PREPARING FOR THE SERMON
September 8, 2024
Matthew 5:17-48
Context:
Matthew 5:17 introduces a theme prevalent in Jesus’ ministry. His righteousness exceeded that of the most ardent Jews. His standards went beyond the extrabiblical “safeguards” of the scribes and Pharisees. He begins a series of corrective teachings that each begin with a variation of “you have heard…, but I tell you…”
Structure:
17-19 “I came to fulfill the law” (v 17)
20 your righteousness must far surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees
21-26 be reconciled to your brother (v 24)
27-30 if something causes you to sin, rid yourself of it (vv 29, 30)
31-32 don’t cause or commit adultery
33-37 make your statement ‘yes, yes’ or ‘no, no’ (v 37)
38-42 do not show opposition against an evil person (v 39)
43-48 you shall be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect (v 48)
Key Ideas: righteousness, holiness, purity, responsibility
Some things to think about: