Manger to the Cross Two
The Law of Love is presented in the Sermon on the Mount. You see God’s love and concern for us expressed in of the laws that Jesus teaches. It is important for us to learn the laws as God gave them, but it is also important that we see His love in each one. All are explained in light of the second greatest commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself.
In Manger to the Cross One, we reviewed the many prophecies about the coming Messiah and their fulfillment. It is important to understand how each event and its fulfillment not only prove who He is but why we should follow what He teaches.
I love the Sermon on the Mount and the clarification that Jesus gives us. The truths that He teaches us in this message have generated thousands of different sermons over the years. We could expound on what He teaches here for the rest of our lives and never finish.
We can not cover the entire sermon in this short article, but let’s get a taste of some of the basics. I hope that it will inspire you to spend more hours with His teachings. You will not only grow but help others to grow as well.
Sermon on the Mount
The sermon on the mount is revelationary from start to finish. When Jesus speaks of who is blessed He steps out of the world we know and speaks of the kingdom of God. The world sees those Jesus calls blessed as failures and a class that they do not want to be in.
Eternal truths are not always evident in our daily lives even when we have learned them from our youth. However, Jesus started by giving us what we call the Beatitudes which defined some kingdom truths.
The kingdom truths Jesus reveals here are not what you would hear from self-righteous religious leaders in Jesus’ day or today. Jesus reaches to the heart of the people listening to Him and the righteous of today.
All through the Scripture God has honored the humble and rejected the proud. The Beatitudes define what makes up the kingdom of God. It will not be a kingdom of proud religious leaders, but of simple believers in God.
Read carefully
Read it carefully and you will see a clear division between what Jesus says and what the world proclaims. You must decide if you will accept and follow what Jesus says or follow the lies of Satan.
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10 NIV
Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus tells a little about the Kingdom in the next verse and how much different our reaction should be. In today’s world, you would try to avoid anything that would set you apart. However, Jesus says, 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
Yes, you are to be glad when people persecute you and say false things about you. Remember that they did the same for the prophets and Jesus. When you serve God you will be attacked and falsely accused of wrongdoing. This fact, told to us by our Savior, was true both then and now.
In this Kingdom with Jesus as Lord, we are to be the salt and light that changes the world. We not only obey the laws of God, but we are to go further than the Scribes and Pharisees did. The Spirit of God’s laws should live within us and lead us to show love and kindness to others.
Salt and Light
Jesus uses two samples that everyone could easily understand, salt and light. Salt has been used for many purposes throughout history. It seasons food, preserves it, and is used as a medicine and healing agent. Everyone understands that without light we cannot go anywhere or do anything.
Jesus says that you are the salt of the earth. However, if you have lost your ability to season you are good for nothing but to be cast out. Believers who do not stand for the truths of God are good for nothing. It is as simple as that.
Believers or Disciples will always make a difference in the world in which they live. They will always be opposed by those following Satan. The devil would have you not do anything to rock the boat of sin. Just be quiet and don’t make waves.
Jesus, however, would have us be proactive in spreading the truth. Don’t hide what He did for you and a world of lost sinners. Disciples will be a light for the lost and will stand out so they can be easily seen. You can find this clearly spelled out for you in Matthew 5:13-15.
He goes on to say we are, 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NIV
Righteousness
Our Lord explains the law as it is in God’s kingdom and not as the world sees it.
You and I understand that we are to live righteous lives before God and man. However, it is our nature to follow our desires and do those things we want to do. When we follow our way it usually means we conflict with God’s way.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time proclaimed that they followed God’s Law given through Moses. They devoted themselves to it and built ways around it so they could still do what they wanted. It was not thought of as the law of love, but as a burden to carry.
We see the same thing happening in our churches today. It is time to repent and proclaim that God’s Word is the only measure of what is right and wrong. Our opinions do not count!
