Jesus went up on a mountainside, and a sprawling crowd was waiting there before him. Were there fifty people? A hundred people? Thousands? If a preacher had been there taking a count it would have been thousands. But we don’t really know exactly how many people were there.
The crowds were anxious, angry, discontented, and dissatisfied with their lot in life. They were ready for a messiah to appear and rally a mighty army to subdue the Roman empire. And they were ready to go to any lengths and pay any price to fight for their cause. This was just the moment of deliverance they had been praying for. They were exuberant. The crowd could have easily become a mighty legion of soldiers, if Jesus had so commanded.
But as Jesus speaks out from his makeshift pulpit, he so greatly disappoints the crowd's expectations. Their cause wasn’t to be fought with a bow and arrow, sword and armor, or with horses and chariots. In fact, their cause wasn’t even political, economic, or religious, though it would have political, economic, and religious ramifications. As the Sermon on the Mount unfolds, Jesus issues a call. But the call was not to arms, but to righteousness. From that point forward righteousness would be their cause! And Jesus Christ himself would be their cause. And for these causes they’d be asked to sacrifice everything.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness."
In Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV) we find the concluding beatitudes. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." I wonder if many of us have ever been persecuted for the cause of righteousness?
I saw this cartoon in Leadership Magazine where a pastor was talking to his wife about his sermons. He said, "Honey, my sermons would be much more powerful if in the middle of my stories you wouldn’t shout 'Ha.' " The cause of righteousness puts us at odds with the world, and even with our own families. But at its core, the Sermon on the Mount is a call to righteousness.
The Sermon on the Mount is a call to righteousness.
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) says, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:20 (NIV) tells us, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV) says, "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
By the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is drawing a sort of line in the sand. Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) commands us to, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Does righteousness matter any longer?
A question we must ask ourselves upon hearing the Sermon on the Mount is, "Does righteousness matter to me anymore?" And if it matters, "What price will be paid for it?"
Does it matter whether God’s people are morally distinct from the world? Does it matter whether people actually see our faith in action? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:16 (NIV). "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Does it matter whether we practice and teach God’s commandments to our families, our children, our coworkers, or the next generation? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:19 (NIV). "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Does it matter whether our anger and hurts are getting reconciled? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:24 (NIV). "Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
Does it matter that people, including Christians, are turning to lawyers, judges, and courts to arbitrate matters traditionally settled across a fence or a kitchen table? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:25 (NIV). "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison."
Does it matter that men look upon women lustfully, reducing them toobjects of obsession, and robbing them of the respect and dignity they deserve? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:28 (NIV). "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Does it matter that marriage is no longer sacred, and that even Christian couples prefer divorce over the hard work of reconciliation and deep change? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:32 (NIV). "But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery."
Does it matter that you keep your word, not swear, and tell the truth? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:37 (NIV). "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
Does it matter that you respond redemptively to people that harm you? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:39 (NIV). "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Does it matter that you love your enemies and learn to pray for people who persecute you? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:44 (NIV). "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Does it matter that you maintain the highest possible standards for your life? Does it matter that you strive to become the model of the very perfection and holiness of God? Jesus answers in Matthew 5:48 (NIV). "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Does it matter that your acts of righteousness have spiritual integrity? That you be properly motivated in your giving, in your prayer life, and in your fasting? Jesus answers in Matthew 6:1 (NIV). "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
Does it matter whether you set your heart and channel all your energy toward getting rich and acquiring possessions? Jesus answers in Matthew 6:21 (NIV). "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Does it matter whether you spend the whole day worrying about everything from clothes to food, and that you spend so very little time trusting God, seeking his kingdom and his righteousness? Jesus answers in Matthew 6:33 (NIV). "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Does it matter that you are fixated on everyone else’s sins and shortcomings, and that you are turning a blind eye to your own need for righteousness? Jesus answers in Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV). "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Does it matter that you do to others what you would have them do to you? Jesus answers in Matthew 7:12 (NIV). "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Does it matter whether you succumb to peer pressure and go the way of the crowd? Or whether you take a stand for righteousness? Jesus answers in Matthew 7:14 (NIV). "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Does it matter what kind of fruit you are bearing in your life? Jesus answers in Matthew 7:19 (NIV). "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
Does it matter what kind of foundation you are building your life on? Jesus answers in Matthew 7:24 (NIV). "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Where does the cause of righteousness rank on our list of priorities?
