• PER086 The Sermon on the Mount (2): the woes recorded by Luke

    This article focuses on the woes Jesus pronounces in the Sermon on the Mount according to Luke's Gospel. By denouncing attachment to material things and the pursuit of human approval, these warnings highlight the essential values to follow as a true disciple.

    Matthew 23.13-31 (King James Version) :
    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER087 The Sermon on the Mount (3): the salt of the earth

    The article examines the ‘salt of the earth’ in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, analysed in Matthew 5:13 with connections to Mark's and Luke's Gospels. Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate the disciples' role as bearers of wisdom and protection against corruption, warning against losing their spiritual influence.

    Luke 14.34-35 (King James Version) :
    Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER088 The Sermon on the Mount (4): the light of the World

    This article explores how, in the Sermon on the Mount, the image of the ‘light of the world’ teaches disciples to live their faith visibly, illustrated through Matthew 5:14–16, Mark 4:21–22 and Luke 8:16/11:33–35. These allegories encourage them to be examples of integrity, reflecting God's light to inspire others to celebrate him.

    Matthew 5.14-16 (King James Version) :
    Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER089 The Sermon on the Mount (5), the Messiah Jesus' relationship with the law

    The fifth part of the Sermon on the Mount, this article analyses Jesus' relationship with Mosaic law on the basis of Matthew 5:17–20. Jesus states that he came to fulfil the law fully according to God's original purpose rather than abolish it. He distinguishes Moses' authentic law from the religious traditions added by scribes and Pharisees and warns that their institutionalised righteousness does not lead to the kingdom of heaven.

    Matthew 5.17-20 (King James Version) :
    Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER090 The Sermon on the Mount (6), murder, offerings, and forgiveness

    The sixth part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21–26), this pericope examines Jesus' teaching on murder, offering and forgiveness. Jesus deepens the fifth commandment by showing that anger and contempt towards one's brother are spiritually as serious as murder itself. He contrasts the letter of Pharisaic law with God's original spirit and affirms that sincere forgiveness alone, rather than an offering, restores a normal relationship. The warning is eschatological: without reconciliation, there is Gehenna.

    Matthew 5.20 (King James Version) :
    For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER091 The Sermon on the Mount (7), adultery and divorce

    Pericope 91 explores the seventh part of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on adultery and divorce (Matthew 5:27–32; Luke 16:18). Jesus goes beyond Mosaic law by condemning not only the act but also thoughts in which one indulges. He addresses divorce in relation to the schools of Hillel and Shammai, setting radical demands. The metaphors of the eye and hand emphasise the need for an inward transformation of the heart to avoid sin.

    Mark 9.43-48 (King James Version) :
    And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER092 The Sermon on the Mount (8): perjury

    In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about perjury (Matthew 5:33–37). Against the contemporary practice of conditional oaths, he requires simple, honest speech: let ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and ‘no’ be ‘no’. Matthew is the only Gospel writer to report this teaching, as Luke addresses non-Jews less concerned with this practice. James 5:12 repeats this precept in the apostolic tradition.

    Matthew 5.33-37 (King James Version) :
    Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER093 The Sermon on the Mount (9): Vengeance

    PER093 examines Jesus' teaching on vengeance in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38–42). Jesus reinterprets the law of retaliation (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21) by calling his disciples to non-violence, forgiveness and love of enemies. This teaching, unique to Matthew, advocates a peaceful response transcending the logic of vengeance rather than total passivity, in keeping with Romans 12:17 and 1 Peter 3:9.

    Leviticus 24.20 (King James Version) :
    Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER094 The Sermon on the Mount (10): loving one's enemies

    The tenth section of the Sermon on the Mount concerns love of enemies (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:27–36). Jesus goes beyond Pharisaic interpretation by inviting his disciples to love even Gentiles, following God, who loves all people. The ‘Golden Rule’ (Matthew 7:12) complements this teaching. The ultimate aim is divine perfection: ‘Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

    Leviticus 19.18 (King James Version) :
    Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER095 The Sermon on the Mount (11): Giving

    This article explores Jesus' teaching on giving in the Sermon on the Mount. By insisting on a personal relationship with God, it criticises the Pharisees' ostentatious practices. The setting is Galilee shortly after Passover in AD 31, highlighting a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry.

    Mark 12.41-44 (King James Version) :
    And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER097 The Sermon on the Mount (13): forgiveness

    This article explores forgiveness in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasising that our ability to forgive is connected with divine forgiveness, a central theme in Matthew's Gospel.

    Hebrews 9.14 (King James Version) :
    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER098 The Sermon on the Mount (14): fasting

    The article analyses the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus criticises the Pharisees' religious formalism. It stresses the importance of sincere and discreet motives when practising fasting and other religious acts.

    Luke 5.33-35 (King James Version) :
    And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER099 The Sermon on the Mount (15): treasure in heaven

    This article analyses a passage of the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus Christ discusses the importance of choosing between earthly and spiritual riches, emphasising that true treasure is in God's kingdom. Jesus highlights the incompatibility of serving both God and money, advocating priority for spiritual values.

    Luke 18.25 (King James Version) :
    For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER103 The Sermon on the Mount (19), the golden rule

    The article discusses the golden rule in the Sermon on the Mount, explains that spiritual transformation is necessary to put it into practice, and emphasizes the need for God’s help.

    John 6.60 (King James Version) :
    Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER104 The Sermon on the Mount (20), the two paths

    The article discusses the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus explains the importance of spiritual choices, symbolized by two paths. This recurring theme emphasizes Jesus’ call to his disciples to choose the difficult way leading to eternal life.

    Matthew 7.13-14 (King James Version) :
    Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER106 The Sermon on the Mount (22), those who call me Lord

    The article explores the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus speaks of supposed disciples whom he does not recognize. Comparing the evangelists Matthew and Luke, it discusses the authentic faith needed to enter the Kingdom of God, beyond ethnic identity and miraculous deeds.

    1 John 4.7 (King James Version) :
    Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER108 The results of the Sermon on the Mount

    PER108 concludes the Sermon on the Mount according to Matthew 7.28-29. The crowd and the disciples are struck by Jesus’ unique authority, so different from that of the Pharisees. Through 23 points, Jesus has outlined the portrait of a true disciple, an ideal impossible to attain without profound transformation. The crowd glimpses the Messiah in him and longs for the new life he offers.

    Luke 4.32 (King James Version) :
    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER140 The parable of the measure

    The parable of the measure (PER140) teaches that the way we judge and treat others determines how God will measure us in return. Jesus calls for attentive listening, reciprocity, justice and generosity. This principle, shared by Mark 4.24-25, Matthew 7.1-2 and Luke 6.38, echoes the golden rule and forms the heart of Christian ethics.

    Matthew 7.12 (King James Version) :
    Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate