Sermon on the MountSample

The Eternal Path

There is a significant difference between judgment and discernment in Scripture. Jesus told his followers not to judge, meaning: stop criticizing others. But Jesus also said, “be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:6). The Sermon on the Mount was a compendium of Jesus’ teaching about the character of Christianity. Jesus taught that a fruitful life is the most powerful, effective witness for the Christian faith.

1. What does Jesus teach about God and his desire to bless his children? (verses 9–11)
2. The teaching of Christ often stood in opposition to the opinions of the synagogue leaders and the Roman government. What is the sobering message found in verses 13–14? How would you apply that to your culture?