Summary of Sermon on the Mount .

As the name suggests, the Sermon on the Mount is a collection of Jesus' teachings at the mountain top, hence, getting its name. This sermon has been elaborately recorded in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament, in chapters 5, 6, and 7. It also throws light on various aspects of our lives, including the issues of anger, lust, forgiveness, divorce, mercy, faith, and so on. Because its components touch on various aspects of human life, it wouldn't be wrong to say that this piece of teaching is a central doctrine that forms the basic core of Christianity.

It would be interesting for you to know that this sermon also appears in the Gospel of Luke, in chapter 6, verses 17-49. However, there are noticeable differences between the two. There have been speculations that perhaps Saint Luke records a different instance where Jesus preached the same teaching, while some state that Luke's account is a brief description of the same sermon. In reference to Luke's description, this preaching is also known as "The Sermon on the Plain" as it is believed that sermon was taught by Jesus at a level spot, not on a mount.

What Does the Sermon on the Mount Say?

Saint Matthew explains the sermon in quite a detailed manner, extending to three complete chapters in the Gospel. There are various subheads in the Gospel itself, that divide one subject from the other, and in an overview, remarkably explain the true essence of being a part of God's family. Mentioned below are the various facets that Jesus spoke about, and in the process, enlightened His listeners by clarifying the mist of confusion and ignorance from their hearts and minds.

The sermon begins with these words: "Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him." These words are what give this sermon its very name.

The following section discusses the meaning and implications of the aforementioned subjects in brief, one by one. The excerpts have been taken from the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible.

The Beatitudes

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

― Matthew 5: 2-12, ESV

Meaning and Implication

The reason why this section is called the "beatitudes" is because it emphasizes on the 'blessed'. Beatitude is the Latin word for 'blessed', or 'happiness'. There are nine beatitudes in the Sermon on the mount that Jesus mentions to lift up the spirit of those who are living a life full of difficulties in some form or the other. He begins by addressing those who are "Poor in spirit." Poor in spirit may be referred to those who realize that they are poor in terms of spiritual enlightenment and knowledge, and continually seek God's guidance for enriching their spirit through His words. Which is why, some experts believe that the poor in spirit are those who need and seek God's counsel at all times.

He then proceeds to blessing "those who mourn" on earth, stating that they will be comforted in heaven. Mourning is often the result of loss. But, Jesus states that in heaven there is no mourning for the kingdom of God restores what is lost. Our Lord then speaks of those who are "meek", those who "hunger" and "thirst", stating that they will find the comfort and satisfaction that they seek, when they reach heaven. For in heaven lies the fountain of living water, so that no one shall hunger and thirst, or be meek, but gain strength in the name of God.

After referring to the humanly feelings of hunger and thirst, our Lord shifts to the spiritual paradigm, addressing the need to be "merciful" and have "purity in heart." Jesus' teachings have always implied the fact that one shall always receive what he/she gives to the others. For if you yourself show mercy to others, the Father in heaven will also be merciful towards you. He also states that the only way to see God is through a pure heart. He also invariably instructs what is expected from His followers, which is to become the "peacemakers" of this world. Soon after this sentence, He speaks of "persecution" and revilement that many prophets have gone through for the sake of the kingdom of God. He assures His followers not to be perturbed by these tribulations, for there is a greater reward and blessing that awaits for them in heaven in lieu of their faithfulness.

Salt and Light

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

― Matthew 5: 13-16, ESV

Meaning and Implication

After the beatitudes, Jesus uses a parable to explain the true characteristics of those who are worthy of being God's children. Taking the example of a common cooking ingredient, salt, Jesus explains how we can make a difference in the world through our presence. What makes salt the most essential part of our life is its ability to bring taste to our food. With its absence, everything would taste bland, not worth eating. Similarly, without our spiritual salt, our life would be bland, not worthy of true living. Another essential quality of salt is its ability to get scattered and dissolve easily. In this reference, some experts suggest that salt is referred to the disciples of Christ who have scattered all across the globe to spread their enlightened words of one and all.

Then Jesus takes the example of the light, which is impossible to hide from the rest of the world once lit. Therefore, Jesus implies that we must become the light of this world, and guide those who are trapped in darkness, so that our Father in heaven may be delighted with our works, and we may bring more and more people closer to the love of God.

