Teaching from the Sermon on the Mount - The role and nature of Christian discipleship - CCEA - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - CCEA

Teaching from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 21–26, 38–48)

When God gave the it was on the top of a mountain. God made a covenant (a holy agreement or promise) with the Jewish people.

Jesus explores the true meaning of the law on a mountainside. He is seen here as the new covenant.

On this mountainside, Jesus explores the teaching of Moses and gives it new meaning.

He focuses on the intention of the person committing the action, rather than obedience to the law itself.

Law of Moses	Jesus’ teaching	Meaning
You shall not murder. Anyone who commits murder shall be liable to judgment.	If you are angry with a brother or sister you will be liable to judgement. If you insult them you are liable to the council. If you call them a fool you are liable to the fires of hell. If you are offering a gift at the altar and you remember that you have something against your brother, go and be reconciled before returning to give your gift. On your way to court be reconciled, or you will be handed over to the judge and thrown into prison.	Jesus shows in his many examples that it is not just the crime of murder that is wrong, but the emotions that can lead someone to commit murder are also wrong - particularly anger. Jesus teaches us that our relationships with one another are very important. We cannot develop our relationship with God and take part in religious observances if we have an on-going dispute with others.

Law of Moses	You shall not murder. Anyone who commits murder shall be liable to judgment.
Jesus’ teaching	If you are angry with a brother or sister you will be liable to judgement. If you insult them you are liable to the council. If you call them a fool you are liable to the fires of hell. If you are offering a gift at the altar and you remember that you have something against your brother, go and be reconciled before returning to give your gift. On your way to court be reconciled, or you will be handed over to the judge and thrown into prison.
Meaning	Jesus shows in his many examples that it is not just the crime of murder that is wrong, but the emotions that can lead someone to commit murder are also wrong - particularly anger. Jesus teaches us that our relationships with one another are very important. We cannot develop our relationship with God and take part in religious observances if we have an on-going dispute with others.

Law of Moses	Jesus' teaching	Meaning
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.	Do not resist an evildoer. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give them your cloak as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.	Jesus taught that all revenge was wrong. He said that we should not retaliate, even when provoked. Jesus is telling us to be the bigger person, and to try to encourage those who wrong us to see the right way in life.

Law of Moses	An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Jesus' teaching	Do not resist an evildoer. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give them your cloak as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
Meaning	Jesus taught that all revenge was wrong. He said that we should not retaliate, even when provoked. Jesus is telling us to be the bigger person, and to try to encourage those who wrong us to see the right way in life.

Law of Moses	Jesus’ teaching	Meaning
Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.	Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.	Jews believed that the old teaching was to love your neighbour and fellow Jews – but that you must hate your enemies and Gentiles. Jesus stresses that it is easy to love our friends and those similar to us. It is more challenging to love our enemies and those who treat us badly.

Law of Moses	Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.
Jesus’ teaching	Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Meaning	Jews believed that the old teaching was to love your neighbour and fellow Jews – but that you must hate your enemies and Gentiles. Jesus stresses that it is easy to love our friends and those similar to us. It is more challenging to love our enemies and those who treat us badly.