We are approaching the church holiday of "Circumcision of the Lord". In light of this holiday, let us look at the role of the Law in the life of Jesus, and what place should it have in our lives? The Ten Commandments are an amazing God's Law, sufficient for the legal provision of the life of society. Unfortunately, people were unable to fulfill this law, and it was given as a "schoolmaster to Christ".
1 And when he saw the multitudes, he went up on a mountain: and when he was seated, his disciples came unto him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets which were before you.
13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savour, how can it be salted again? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
17 Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
(Matthew 5:1-17)
Believers in Jesus Christ are given a new Divine nature. The motivation of a believer in relation to the Law changes. It becomes not a set of prohibitions to observe, but the foundation of a new life, gives a new state of holiness, which is reflected in the Beatitudes. The Law itself cannot save us, we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on Calvary. But the law is an indicator of our holy state, or the need to return to this state.
1. 2Pet.1:4 Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises, that through these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust:
2. Eph.3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,
3. Heb.3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence firm until the end,
4. Heb.6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,
5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,
6 and those who have fallen away, to renew them again to repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God again and put Him to an open shame.
7 The land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it and produces crops useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God;
8 But that which bears thorns and thistles is worthless, and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned.
(Heb.6:5-8)
Thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Law moved from external limitations to the holy internal state of man, manifested in the Beatitudes.
How can a person be sure that he is following the path of Salvation, the path that Jesus Christ laid out for us? In his life there will be moments described in the Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes, as found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12), represent spiritual and moral ideals that may evoke different opinions and critical approaches. Here are some possible counterarguments against following these commandments:
1. Utopian ideals: Some may believe that the Beatitudes represent unattainable ideals that are not applicable in the real world where selfishness and competition prevail.
2. Lack of Practical Benefit: People may argue that following the Beatitudes, such as “blessed are the poor in spirit” or “blessed are the peacemakers,” has no practical benefit and may even lead to vulnerability.
3. Conflict with personal interests: Commandments may conflict with personal ambitions and aspirations, for example, “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” which may imply giving up one’s own interests for the sake of others.
4. The Need for Strictness in Some Situations: Some may argue that certain circumstances require sternness and decisiveness rather than the humility and meekness prescribed in the commandments.
5. Cultural Differences: Different cultures may have their own moral standards that may conflict with the Beatitudes. For example, the values of collectivism may conflict with the individualism expressed in some of the Beatitudes.
6. People with ill intentions: There is a belief that following the commandments can make a person vulnerable to manipulation by those who do not share these values.
7. Lack of Interpretation: The Beatitudes can be interpreted in different ways, which can lead to confusion and disagreement among followers.
8. No guarantees: Following the commandments does not guarantee success or happiness in life, which can lead to disappointment for those who expect immediate results.
To better understand this issue, let's look at the cultural and historical context of our passage.
Let's conduct a historical and cultural analysis of Chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew.
Let's look at the history of the writing of the book of the Gospel of Matthew.
1.1 The authorship of the Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and, according to the Gospel texts, was a tax collector. However, the question of his authorship is a matter of some controversy among scholars and theologians.
Here are some key points regarding the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew:
Traditional View: Early Christian tradition held that Matthew wrote this Gospel based on his own memories and the teachings of Jesus.
Anonymity of the text: The Gospel itself contains no explicit indication of its author. The name "Matthew" first appears in the attribution of this text in the works of early Christian writers such as Papias and Irenaeus.
As a tax collector, Matthew had a skill that made his job even more exciting for Christians. Tax collectors had to be able to take shorthand notes, which essentially meant that Matthew could record a person’s words as they spoke them, word for word. This ability means that the words of Matthew’s Gospel are not only inspired by the Holy Spirit, but must also be factual transcripts of some of Christ’s sermons. For example, the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in chapters 5–7, is almost certainly an accurate record of that great message.
1.2. Addressee
Theological Emphasis: The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus's connection to Jewish tradition and frequently quotes from the Old Testament, which may indicate its focus on a Jewish audience.
1.3. Date of writing
The date of the Gospel of Matthew is a subject of debate among biblical scholars and historians. Most scholars agree that the Gospel was written between 70 and 100 CE. Here are some key points that help determine this time frame:
1.3.1. The events of the destruction of Jerusalem: Many researchers believe that the Gospel was written after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD, since there are hints of this event in the text.