Christ Came to Fulfill the Law

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

― Matthew 5: 17-20, ESV

Meaning and Implication

During His ministry, Jesus condemned the Pharisees and Jewish priests for doing a lot of things that according to them were a part of the law. But here, in this sermon, Jesus clarifies to all His listeners that His purpose is not to abolish the law, but to fulfill all what is written in it. He clearly states that until the law has been fulfilled, it cannot be passed. This implies that Jesus did fulfill all the laws written in the Old Testament, so that they are now passed, paving way for His teachings in the New Testament. He also emphasizes on the fact that our conduct should be as per the commandments of God, in fact, we should aim at becoming the epitome of righteousness in fulfilling the commandments so as to gain entry in heaven.

Anger

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny."

― Matthew 5: 21-26, ESV

Meaning and Implication

As Jesus was speaking about the need to keep the commandments of God, He takes reference of the Old Testament where it has been stated that committing a murder is a sin. However, Jesus becomes stricter and states that anger and its aftereffects are equally grave sin, where we all are liable to judgment. Jesus emphasizes on the necessity to reconcile with our brothers with whom we are angry or upset. He states that it is only when we have reconciled our differences with our dear ones, that we are worthy to offer any gift to the alter. Invariably, through this message, He is trying to both warn and save us all from the fires of hell. The root cause of all evil is anger, which can only be overcome with reconciliation, forgiveness, and love.

Lust

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell."

― Matthew 5: 27-30, ESV

Meaning and Implication

After speaking of anger, a rather easily doable sin, Jesus speaks of lust. Adultery has always been considered as a grave sin in Christianity, but Jesus emphasizes that the sins committed by both the body and mind are equally detestable. Aware of the eternal torment that awaits the sinners in hell, Jesus clearly states to separate the very member of our body that causes us to sin. In reference to lust, he gives an example to take out the eye that makes you lust for a woman. This sacrifice to separate the cause of sin from yourself may also imply of the need for repentance, where substantial sacrifices need to be made by a person to overcome their sinful nature, so that as a reward, they may share the cup of eternal bliss.

Divorce

"It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

― Matthew 5: 31-32, ESV

Meaning and Implication

Marriage is considered to be a pure union of two individuals, so that they are no longer two, but one. If someone breaks this pure union out of his/her own will, it is considered to be no less than a sin in the eyes of God. While the Old Testament accepted divorce, Jesus clearly implies how He detested the whole concept and considered it as means to commit the sin of adultery. While many modern believers would not take His view quite sportingly, considering how common divorces have become in today's world, there is a need to look behind Jesus' intention in saying so.

Going back to what He taught us at the very beginning of the sermon, we would be reminded of the fact that God wants us all to be merciful, peacemakers, and a light in the lives of others. If we stand true to these qualities, then why would we commit an act so unappreciative as a divorce? In this reference, John Chrysostom, an early Church Father states, "He that is meek, and a peacemaker, and poor in spirit, and merciful, how shall he cast out his wife? He that is used to reconcile others, how shall he be at variance with her that is his own?" Worth a thought, isn't it?

Oaths

"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil."

― Matthew 5: 33-37, ESV

Meaning and Implication

The attitude that Jesus had in the previous sections is still prevalent in this section too, when He addresses about people taking oaths and swearing on others to prove a point. While the Old Testament states that one must abide by the word for which he/she has sworn, Jesus with His in-depth thinking instructs the listeners not to swear at all. He also indicates that we humans have no power the hair of our own head, let alone be the throne, footstool, and city of God. He also emphasizes on the fact that simplicity is what comes from those who dwell in the name of God. A simple Yes, or No is enough, and those who say anything more, do not come from the kingdom of God.

Retaliation

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."

― Matthew 5: 38-42, ESV

Meaning and Implication

In this life, there will be many who will do wrong to us, who will hurt us, and our human nature will compel us to retaliate and seek revenge. The Old Testament considers it to be justifiable if one seeks an eye for an eye, so that things get even. But Jesus, who advocates peace, mercy, and forgiveness, tells us to not even it out, but give more to others as compared to what has been asked. Our Savior wants us to walk on the path of mercy and love, peace and harmony. If we but go out to even things out, do wrong to those who have wronged us, we would not have any peace around us anymore. Another point to consider in this context is that giving what we have to others who seek it, is like spreading our light to those in the dark. Therefore, resisting evil is not the way to overcome it, rather, we should let our goodness be the reason for them to identify the goodness that lies within them.

