6: Citizens of the Kingdom (Mt 5:1-16)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

This section is the beginning of Jesus’ teachings on the mount. It is also the first major discourse recorded in Matthew. This event took place probably on a mountainside in Capernaum.

B.     Key Verse

            “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (5:16).

C.     Did You Know…?

1.       When he was seated (5:1): It was the custom for Jewish rabbis to be seated while teaching (see Mk 4:1; 9:35; Lk 4:20; 5:3; Jn 8:2). ^8/1444

2.       The Beatitudes are named from the Latin word beatus meaning blessed…The Greek term means “happy, fortunate.” ^1/1418

3.       Salt (5:13): Whereas the Phoenicians obtained quantities of salt from the Mediterranean by evaporation in salt-pans, the Hebrews had access to an unlimited supply on the shores of the Dead Sea (Zp. ii. 9) and in the hill of Salt (Jebel Usdum), a 15-square-mile elevation at the SW corner of the Dead Sea…Such salt was of the rock or fossil variety, and, because of impurities and the occurrence of chemical changes, the outer layer was generally lacking in flavour. The reference in Mt. v. 13 is to this latter, much of which was discarded as worthless. Salt was valued as a preservative and for seasoning food. It was often used among Oriental peoples for ratifying agreements, so that salt became the symbol of fidelity and constancy. ^7/112

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(5:1-12)

(1-10)

(11-12)

(5:13-16)

(13)

(14-16)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. General Analysis

1.       Who was Jesus’ target audience in the teachings on the mount?

2.       Were there others who heard the sermon besides the target audience?

IV.  Segment Analysis

A.     5:1-12

1.       Explain each of the beatitudes in terms of a present-day application.

2.       Could there be a significance in the use of the present tense in the first and last beatitudes?

3.       What is the meaning of “righteousness” in the beatitudes?

4.       How are the blessings in Jesus’ teachings different from people’s common notion of what “blessings” should be?

B.     5:13-16

1.       Compare salt and light. What are their differences in function and position?

2.       How are we to be salt of the earth and light of the world?