The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ primary revelation of life in the new and living way. Hebrews 10:19, 20
Jesus introduces the New and Living Way as “The kingdom of heaven” and the proper response is repentance. Mt. 4:17
If the Sermon on the Mount is the delicious meat, cheese, and condiments, then God’s kingdom is the bread (two slices) that make the full sandwich meal. Matthew 4:23 and Matthew 9:35
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, and 7) is Jesus’ portrait of a disciple (citizen) in this New and Living Way called the kingdom of God.
The followers of God’s first Covenant had lost the pulse of the agreement and turned their hearts away from God and to external religious actions.
God’s first Covenant had been emptied of its meaning and purpose and rather than giving life, it became something that became a life draining burden. Matthew 23:1-3
Jesus, in the New and Living Way, fills the first Covenant back up with its meaning and purpose. Humanity’s interaction with God will again have life and joy and be FULL. Matthew 5:17
In this way, following Jesus is the process of moving into the fullness of citizenship in the kingdom of God. Matthew 5:48
Jesus filled full the first Covenant. Christian discipleship is filling full my life as a citizen of the kingdom of God.
Jesus makes it exceedingly clear; teaching (philosophy) without doing (practice) indicates that one is empty of the influence of Jesus (Person). Matthew 5:20
Discipleship, according to Jesus, is being a salty light in a city that is on top of a hill. In other words, when one is a citizen of the kingdom of God, other people can taste the kingdom, see by the kingdom, and see the kingdom. Matthew 5:13-16
Advent Affirmation
I am taking my Jesus’ flavor, light, and influence public.