ready to tell us more.

Jesus said, "You have all heard from people who lived long ago these words: Do not break a promise, but keep the promises you have made to the Lord.

"There is more to this than is being taught by the Rabbis.

"When saying something that for another person to believe, you might rashly say, I swear by heaven this is so. When you do this you are calling on heaven to back your words, and heaven is a very scared place, it ought to be taken seriously. You show no grace or honor to God when you say you can call on heaven to back your words. Are you God? 

"Can you even say I swear by earth as proof of your words? God has given life to the earth. What right have you to say you have power over that life when calling on it to back your words?

"Or can you say, I swear by Jerusalem as your witness? Jerusalem is a place of honor, a place on the earth, a place set aside for you. David wrote, Jerusalem is the city of the great King. God, the great King, is interested in Jerusalem and every single promise that you make by it.

"Even though your head is a part of you, something you cannot do without, it belongs more to God than you because He made it. Can you make one hair that grow from you head emerge as a different color? God formed all the workings in your head, your brain, eyes, ears, mouth, nose. So, you cannot promise by your head, you have no authority.

"Rather, let those whom you speak with see by your actions that your words are true. They should not doubt you because you daily live an honest and truthful life. Those around you should know that when you say yes, that alone is yes and needs nothing extra. And when you say no, that alone is no and needs nothing more.

"An honest life is one that is respected and believed. When cursing or strong promises are added to what you say, doubt and disbelief will be the listener's response. Don't let your protests, cursing, and promises taint your words.

"Promises should rarely be made. They are too easy to break and are not respected as the commitment they are. 


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.

*********************************************************************************************

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.

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.

*********************************************************************************************

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.

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.

*********************************************************************************************

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.