Church vs.World
In the history of this country, there was a time when the churches stood strong against sin as defined by God. Today, sadly, many churches have stopped preaching against sin and have become friends with the world. Numbers have become more important than the truth.
Scripture, however, is clear about what it means to be friends with the world. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4 NIV
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus deals with a few of the issues we face today. The religious leaders of His day were much like many of those today. They proclaimed some truths but avoided others.
Today’s preachers preach many truths but follow the dictates of the world in areas where sin abounds. They are afraid that if they preach all of God’s Word they will run people off. The sad truth is that people will leave if you define their chosen lifestyle as a sin.
Jesus did not accept the world’s concept of sin. He addressed several of the commandments such as murder, adultery, and others, and how God looks at them.
Murder Begins in the Heart
Murder is the taking of life in its basic form, but Jesus makes clear that we will even be judged for being angry with our brothers. He says, 21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Matthew 5:21-22a NIV
What do you think Jesus would say about the murder of millions of babies? Would Jesus accept the world’s explanation of why it is OK? Would any mother have the right to murder her child in the kingdom of God?
Murder begins in the mind with explanations we make to justify what we want to do. Every murderer has a reason why they killed. We call it “women’s rights” to justify murder by abortion. Sadly we can always find excuses for our actions that may satisfy men, but not God.
Jesus says to get your heart right before you approach God with a gift. The law of love does not allow you to take part in sin.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 NIV
Adultery in the Heart
Society has made adultery so common that rarely do preachers preach the truth concerning it. As they look out at their congregations they know many may be guilty. It takes a brave man of God to stand as Jesus did and point out their sin.
Jesus expands the definition of adultery in the following scripture. 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28 NIV
God is willing to forgive any sin if we repent and confess our sins before Him. However, if we choose to defend our sin and make excuses for it we will not be forgiven.
We become as James says, “an enemy of God.” Yes, even if we go to church and proclaim we are followers of Jesus. Jesus says that those who love Him do what He says. I believe that if you love Jesus and your children, you will confess your sins as sins.
Marriage Is Sacred and Binding
Jesus does not stop there. He immediately goes on to the second biggest problem in the church today. This is part of the first problem. Society has decided that not only is adultery acceptable but divorce as well.
Jesus says, 31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32 NIV
Biblical marriage is only between one woman and one man. God has defined it as a lifetime relationship. The two shall become one and what God has joined together cannot be broken.
Marriage is the most important decision a person will make beyond accepting Jesus as their personal Savior. Selecting a life mate who loves and honors God helps build an environment where children can grow and learn to love God and each other. As a husband and wife team, you will continue to be examples to your children and grandchildren.
Love Your Enemies
The kingdom of God is built on the revolutionary idea of loving even our enemies. We see this idea throughout Jesus’ ministry. He came to save the lost and the lost were those who were hostile to God’s laws.
Jesus says, 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Matthew 5:43-46 NIV
As Jesus’ disciples, this command is very hard to accept and practice consistently. I am sure that you will agree with me that you have met many people that you did not want to love. So have I. It is not an option for us if we are to walk with the Lord.
Later Jesus gives this command, 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV
This showing of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ identifies us to the world as Jesus’ disciples. Likewise, showing love for everyone we meet draws people to Jesus and His salvation.
We are to be like Jesus in our daily lives. He did not promise us it would be easy.
Where your treasures are
We are no less amazed by what Jesus taught than the Israelites who sit on the side of that hill. They had all the human desires that we have. A better life meant food to eat and shelter against the storms. Today we seem to want more but it is the same principle.
Jesus tells us not to build our treasures on earth. One of our problems is that we fall in love with things and possess them until we make them our purpose in life. You can not be in love with this world and be Jesus’ disciple.
In defining kingdom living He says, 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
I thought (always dangerous)
There was a time when I thought that I could do both. The problem I had was there is not enough hours in the day to seek both. You must make a living, but you must remember your first job is to tell others about Jesus.