1.3.2 Use of other sources: The Gospel of Matthew likely used the Gospel of Mark as one of its sources. Since the Gospel of Mark is considered to be earlier (presumably written around 65-70 CE), this also indicates that Matthew may have written his gospel later.
1.3.3 Theological and Social Contexts: Some elements of the text point to the development of the early Christian community and its interaction with Jewish traditions, which may indicate a later date of writing.
Thus, the most common opinion is the period between 80 and 90 AD, although some researchers may suggest earlier or later dates.
1.4. Purpose of writing
Matthew tried to prove to the Jews that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah. More than any other gospel, Matthew quotes from the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfilled the words of the Jewish prophets. Matthew describes Jesus' descent from David in detail, and uses many forms of speech that were more natural to the Jews. Matthew's love and concern for his people is evident in his careful approach to telling the gospel story.
2. Historical moments
The fifth chapter of Matthew's Gospel contains several important historical and spiritual moments that are of great significance in the Christian tradition. Here are some of them:
2.1 The Sermon on the Mount: Chapter five begins with the Sermon on the Mount, which is one of the most famous parts of Jesus' teaching. It includes important ethical and spiritual instructions.
2.2 Beatitudes: Jesus sets forth nine beatitudes (blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, etc.), which describe spiritual values and qualities that are pleasing to God. These beatitudes became the basis of Christian morality.
2.3 Salt of the Earth and Light of the World: Jesus speaks of his followers being the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." These are metaphors that emphasize the importance of Christian influence in the world and the need to live by the principles of love and truth.
2.4 Fulfilment of the Law: Jesus states that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets, but to fulfil them. This highlights the importance of the law in the context of His teaching and confirms His messianic role.
2.5 Deepening the understanding of the law: In this chapter, Jesus also deepens the understanding of the commandments by explaining that not only actions but also thoughts matter (e.g. anger, adultery). This shows the high standard of moral demands on his followers.
3. Geographical points
In Matthew 5, as in other parts of the Sermon on the Mount, geographical points are not the main focus of the text, but they are still important for understanding the context of events. Here are some of them:
3.1 The Mountain: The Sermon on the Mount, including chapter five, is delivered on a mountain (or hill). It is a symbolic place that emphasizes Jesus' authority as a teacher and prophet. The mountain is often associated with closeness to God and a place of revelation.
3.2 Galilee: Jesus delivers his teachings in Galilee, a region in northern Israel. The area was predominantly Jewish, but also had significant pagan cultural influences. Galilee was the center of Jesus' ministry and the place where he performed many miracles.
3.3 Capernaum: Although Capernaum is not mentioned directly in chapter 5, it is an important city in Jesus' ministry in Galilee. Many of His subsequent teachings and miracles took place there.
3.4 Symbolism of the place: Mountains and hills in the Bible often symbolize spiritual heights and closeness to God. The location of the Sermon on the Mount emphasizes the importance of the teachings that Jesus imparts to his followers.
4. Cultural moments
Matthew chapter 5 is part of the Sermon on the Mount and contains many cultural moments that reflect the social, religious, and ethical aspects of life in first-century Judea. Here are some of them:
4.1 Beatitudes (verses 3-12): These beatitude statements (e.g., "blessed are the poor in spirit") represent a radical turn on traditional understandings of happiness and success. They emphasize the values of humility, compassion, and righteousness, which contrast with the social norms of the time.
4.2 The Law and the Prophets (verses 17-20): Jesus speaks of the importance of keeping the Law of Moses and the prophecies. This shows respect for Jewish traditions and laws, but also points to the need to understand them more deeply than just following the letter of the law.
4.3 Murder and Anger (verses 21-26): Jesus expands the concept of murder by linking it with anger and hatred. This reflects the cultural emphasis on the inner state of a person, not just external actions.
4.4 Adultery and Lust (verses 27-30): Jesus raises the issue of inner desire and its relationship to sin. This highlights the importance of purity of heart and thoughts in Jewish culture.
4.5 Divorce (verses 31-32): The issue of divorce was a hot topic in Jewish society, where there were different schools of thought on the subject. Jesus affirms the high value of marriage and commitment, which may have been controversial for some listeners.
