THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT . Near Capernaum,about 28 A.D.: . . Over 2000 years ago, a revered man known to his followers as JESUS OF NAZARETH, delivered a discourse in Galilee.His rostrum is believed to have been Mount Hattin, a 60 foot hill about 7 miles southwest of Capernaum.His audience,it is said,consisted of fishermen,farmers,workmen, and others. They listened intently and were deeply moved. He gave them new understanding, new strength, new hope, and a new sense of freedom. . His talk on this occasion is called the sermon on the mount.It is recognised as the most inspiring spiritual message ever known to humanity.Jesus Christ, who gave it,is regarded by millions as the Messiah,the Son of God,and the Saviour of mankind.Millions of others look upon Him as the Noblest moral Teacher who ever walked the Earth. His matchless sermon is to be found in fullest form in the 5th,6th, and 7th Chapters of the Gospel of St.Matthew.There is a condensation in Luke,but neither Mark nor John mentioned it. . The beatitudes,with which the sermon begins,have the effect of a solemn hymn sung before a service. Though some of them sound paradoxical,these incisive declarations,properly understood, are profound truths that have giving a new meaning to life.The seeming strangeness is marked in the very first one- Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ( Matt.5:3). What is the virtue of being poor in spirit, one might ask.The answer is that poorness of spirit in this instance means not being self - righteous.It means being aware of ones own imperfection morally and thus of one s own need for further moral development. . A few general statements and admonitions follow the beatitudes.Next comes a reinterpretation and higher spiritualisation of old Testament doctrine and ideals.This brings out the loftiest conception of the rights and duties of men ever voiced.Later in the sermon,the reinterpretation of doctrine was brought to a climax in the Golden Rule --......Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matt.7:12, Luk.6:31.). GOD BLESS YOU.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 07:56:46 +0000
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