If your mind is on building treasures here on earth some of your friends and neighbors will be lost eternally. You will miss your opportunity to witness to them about the saving grace of Jesus.
Jesus points out a truth that you may have already realized. 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24 NIV
I wrestled with this for years. My business prospered and I was able to be active in church, however, I was not fully committed. I had to let go and let God show me what He wanted me to do. You may be in this same dilemma, if so, let go of worldly dreams. Let Jesus guide you.
Jesus on Judging
So many of the problems Jesus addressed in the sermon on the mount plague the church today. Judging has been a problem since mankind began to live together in communities. It seems to be in our nature to look at what we think other people are doing wrong instead of looking inwardly. Judging is not a part of the law of love.
7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Do you want to be judged the same way as you judge others?
Jesus called me to a ministry to call the church to repentance. It would be so easy for me to make a very harsh judgment of both church leaders and members. However, God does not call us to judge but to proclaim His truth.
As Jesus says in the next few verses we need to look at ourselves first. If each one of us would look into God’s Word and prayerfully follow it we could then encourage others. There would be a revival in the church.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5 NIV
Jesus guides us here, 12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 NKJV
The Warnings
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with three warnings to His disciples. These warnings are just as true today for the churches that claim the name of Jesus.
First You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
There are many false teachers. You need to listen to what your preacher says and make sure that he is preaching the commands of God and not his own ideas. This is your responsibility.
You will not be able to stand before God and blame those who taught you wrong. It is up to you to accept the warning of the Scripture about false teachers.
Are people being led to Jesus and committed to following His commands? Jesus says that we must know them by their fruit. Good fruit only comes from good teachers.
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-20 NIV
And in verse 19 Jesus proclaims that if you do not bear good fruit you are good for nothing. You will be cut down and cast into the fire.
As always the choice is yours.
Second God will deal with false disciples
Read and reread the following verses. Many big-name evangelists or preachers will fall into this group. Will their false teaching give you an excuse for following them instead of Jesus?
When Jesus says, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ you want to make sure that He will not be speaking to you. Follow Jesus not men!
God has very low regard for lip service. He wants each of you to take up your cross and follow Him.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23 NIV
Third – Build on the Rock
The message is that Jesus calls us all to greater commitment. It is great to say you believe in Jesus as the Son of God, but remember that so do the devil and demons. What is the difference between you and them?
Listen to what Jesus says!
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 NIV
Will you be wise or foolish? Again God gives you the choice. The choice to follow God fully is always up to you.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:21-23 NIV
One having Authority
Finally, when Jesus ended this great message it is recorded that the people were astonished at His teaching.
Why? As the Son of God, He taught them as one having authority.
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:21-23 NIV
Jesus practiced the law of love all through His life and set ‘The’ example for us to follow.
Conclusion of Part II
Manger to the Cross One covers the prophecy foretelling Jesus’ coming many centuries before He was born in a manger. Hundreds of prophecies about His birth and the start of His earthly ministry were fulfilled up to this point. Each one proves Him to be the Messiah.
Each of these articles telling of Jesus’ march from the manger to the cross is designed to encourage you to become a true follower. He makes it clear that there will be trials. Walking in the truth of Christ sets us apart from the world and the world does not like for us to be different. This is especially true when we stand for the Word of God!
I hope that you will read them all and share them with your friends. Do take time to comment if you can. Thank You!
This is a sequence of the life and ministry of Jesus. It is best if you can read them in order, but each one will stand alone. You can reach any of the articles by clicking the link in blue. Prophecies and His birth – Manger to the Cross – One, Jesus proclaims the Kingdom – Manger to the Cross – Two, Jesus’ Teaching – Manger to the Cross – Three, Jesus Appoints the Twelve – Manger to the Cross – Four, Opposition Grows – Manger to the Cross – Five, Jesus predicts His death – Manger to the Cross -6, and Jesus’ death and resurrection – Manger to the Cross -7