4.6 Oaths (verses 33-37): Jesus calls for honesty and sincerity, rejecting the practice of swearing as a way to justify lying. This reflects the high moral standards expected of believers.
4.7 Vengeance (verses 38-42): The "eye for an eye" principle is revisited by Jesus, who calls for forgiveness and mercy. This emphasizes the value of non-violence and love for one's enemies.
4.8. Love for Enemies (verses 43-48): The idea of loving one's enemies was revolutionary for its time and emphasized the universality of love and mercy, which went beyond traditional Jewish norms.
Let's consider the literary context of our passage.
6. Genre
The Gospel of Matthew belongs to the genre of religious literature, namely to the genre of the New Testament Gospel. It is part of the canonical texts of Christianity and is a narrative about the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The main characteristics of the genre of the Gospel of Matthew:
6.1 Narrative Style: The Gospels contain a sequential account of the events of Jesus' life, including his birth, ministry, miracles, parables, crucifixion, and resurrection.
6.2 Teaching and Preaching: The text contains many of Jesus' teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount, which contains important moral and ethical instructions.
6.3 Messianic Focus: The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament. This is evident in numerous quotations and references to prophecies.
6.4 Audience: Matthew probably wrote for a predominantly Jewish audience, as evidenced by the emphasis on the fulfillment of Jewish prophecies and traditions.
6.5 Structure: The Gospel of Matthew has a clear structure, divided into different parts, including the genealogy of Jesus, his teachings and miracles.
Overall, the Gospel of Matthew combines elements of biography, theology, and moral teaching, making it an important text for both Christianity and the study of first-century history and culture.
7. The plan of the book The Gospel of Matthew
The outline of the book of Matthew can be presented in the form of main sections and topics. Here is an approximate outline:
Introduction
1. Genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17)
• The descent of Jesus from Abraham and David.
2. The Nativity of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25)
• Indication of conception from the Holy Spirit and birth.
I. The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry
3. The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:1-17)
• The preaching of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus.
4. The Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)
• Temptation in the desert.
II. The Preaching and Ministry of Jesus
5. Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
• Beatitudes, commandments, prayer, golden rule.
6. Miracles and Healings (Matthew 8-9)
• Healing the sick, raising the dead, miracles over nature.
III. Mission and Teaching
7. The Epistle of the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10)
• Instructions for the apostles before their mission.
8. Response to Jesus' Ministry (Matthew 11-12)
• Questions about the Messiah, opposition from religious leaders.
IV. Parables and Teaching
9. Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13)
• Parables of the sower, the leaven, the pearl.
V. Conflicts and contradictions
10. Conflicts with the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 15-16)
• Debates about traditions and laws.
11. Prediction of suffering (Matthew 16:21-28)
• Prediction of suffering and resurrection.
VI. The Last Days of Ministry
12. Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11)
• Entrance on a donkey and recognition of the people.
13. The Cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17)
14. Parables of the Last Times (Matthew 24-25)
• Teaching about the end of the world and readiness.
VII. Suffering, Death and Resurrection
15. The Arrest and Trial of Jesus (Matthew 26)
• The Last Supper, arrest in Gethsemane.
16. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27)
• The trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus.
17. Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10)
• Resurrection and appearance to women.
Conclusion
18. The Great Commandment (Matthew 28:16-20)
• Indicating to the disciples the mission of preaching the Gospel to all nations.
Our passage is located in Part II of the Gospel of Matthew. Where Jesus voices the main points of His teaching, and especially in the Beatitudes.
In the Ten Beatitudes, Jesus reveals the secret of true happiness for man. In Russian, the adjective "blessed" has a somewhat mocking, condemning meaning. In fact, the commandments of Jesus Christ talk about how we can be happy despite external circumstances.
So, what commandments should we follow in the modern world?
3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit – the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them.
4 Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful – they will be treated mercifully.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of lies about you because of Me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because your great reward awaits you in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(Matthew 5:3-12)
So Jesus gives us the beatitudes for our successful service and our happy life on earth, and our eternal life with Him in heaven.
For us, these commandments should be as important as the Ten Commandments were for the Jews.
It is important for us in our life and ministry to fulfill these commandments in our life and ministry, and to be happy regardless of external circumstances.
May God bless you in your search for Truth.
With respect, prayer and God's love
Rustam Kodash Nasyrov