Love Your Enemies

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

― Matthew 5: 43-48, ESV

Meaning and Implication

Previously in this sermon, when Jesus explained about the fulfillment of the law, we had mentioned that the entry to the kingdom of heaven is for those who abide by the law with all their heart and soul. Our enemy is the one that prevents us from keeping the law, bringing feelings of hatred, anger, retaliation, and evil in our hearts. Therefore, Jesus says that we shall hate no one but bestow our love even to those who hold enmity against us. To keep things even is what everybody does, even the sinners, even the evildoers, but being the sons and daughters of God, we must love everyone, and even pray for those who persecute us for nothing. We must be as merciful, forgiving, and ever accepting as our Father in heaven, our aim must be to become as perfect as He is.

Giving to the Needy

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

― Matthew 6: 1-4, ESV

Meaning and Implication

Here, Jesus basically is warning all those believers who also believe in show off. He emphasizes that the only audience you need to have while practicing righteousness is our Father who is in heaven. Other than Him, there is no need to make it obvious to the others of your deeds. Jesus seeks that the only reward that matters is the one that we will receive from the kingdom of heaven, hence, we must not seek the praises of others, which are not beneficial to us in any substantial manner.

The Lord's Prayer

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:

'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

― Matthew 6: 5-15, ESV

Meaning and Implication

Jesus not only taught us how to be humble in our ways, but also gave us the most powerful prayer of all to help us connect with God in the most just manner. The Lord's prayer is an ensemble of just the right words that can help us through the times of trials and tribulations, and also keep us focused in His way. The prayer begins with praising the Father and the willingness to honor His will in our lives and in heaven above. The Lord also teaches us to thank the Father almighty for our daily source of nourishment, our bread, and also to remember that at the end of the day, we all are sinners who must seek forgiveness from God all the time.

The most crucial part of the prayer comes when Jesus states that the Father shall forgive our sins in the same way as we shall forgive those who have sinned against us. Invariably, this states that we cannot get what we are unwilling to give, as discussed in the sections above. The conclusion of this prayer consists of the prayer of protection, both from temptation and evil. This just signifies on the fact that we all are "poor in spirit' and it is only through prayer and God's mercy that we shall be uplifted to be fit to be ideal worshipers in the eyes of God.

Fasting

"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

― Matthew 6: 16-18, ESV

Meaning and Implication

Fasting has always been considered as a quintessential way to purify both your body and mind. It has always been believed that fasting and prayer draw you closer to God and take you away from the sinfulness of this world. Jesus warns those who fast, to not show their discomfort to others, so as to gain sympathy or admiration. Not that the fasting of these attention-seeking believers would not be considered, they will receive their due reward, but it wouldn't be as glorious as those who keep their discomfort within themselves, just as God wants it. The main aim of fasting is to purify your spirit and grow in faith, the reflection of which should be pleasant, not distorted.

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

― Matthew 6: 19-24, ESV

Meaning and Implication

The treasures of earth are measured by the amount of money, money which is easily exhaustible, perishable, could be stolen from us, could be destroyed by nature. This treasure becomes more of a liability than a possession, making us prone to evil and sin. Jesus encourages the believers to not run after the treasures of the earth that can be easily taken away, but to focus on receiving the treasures that await in heaven, that no one will snatch away from us. Jesus indirectly states money as evil when He states that no one can serve two masters, one being God and the other money. He implies that our life should aim towards loving and helping others through the means we have, not loving the means in itself while avoiding those who need help. Our eye/intention/focus should be clear so that we see light in our lives and spread it to those around us.

Do Not Be Anxious

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

― Matthew 6: 25-34, ESV

Meaning and Implication

As we had mentioned in the previous point, money is the cause of evil, it seems more like a liability, and here, Jesus has indirectly also called it a troublemaker, anxiety deliverer! If we look at our lives today, we run after money because it gives us access to luxury, to options. With more money, more options, more desires, comes anxiety and worry in the form of choice, security, and fulfillment of desires. Jesus clearly states that worry and anxiety are futile, they do no good to any person, which is why it is pointless to waste your life on them. He emphasizes on the need to trust in God, who knows the small and little things that we desire, even before we realize that we need them. Jesus invariably implies that our worries of the day should be regarding the challenges that we face in proclaiming the word of God to the world, the rest would be taken care by God Himself.

Judging Others

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."

