The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for June 2-7, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 5:1-2 MOT & NLT
1And seeing the crowds He[Jesus] went up into the mountains, and after he sat down His disciples came to Him; 2And opening His mouth He taught them saying: (MOT)*
1One day as the crowds were gathering; Jesus went up the mountainside with His disciples and sat down to teach them. 2This is what He taught them: (NLT)
*MOT = My Own Translation (Text translated from Greek Text by CM.)
As we study the Scriptures from Matthew 5-7 over the next 20 weeks, we will see that Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” provides us with a great many insights for believers. However, if all we do is gain insights, but don’t put them into practice the time will be largely wasted. Jesus didn’t come so we could have abundant information, but so we could have abundant LIFE! My prayer for each of us as we start this new Back to Basics Series, “The Sermon on the Mount,” is that we will both LEARN and LIVE the life-giving words of Jesus in this relatively brief “sermon” from Matthew’s gospel. In doing so may we introduce Jesus to our families, our friends, our co-workers, our classmates and acquaintances. Remember, YOU may be the only bible someone “reads” today!
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, May I follow Jesus wherever He leads me today, whether “into the mountains,” or across the sea; whether to people and places I know, or to strangers who live lives I don’t understand. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that all I am and do will bring You glory and praise! This I pray in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word: Read Matthew 5:1 in both the MOT and NLT. What are the similarities and differences in the translations? What difference do the differences make in the meaning of the text?
Is there any place Jesus would go that you would be unwilling to follow? Why or why not?
Today’s Challenge: I will follow wherever Jesus leads, so I may hear and live whatever He teaches!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus to us, to save us from sin and death! Thank You for giving us the opportunity to know You through knowing Him. As I live this day empower me by Your Holy Spirit that I may confidently engage those around me with the Good News of salvation in and through Jesus. This I pray in His name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word: Look again at Matthew 5:1 in both the MOT and the NLT. Why do you suppose that Jesus left the crowds and climbed the mountains before He started to teach?
What do you think you would have done if you had been in the crowd that day? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will leave the “crowd” today when it means that I will be able to draw closer to Jesus!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have the words of life! I pray that you will give me a hunger for reading your word so that I may grow wise in your ways. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may understand and apply what I read each day, and bring You the glory and honor you deserve. This I pray in Jesus’ name, and for the sake of His coming Kingdom. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word: Read Matthew 5:2 in both the MOT and the NLT. What are the similarities and differences in the translations? What difference do the differences make in the meaning of the text?
NOTE: The significance in the original Greek text noting that Jesus “opened His mouth,” is that this was a rabbinic tradition. After reading God’s word (always standing during the reading of the word), the rabbi would then sit to teach from it. There was a pause between the two, and the rabbi would “open his mouth” before speaking. Note that Jesus hasn’t read from God’s word, but His actions indicate He has! What does that say to you about Jesus’ words?
Today’s Challenge: I will listen to Jesus’ voice in my life today—in Scripture and through prayer—and DO what He tells me!
Thursday
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being very God of very God! Thank You for giving up the comfort of heaven, to come to earth and give Your life for my salvation. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may also “incarnate” your life and love to others I meet. This I pray in Your most precious name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word: Look again at Matthew 5:2 in both the MOT and the NLT. Imagine yourself as a member of the crowd. What would you think was the significance of Jesus sitting down to teach without first reading from God’s word?
How do you think you would have responded to the implications of this? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will guard my heart today, so it is “safe” for Jesus to live in me and teach me His ways!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as another week of work and school come to a close for many who read these words, I pray that each of us will pause to thank You for all Your blessings, and to consider those we know who need to hear Your Good News. Give us the courage to invite them to join us in worship this Sunday. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word: As you consider Matthew 5:1-2, which is a brief introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, is there anything that causes you to be expectant about what’s to follow? If so, what is it?
Consider what it would be like if Jesus “abandoned” a crowd today to go up into the mountains. How many do you think would follow? What reasons would those who wouldn’t follow give for not following?
Today’s Challenge: I will remember that my life represents Jesus, and live in the power of the Holy Spirit, so I will bring glory to Him!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I review this week and prepare my heart to worship with my brothers and sisters at New Life and the guests who will join us tomorrow, focus my heart, mind and soul on You. Glorify Yourself in my life, and give me the diligence to prepare for worship today, tonight and when I wake up tomorrow, that my life may honor you, and may be a testimony to those who worship with me. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word: Tomorrow we will read Matthew 5:3-12 in worship. Take the time to read through it at least once before tomorrow. As you read the “beatitudes” consider which one is the biggest challenge for you and why:
Today’s Challenge: I will let the attitude of Jesus (see Philippians 2:5-11) rule in my life today!