We make so many peripheral things our cause in life. Things like work, education, sports, or wealth. Where does the cause of righteousness rank on our list of priorities? There is so much tolerance these days. We keep lowering our standards. Where should we take our stand? Should we even take a stand? We are confused and directionless.
If the great physician were to diagnose what ails the church today he would say, "The diagnosis is missing spine.Where’s the conviction? Where does my cause of righteousness stand?"
Christ wants us to take a stand against the currents of our day and age. He wants us to push against the mass of humanity. He wants us to choose the narrow gate, the narrow path, and the road less traveled. He wants us out of the saltshaker and out in the world where we can do some good.
How much sacrifice must be made for the cause of righteousness?
This week I kept pressing myself with this question, "How far am I willing to go to make sacrifices for the cause of righteousness?" In Matthew 10:5-39 Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples with instructions. When I read this passage, I thought it was as good as any place to reflect onthis question. Would I be willing to venture outside my safety zone and put myself in a place of service where people are truly hurting? Would I be willing to surrender all my wealth and possessions for the cause of Christ? Would I be willing to subject myself to poverty, insult, and rejection? How about isolation and rejection from those closest to me, like my family or church? Would I be willing to stand face to face with the enemies of Christ? Would I be willing to endure physical pain and discomfort for the cause of righteousness? Would I risk imprisonment? Fear of public speaking? Persecution? Death?
Jesus asked his disciples in Matthew 10:5-39 (NIV) to do all of these things in service to the cause of righteousness. "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: 'Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.' "
"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.' Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
The hard part of righteousness is persecution.
The easy part of righteousness is that our lives are infinitely better when we live according to God’s principles. But the hard part of righteousness is persecution. I came across this letter written in the second century to a man named Diognetus. Diognetus was an advisor to a Roman emperor. He was rather anxious about these Christians who lived such strange, counter-culture lives. He wanted answers about them so that he could explain the odd behavior of Christians to the emperor. Here is an explanation Diognetus received from an unknown source.
"For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of mankind either in locality or in speech or in customs. For they dwell not somewhere in cities of their own, neither do they use some different language, nor practice an extraordinary kind of life. Nor again do they possess any invention discovered by any intelligence or study of ingenious men, nor are they masters of any human dogma as some are. But while they dwell in cities of Greeks and barbarians as the lot of each is cast, and follow the native customs in dress and food and the other arrangements of life, yet the constitution of their own citizenship, which they set forth, is marvelous, and confessedly contradicts expectation."
"They dwell in their own countries, but only as sojourners; they bear their share in all things as citizens, and they endure all hardships as strangers. Every foreign country is a fatherland to them, and every fatherland is foreign. They marry like all other men and they beget children; but they do not cast away their offspring. They have their meals in common, but not their wives. They find themselves in the flesh, and yet they live not after the flesh. Their existence is on earth, but their citizenship is in heaven. They obey the established laws, and they surpass the laws in their own lives. They love all men, and they are persecuted by all. They are ignored, and yet they are condemned. They are put to death, and yet they are endued with life."
"They are in beggary, and yet they make many rich. They are in want of all things, and yet they abound in all things. They are dishonored, and yet they are glorified in their dishonor. They are evil spoken of, and yet they are vindicated. They are reviled, and they bless; they are insulted, and they respect. Doing good they are punished as evil-doers; being punished they rejoice, as if they were thereby quickened by life. War is waged against them as aliens by the Jews, and persecution is carried on against them by the Greeks, and yet those that hate them cannot tell the reason of their hostility."
Jesus asks us to take a stand for righteousness.
This morning, Jesus is drawing the same line in the sand for us that he drew for the crowd. Are we willing to take a stand for righteousness, despite all consequences? In Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV) Jesus promises, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."