The Sermon On The The Sermon On The Mount: A More Excellent Mount: A More Excellent

WayWayMatthew 5Matthew 5

Objective:Objective:

• To encourage class members to come unto Christ To encourage class members to come unto Christ by applying the principles he taught in the Sermon by applying the principles he taught in the Sermon on the Mount.on the Mount.

Video: The BeatitudesVideo: The Beatitudes

BeatitudeBeatitude• The word beatitude comes from the Latin beatus, which means The word beatitude comes from the Latin beatus, which means

fortunate, happy, or blessed (Matthew 5:3, footnote 3a).fortunate, happy, or blessed (Matthew 5:3, footnote 3a).

• Beatitudes in the Bible Dictionary:Beatitudes in the Bible Dictionary:

• Name given to certain declarations of blessedness in the Sermon Name given to certain declarations of blessedness in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:3–11; Luke 6:20–22). They describe certain on the Mount (Matt. 5:3–11; Luke 6:20–22). They describe certain elements that go to form the refined and spiritual character, all of elements that go to form the refined and spiritual character, all of which will be present whenever that character exists in its which will be present whenever that character exists in its perfection. Rather than being isolated statements, the Beatitudes perfection. Rather than being isolated statements, the Beatitudes are interrelated and progressive in their arrangement. A more are interrelated and progressive in their arrangement. A more comprehensive and accurate listing is found in 3 Ne. 12:1–12, comprehensive and accurate listing is found in 3 Ne. 12:1–12, where a greater spiritual emphasis is given. (The JST wording is where a greater spiritual emphasis is given. (The JST wording is similar to 3 Ne.)similar to 3 Ne.)

• The Beatitudes could be considered a type of Patriarchal Blessing.The Beatitudes could be considered a type of Patriarchal Blessing.

Matthew 5:3Matthew 5:3

• 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.kingdom of heaven.

• What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? (To be What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? (To be humble; see footnote 3b. See also 3 Nephi 12:3.) humble; see footnote 3b. See also 3 Nephi 12:3.) Why is it important that we be humble? How can Why is it important that we be humble? How can we become more humble?we become more humble?

Matthew 5:4Matthew 5:4

• 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.comforted.

• Matthew 5:4. What are some ways the Lord Matthew 5:4. What are some ways the Lord provides for us to be comforted? (See John 14:26–provides for us to be comforted? (See John 14:26–27 and Mosiah 18:8–9 for some examples.) How 27 and Mosiah 18:8–9 for some examples.) How have you been comforted in times of mourning?have you been comforted in times of mourning?

Matthew 5:5Matthew 5:5

• 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.earth.

• What does it mean to be meek? (To be gentle, What does it mean to be meek? (To be gentle, forgiving, or benevolent; see footnote 5a.) How forgiving, or benevolent; see footnote 5a.) How can we develop meekness? (See Mosiah 3:19; can we develop meekness? (See Mosiah 3:19; Alma 7:23; 13:28.)Alma 7:23; 13:28.)

• Note the word "develop" above.Note the word "develop" above.

Matthew 5:6Matthew 5:6

• 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

• What did Jesus promise those who “hunger and What did Jesus promise those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness”? (See Matthew 5:6; thirst after righteousness”? (See Matthew 5:6; 3 Nephi 12:6.) What can we do to lift our appetites 3 Nephi 12:6.) What can we do to lift our appetites from the things of the world to things of from the things of the world to things of righteousness?righteousness?

Matthew 5:7Matthew 5:7

• 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.mercy.

• How can we show mercy to others? Why do we How can we show mercy to others? Why do we need mercy from the Lord? (See Alma 42:13–15.)need mercy from the Lord? (See Alma 42:13–15.)

Matthew 5:8Matthew 5:8

• 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.God.

• What do you think it means to have a pure heart? What do you think it means to have a pure heart? How can we purify our hearts? (See Helaman How can we purify our hearts? (See Helaman 3:35.) Why must we have pure hearts if we are to 3:35.) Why must we have pure hearts if we are to see God and dwell with him? (See Moses 6:57.)see God and dwell with him? (See Moses 6:57.)

Matthew 5:9Matthew 5:9

• 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.called the children of God.

• How can we be peacemakers in our homes and How can we be peacemakers in our homes and communities?communities?

Matthew 5:10-12Matthew 5:10-12

• 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

• 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.falsely, for my sake.

• 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.before you.

