• 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.

    Luke 6.24-26 (King James Version) :
    But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false 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.

    Mark 9.50 (King James Version) :
    Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
    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 5.22 (King James Version) :
    But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
    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.

    Romans 8.27 (King James Version) :
    And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
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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.

    1 Peter 3.9 (King James Version) :
    Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
    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.’

    Luke 6.27-36 (King James Version) :
    But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
    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.

    Luke 6.26 (King James Version) :
    Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
    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.

    Matthew 6.14-15 (King James Version) :
    For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
    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 16.13 (King James Version) :
    No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
    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.

    Luke 6.31 (King James Version) :
    And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
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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.

    Luke 13.24 (King James Version) :
    Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
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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.

    Luke 15.23 (King James Version) :
    And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
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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.

    Mark 1.22 (King James Version) :
    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
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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.

    Luke 6.31 (King James Version) :
    And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate