Psalm 119:1-8 / Matthew 5:21-37

This will be our third and last week looking at Matthew 5, “The Sermon on the Mount”. And this week’s reading is probably the most challenging. Jesus will bring up murder and theft and adultery, and talk about cutting off hands or plucking out eyes! Yikes!

But do not be afraid!

First, read Matthew 5:21-37.

Notice how Jesus says, “You have heard that it was…but I tell you.” What do you think his strategy is?

Please understand that Jesus absolutely does not want anyone to pluck our their eye or cut off their hand! So, why does he use these extreme examples?

Now, here is a summary hint: Jesus is deliberately pushing things to an impossible extreme, and it all has to do with how we are saved by grace and not works. Your thoughts?