• Why are righteous people sometimes persecuted? How Why are righteous people sometimes persecuted? How should we respond to persecution? (See Matthew 5:44; should we respond to persecution? (See Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:35.)Luke 6:35.)

Ye Are The Salt of The Ye Are The Salt of The EarthEarth

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Matthew 5:13Matthew 5:13

• 13 ¶Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt 13 ¶Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

• Jesus said that his disciples are “the salt of the Jesus said that his disciples are “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13; D&C 101:39). What are earth” (Matthew 5:13; D&C 101:39). What are some uses for salt?some uses for salt?

• How can Latter-day Saints be “the salt of the How can Latter-day Saints be “the salt of the earth”?earth”?

D&C 103:9-10D&C 103:9-10• 9 For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be 9 For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be

the saviors of men;the saviors of men;

• 10 And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they 10 And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.men.

• What insights do these verses add about what it means What insights do these verses add about what it means to be “the salt of the earth”? to be “the salt of the earth”?

• How can we be “the saviors of men”?How can we be “the saviors of men”?

The Light of The Light of The WorldThe WorldCitation: Kolk, Melinda. Citation: Kolk, Melinda.

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<<http://pics.tech4learning.com>>

Matthew 5:14-16Matthew 5:14-16

• 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.on an hill cannot be hid.

• 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.unto all that are in the house.

• 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.which is in heaven.

• How can Latter-day Saints be “the light of the How can Latter-day Saints be “the light of the world”? (Matthew 5:14; see also verse 16). world”? (Matthew 5:14; see also verse 16).

• What happens when a candle is placed “under a What happens when a candle is placed “under a bushel”? (Matthew 5:15; note that a bushel is a bushel”? (Matthew 5:15; note that a bushel is a large basket). large basket).

• How do we as Church members sometimes put our How do we as Church members sometimes put our light under a bushel? light under a bushel?

• How can we let our light shine in a way that will How can we let our light shine in a way that will lead others to “glorify [our] Father … in heaven”? lead others to “glorify [our] Father … in heaven”? (See Matthew 5:16; 3 Nephi 18:24.)(See Matthew 5:16; 3 Nephi 18:24.)

Jesus And The Law of Jesus And The Law of MosesMoses

Citation: Citation: https://www.lds.org/manual/old-testament-stories/chapter-19-the-ten-commandments?lang=eng

Video: The Higher LawVideo: The Higher Law

Matthew 5:17-18Matthew 5:17-18

• 17 ¶Think not that I am come to destroy the law, 17 ¶Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.fulfil.

• 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.from the law, till all be fulfilled.

The Law of MosesThe Law of Moses• The law of Moses had been “given to the children of Israel, … for they The law of Moses had been “given to the children of Israel, … for they

were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God.” It was “a law of performances and of ordinances, … the Lord their God.” It was “a law of performances and of ordinances, … which [the Israelites] were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep which [the Israelites] were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him” (Mosiah them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him” (Mosiah 13:29–30). 13:29–30).

• Those who understood the law “[looked] forward with steadfastness Those who understood the law “[looked] forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law [was] fulfilled. For, for this end was the law unto Christ, until the law [was] fulfilled. For, for this end was the law given” (2 Nephi 25:24–25).given” (2 Nephi 25:24–25).

• The Savior fulfilled the law of Moses when he atoned for our sins (Alma The Savior fulfilled the law of Moses when he atoned for our sins (Alma 34:13–16). After the Atonement, the people were no longer commanded 34:13–16). After the Atonement, the people were no longer commanded to make animal sacrifices, which had been required as part of the law of to make animal sacrifices, which had been required as part of the law of Moses to point to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Instead, the Moses to point to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Instead, the people were commanded to “offer for a sacrifice … a broken heart and a people were commanded to “offer for a sacrifice … a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:20; see also verse 19).contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:20; see also verse 19).

One Final Thought...One Final Thought...

• 48.Ye are therefore commanded to be perfect, 48.Ye are therefore commanded to be perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

• How are we to understand the Savior’s command How are we to understand the Savior’s command that we become perfect? (See Matthew 5:48, that we become perfect? (See Matthew 5:48, footnote 48b, which says that an alternate Greek footnote 48b, which says that an alternate Greek translation of the word perfect is “complete, translation of the word perfect is “complete, finished, fully developed.”)finished, fully developed.”)

• Given this definition of perfect, what does this say Given this definition of perfect, what does this say about our Patriarchal Blessings?about our Patriarchal Blessings?