The Narrow Gate
December 27, 2007
The Narrow Gate
Matthew Chapters 5-7
Be Perfect
Covering the whole of the Sermon on the Mount in a single lesson is a daunting task. Of course, even at this pace it will take us eight years to make our way through the Bible, and it would be difficult to say just how much time we should spend on this large collection of the teachings of Jesus which, although it is in some ways similar to the “Sermon on the Plain” recorded in Luke (Luke 6:17-26) is beyond compare in the depth and breadth of its scope.
The Beatitudes themselves (5:1-12) are one of those passages of scripture which we may read and reread without the aide (or hindrance) of any commentary. We will simply note that the tone of the passage is captured by the phrase “your reward is in heaven.” If, as it is supposed, the Sermon was an inaugural address, we may wonder how many who heard it preached understood that Jesus was not establishing an earthly kingdom. Even in our own time, many would promise earthly reward, when the comfort that this phrase affords is not of this world. Our reward in heaven is greater than any this earth could offer. Moreover, the reward is sure; we are not told that our reward will be in heaven, but that our reward is in heaven.
If what Jesus had to say about an earthly kingdom was unexpected, then his initial statement about the law must have seemed reassuring, since he promised, not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (5:13-17). But we do not need to be experts in rabbinic law to be astounded as Jesus expands our culpability in murder and adultery but robs us of retribution in the face and violence and abuse (5:18-48).
How can Jesus call us to be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect? Perfection is the standard of the law, but as far back as Abraham, God has credited faith as righteousness (Romans 4:1-3). While we cannot attain perfection through our practice of the law, God is able to remake us as new creatures, free from our old guilt (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). In this remade form, only possible by his divine pleasure, we are able to participate in his divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Do not worry about your life
As the Sermon continues, Matthew records for us a series of instructions in religious discipline. The passage addresses our acts of righteousness – specifically, giving to the needy – which should be practiced in private, known only to our Heavenly Father (6:1-4). The second discipline is prayer, and we are not only given a model prayer, but are given instruction in the proper attitude of prayer, which should not be for show, either for our fellows or our Father, but must be sincere (6:5-15). The next instruction is in fasting, a discipline which is almost lost (6:16-18). The following instructions remind us that religion is the practice of our faith, and extends beyond what we normally think of as religious activities. And so, we are told not to worry about our lives (6:25-27) or the things of this world (6:28-34) and as we are told not to judge others (7:1-6) and always to be asking our Father for the things we need (7:7-12).
The narrow gate
How can we reconcile the promise “for everyone who asks receives” with the caution of the narrow gate? (7:13-14) Or the one who says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened” (11:28) with the one who says “Away from me, you evildoers” (7:15-23)? The promise is the same in each case; it is the kindness and sternness of God (Romans 11:22). Our Lord stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20) but we must count the cost, hear the words, and put them into practice (7:24-29).
