The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) was in fact a sermon given on a mountain. But it was not like any Sunday morning sermon that has been given since then–it was in fact, the only sermon. And I mean only as in the original sermon. When the scriptures state that Jesus opened His mouth and began to teach (Matthew 5:2), it was not a segue nor a metaphorical device. Instead, it was a metaphysical truth. While creation had already been brought forth from Father God opening His mouth, the Son was bringing forth the creation of something else: how to live with God. Perspective provides one the ability to speak confidently about the new covenant today, but in that moment on that undisclosed mountain, Jesus had to first open His mouth and give shape to a reality that had yet to exist. The shape was the beatitudes; the direction was God. The initial act of creation brought about what was good; this creative act would bring us into being good–in the eyes of the divine, not the mood of the current drove.
The Passion translation provides verse 3, “What happiness comes to you when you feel your spiritual poverty! For theirs is the realm of heaven’s kingdom.” Goodness was taking shape in the form of extreme poverty–a kind of poverty that was realized far beyond anything physically, emotionally, or intellectually tangible. This is the new covenant. One that would be built not on effort or energy or extracurricular religious activity, but one built on direction. Jesus spoke with authority, but also as a brotherly figure. As kitschy as it seems, verse 3 is the doormat to the Father’s house–His Father’s house. The Spirit is our guide. Thus, it is a family affair. Jesus says “You are esteemed by Father when you want that which cannot be shaken”. Everything but the Father’s house can be shaken (Hebrews 12:28-29). My house, your house, the White House, the houses that rise against the White House–all can and will be shaken, sifted, agitated. I mention this as the original sermon not to be trite or clever, but because I really believe this monologue belonging to the Messiah was one of epic effects. And it would be fully realized a few days after Golgotha and then a month or so after that when Peter stood up against accusations of drunkenness and invited the mob into the Father’s house. Of course there must be conviction and there must be repentance, but if one still believes their house or the White House or the houses that come against the White House can stand on their own–then the Father’s house is not necessary. This is exactly why Jesus said you are esteemed, you are good, when you find the opposite to be true.