― Matthew 7: 1-6, ESV

Meaning and Implication

Judging isn't right, but invariably we tend to become judgmental about many people in our lives, even without knowing their background or reason behind their demeanor. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ warns us of being the hypocrites that we tend to become. Where we tend to be all righteous when it comes to others, but in our own lives accept the room for sinfulness. This sinfulness is what Jesus refers to as the log in our eyes. He indirectly states that what we judge is just a speck compared to the log that we have. In short, we are not authorized, nor have the capability to judge anyone. What we must focus is on our own righteousness, and sharing the same with others in our lives. In saying so, Jesus also warns that it is worthless to impart the holy word among those that would not understand its value, when He compares giving pearls to pigs. They will not hold it as a treasure but trample it under their feet and attack you. This He says in reference to those who do not wish to follow righteousness.

Ask, and It Will Be Given

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

― Matthew 7: 7-11, ESV

Meaning and Implication

To substantiate the faith of the believers, Jesus gives them the examples of everyday life, such as, a father will never give stone to his child who asks him of bread, or a serpent when he is asked of a fish. Jesus knows that we all are sinners, and irrespective of being the sinners that we are, we would never ignore the plea of those we love, then why would God, the pure in heart, the epitome of love, mercy, and grace, not listen to our plea? He is waiting to bestow His love upon us, all we have to do, is ask with a pure and faithful heart.

The Golden Rule

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

― Matthew 7: 12-14, ESV

Meaning and Implication

If it was easy to be righteous, many would have taken the path. However, because the path to the kingdom of heaven is a difficult and narrow one, this is what makes it worthy. "The road is wide" can be linked with our world today, where a majority of population is living in a sinful manner, where lying, lust, divorce, adultery, and other sins have become quite acceptable for the people today. They have become acceptable because the road is easy and wide. However, the "narrow" road, the road to righteousness doesn't have many travelers because of the challenges that come on the way, but it is only through these challenges that the road is worth taking. While the wider road takes a majority to destruction, the narrow road takes to eternal bliss.

A Tree and Its Fruit

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits."

― Matthew 7: 15-20, ESV

Meaning and Implication

By taking the example of a tree and its fruit, Jesus explains the fact that a false prophet will never bear the fruit of truth, likewise, a true prophet will never teach that is false and evil. Indirectly, what Jesus is trying to say is that a genuine prophet will never seek his own glory, but the welfare of his followers. Likewise, a false prophet will always try to seek his own welfare by cheating or manipulating the faith of his believers.

I Never Knew You

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

― Matthew 7: 21-23, ESV

Meaning and Implication

In this part of the sermon, Jesus honestly tells the crowd that to be a part of the kingdom of God, it requires more than taking God's name and/or performing miracles in His name. As mentioned in the section where our Lord speaks of the fulfillment of the law, here too, Jesus emphasizes on the need to be lawful towards the commandment and expectations of God. He speaks of the day of judgment, when all will be evaluated, all that was shown, and all that really was. And then, based on their righteousness and purity of their hearts, the Lord will decide whom He knows and whom He doesn't know.

Build Your House on the Rock

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

― Matthew 7: 24-27, ESV

Meaning and Implication

This parable sounds a lot like the Parable of the Sower. Here, Jesus emphasizes on the foundation of one's belief and faith. Those who just hear but do not follow, are the foolish builders that lay their foundation on something as unstable as the sand, where a little bit of turbulence in the form of rain and wind can shatter their fragile belief in the word of God, but the wise believers are those who lay their foundation on a base as strong and stable as a rock, so that no trials and tribulations from the evil is able to move their belief even an inch away.

The Authority of Jesus

"And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes."

― Matthew 7: 28-29, ESV

Meaning and Implication

As the sermon began with Him taking a seat at the mountain top, speaking as if He has come from heaven above―which He did, indeed―it ends with the crowd being awestruck and astonished at His knowledge and teachings, because in spite of not being recognized as the one with any authority to speak of God, He did so stupendously. This just implies on the fact that He was the light that came to guide us all. And that even though He was born a carpenter, living a simple ordinary life, the light of His wisdom and heavenly grace shone bright and attracted all those who were "poor in spirit." And as true believers, we must do the same.

Although quite elaborate, the small sections of this parable provide a brief insight on the problematic areas of living a mortal life in a world that is so overshadowed by sins and superficiality. In the midst of evil and darkness, the Sermon on the Mount gives us a sense of assurity, a much-needed guidance that we may refer to during the times of emotional, physical, spiritual, and social conflicts, in matters both big and small. Amen