The Word Alone

Notes and Jottings

5:1-12 The Beatitudes

Jesus begins what is commonly called the Sermon on the Mount, His longest recorded discourse in the Gospels. While many moral principles contained within it are applicable to believers of every age, the sermon must first be understood in its historical context. Christ is presenting the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven to Israel, revealing the true righteousness required for those who would enter His kingdom. The sermon does not teach salvation by works. Rather, it describes the character produced in those who belong to God. Throughout the sermon, Jesus contrasts divine righteousness with the outward legalism taught by the Pharisees.

The word Beatitude comes from the Latin beatus, meaning “blessed” or “happy.” These statements describe those who possess God’s favour. The blessings are not promises to every person who possesses these qualities naturally. Rather, they describe those whose hearts have been transformed by God’s grace. From a dispensational viewpoint, these characteristics especially describe the righteous remnant of Israel who will inherit the Messianic Kingdom. Nevertheless, they also reveal the spiritual character God desires in believers today.

(5:1) Mountain. A hill or elevated place. Scripture often associates mountains with divine revelation (Exod. 19; Matt. 17). The exact mountain is unknown, though it was near the Sea of Galilee.

(5:1) Disciple. Literally, “a learner” or “pupil.” At this stage, many disciples followed Jesus, although only twelve would later be chosen as apostles.

(5:3) To be poor in spirit is to recognise one’s complete spiritual bankruptcy before God. This is the opposite of self-righteousness. The kingdom of heaven is Matthew’s preferred expression for God’s earthly kingdom promised to Israel.

(5:4) This mourning primarily concerns sorrow over sin. Those who grieve over sin will receive God’s comfort.

(5:5) Meekness is strength under God’s control, not weakness. The promise, “inherit the earth,” looks forward to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom when the righteous will reign with Him (Psalm 37:11).

(5:6) hungering and thirsting for righteousness. This describes an intense desire for holiness and justice. God promises complete satisfaction, ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s future kingdom.

(5:7) Mercy involves compassion shown to those in need. Those who receive God’s mercy naturally extend mercy to others.

(5:8) Purity refers to sincerity and moral cleanness before God. The promise of seeing God finds its fullest fulfilment in eternity.

(5:9) Peacemakers actively seek reconciliation between God and man and among men themselves. They reflect the character of God and are recognised as His children.

5:10-12 Persecuted for Righteousness

Faithful believers should expect opposition. The prophets of the Old Testament suffered similar persecution, proving that God’s servants have always faced rejection by an unbelieving world.

(5:13) Salt of the earth. Salt was valuable in the ancient world. It was used for preserving food, adding flavour, purifying and sometimes in covenant ceremonies (Lev. 2:13). Believers are called to preserve righteousness and restrain moral corruption through faithful witness.

(5:14) Light of the world. Light symbolises truth, holiness, and divine revelation. Believers do not produce spiritual light independently; they reflect Christ, who is Himself the Light of the world (John 8:12). A city built upon a hill cannot easily be hidden, illustrating the visible testimony believers should maintain.

5:17-20 JESUS AND THE LAW

Jesus did not come to abolish the Mosaic Law but to fulfil it (Matt. 5:17). The Law and the Prophets pointed forward to Him, and in His person and work they reached their intended goal. To fulfil means to complete, accomplish, or bring to its full purpose.

Christ fulfilled the Law by perfectly obeying it throughout His life, accomplishing the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, and fulfilling the types and shadows of the sacrificial system through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross (Heb. 10:1–14). He also satisfied the Law’s righteous demands by bearing its curse on behalf of sinners, securing redemption for all who believe (Gal. 3:13).

Believers are no longer under the Mosaic Law as their rule of life but under grace (Rom. 6:14). Nevertheless, the Law’s moral principles continue to reflect God’s holy character and instruct believers in righteous living. Christians now live under the law of Christ, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Gal. 6:2; Rom. 8:3–4).

5:21-26 On Anger

Jesus exposes the deeper intent of the Sixth Commandment. Murder begins with sinful anger. God judges not merely outward actions but inward motives.

(5:22) Raka is an Aramaic insult meaning empty-headed or worthless fellow. It expressed contempt toward another person.

(5:22) You Fool. Here the term implies moral condemnation rather than intellectual weakness. Jesus condemns hateful speech arising from an evil heart.

(5:24) God values restored relationships. Before outward worship, believers should seek peace with offended brethren whenever possible.

5:27-30 On Lust

The Seventh Commandment reaches beyond physical actions. Lustful desire is adultery in the heart. Christ condemns sinful intent rather than natural recognition of beauty. Lust is a strong sinful desire that seeks selfish gratification. It is mental adultery, even if the lust is not physical the sin has already taken place in the heart and mind. Right Eye / Right Hand. These are figures of speech illustrating radical separation from anything leading into sin. Jesus does not teach self-mutilation. Instead, He commands decisive spiritual discipline.

5:31-32 On Divorce

Jesus corrects the misuse of Deuteronomy 24. Marriage was instituted by God as a lifelong covenant and thus it is the highest of all human relationships. The exception concerning fornication refers to sexual immorality violating the marriage covenant. Fornication comes from the Greek word porneia, a broad term referring to unlawful sexual immorality.

5:33-37 On Oaths

The Pharisees created complicated systems regarding truthful speech. Jesus teaches that honest people should not need elaborate vows. Simple truthfulness should characterise God’s people.

5:38-42 On Retaliation

The law of “an eye for an eye” originally limited judicial punishment (Exod. 21:24). It was never intended to justify personal revenge. Jesus teaches His followers to surrender personal rights rather than seek vengeance. This passage concerns personal relationships, not civil government, which still bears the sword under God’s authority (Rom. 13).

5:43-48 Love For Enemies

The Old Testament commands love for one’s neighbour. The statement, “hate your enemy,” came from Jewish tradition, not Scripture. God demonstrates common grace by sending sunshine and rain upon both righteous and wicked. Believers are called to imitate this gracious character.

(5:48) Perfect. From the Greek teleios meaning mature, complete or fully developed. Jesus does not teach absolute sinless perfection in this life. Rather, believers are called toward spiritual maturity that reflects the Father’s character.