Thoughts on the "Sermon on the Mount"

In an attempt to understand the intent of Jesus’ words in the sermon on the mount, one should be aware that the sermon is as relevant today as it was at the time of its utterance. A believer should know that this sermon lists precepts for the way a Christian should strive to live his or her life. One should also keep in mind, however, that non-compliance with these strictures does not necessarily condemn a soul to Hell.

In the book, The Jesus I Never Knew (1995), the author, Phillip Yancey, makes this point by illustration of the lives and philosophies of two Russian writers, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Tolstoy strove to live his life by the commands put forth, by Jesus, on the mountain. He did everything from selling all, or most, of his worldly goods, to sleeping in a different bed from his spouse in an attempt to be chaste to try to live by the precepts he found in the sermon. The accounts of his life, in diaries of his and thoughts of his wife say that he was never successful in living up to the commands. His heart was not in “the right place.” His attempts were, seemingly, done more in pursuit of a goal than by loving obedience.

Dostoevsky seemed to understand more the ideas behind the precepts. He understood, also after his near-death experience, the concept of grace and forgiveness.

Anyone, in the setting of today’s world, who is attempting to find relevance for their lives in the sermon on the mount should meld the dedication that Tolstoy depicted, to strive for fulfillment of the precepts, with the understanding of God’s mercy that was defined in novels by Dostoevsky. In a nutshell, one should always try to love their neighbor as they love themselves, while also remembering to love themselves and remembering that, and how, God loves them.

God’s love is bidirectional and should always be treated as such. Out of love for Him, we should try to live by his precepts. Out of love for us, God knows that we can, and usually will, fall short. He will always be merciful enough to forgive us if we will only humble ourselves enough to ask.