Jesus and the Gospels: Week 3
Notes
Transcript
Handout
The Teachings of Jesus
The Teachings of Jesus
Main Theme: Understanding Jesus’ message through His Sermon on the Mount, Parables, and the Kingdom of God.
Purpose: To grasp how Jesus’ teaching reveals the character of the Kingdom and the lifestyle of its citizens.
The Sermon on the Mount – The Character of Kingdom Citizens
The Sermon on the Mount – The Character of Kingdom Citizens
Primary Text: Matthew 5–7
Descriptions of the Sermon on the Mount
Descriptions of the Sermon on the Mount
1. The Manifesto of the Kingdom
The Sermon is Jesus’ declaration of what life looks like under His rule.
It reveals , , and .Kingdom characterKingdom ethicsKingdom priorities
Just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, Jesus gives the on a mount in Galilee.
Matthew 5:20 – “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees…”Law of the Kingdom
2. The Constitution of Christian Living
Described as the “Constitution of the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Outlines the foundational principles for citizenship in God’s Kingdom.
Includes personal ethics (anger, lust, truthfulness), social conduct (love, generosity), and spiritual devotion (prayer, fasting).
3. The Blueprint for Discipleship
Many teachers (e.g., John Stott, D.A. Carson, Martyn Lloyd-Jones) see it as .a discipleship manual
The sermon defines what it means to follow Jesus in the world — countercultural, grace-filled obedience empowered by the Spirit.
4. The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached
Often called “the greatest sermon ever delivered by the greatest preacher who ever lived.”
It’s both , confronting hypocrisy while calling for inner transformation.practical and radical
Introduction /Context
The Sermon on the Mount is the most comprehensive collection of Jesus’ ethical teachings.
Delivered early in His ministry, it contrasts with the empty religiosity of the Pharisees.true righteousness
The Sermon reveals what life looks like for those who belong to God’s Kingdom.
Common Structural Outlines
Common Structural Outlines
Traditional Three-Chapter Outline
Matthew 5 - The Character of Kingdom Citizens: Beatitudes, salt and light, heart-level righteousness
Matthew 6 - The Conduct of Kingdom Citizens: Giving, praying, fasting, priorities, trust
Matthew 7 - The Cautions for Kingdom Citizens: Judgment, false prophets, wise vs. foolish builders
Thematic Breakdown
Matthew 5:1–16 – Christian Character (The Beatitudes and Influence)
Matthew 5:17–48 – Christian Righteousness (Heart, not mere rule-keeping)
Matthew 6:1–18 – Christian Devotion (Giving, prayer, fasting)
Matthew 6:19–34 – Christian Ambition (Priorities, money, and trust)
Matthew 7:1–12 – Christian Relationships (Judgment, discernment, love)
Matthew 7:13–27 – Christian Commitment (The narrow way and true foundation)
(John Stott’s “Christian Counter-Culture”)
The “Kingdom Life” Framework
Character Formation – 5:1–16
Moral Transformation – 5:17–48
Spiritual Practices – 6:1–18
Kingdom Priorities – 6:19–34
Relational Wisdom – 7:1–12
Faithful Foundation – 7:13–29
(Used in discipleship and spiritual formation contexts)
Focus: How Kingdom life transforms one’s inner life, outward actions, and community witness.
The Threefold Righteousness Pattern
Righteousness of Character Who we are – (5:1–16)
Righteousness of Conduct What we do – (5:17–48)
Righteousness of Devotion Whom we serve – (6:1–34)
Righteousness of Discernment How we relate – (7:1–12)
Righteousness of Commitment On what foundation we build – (7:13–29)
Chiastic or Literary Structure
Some scholars see the Sermon as a symmetrical pattern (chiasm) emphasizing the center section on prayer and dependence:
A. Beatitudes / Influence (5:1–16)
B. Law and Righteousness (5:17–48)
← C. True Devotion (6:1–18)Center: The Lord’s Prayer
B'. Trust and Priorities (6:19–34)
A'. Judgment and Foundations (7:1–27)
Insight: The center (Lord’s Prayer) reveals the spiritual dependence needed to live out the Sermon’s ethics.
Theological Approaches to Interpreting the Sermon
Theological Approaches to Interpreting the Sermon
1. Ethical Idealism
The Sermon presents the moral ideal for humanity.
It shows what life would be like if all lived according to God’s standards.
2. Kingdom Realism
Jesus expects His disciples to live out these principles now, empowered by the Spirit.
The Sermon reveals how Kingdom citizens behave in the present age.
3. Eschatological Tension
The Sermon describes life between two ages — the “already” and “not yet.”
The values of the coming Kingdom should shape believers’ lives in the present world.
4. Grace and Dependence
The Sermon exposes our inability to live righteously on our own and drives us to dependence on grace.
It points us to Christ as both the perfect example and the enabler of Kingdom life.
Focus Passages: Matthew 5:1–16; 6:1–18; 7:24–29
Focus Passages: Matthew 5:1–16; 6:1–18; 7:24–29
A. The Character of Kingdom People (Matt. 5:1–16)
The Beatitudes describe the inner qualities of true disciples: poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers.
Jesus blesses those the world overlooks.
God’s favor rests on humility and holiness, not status or self-righteousness.
B. The Conduct of Kingdom People (Matt. 5:17–48)
Jesus fulfills the Law, deepening it to the level of the heart (anger = murder, lust = adultery).
Love your enemies, give generously, and pursue integrity.
The righteousness of the Kingdom is internal transformation, not external performance.Application:
C. The Commitment of Kingdom People (Matt. 6–7)
Teachings on prayer, fasting, priorities, and judgment.
The Lord’s Prayer reveals dependence and devotion.
The sermon ends with the parable of the wise and foolish builders — hearers vs. doers.
Key Truths
The Kingdom of God redefines greatness as humility and mercy.
True righteousness flows from a transformed heart.
Jesus calls His followers to live distinctly — as salt and light.
Key Takeaways
The Sermon on the Mount is not about rules but relationship— life under God’s reign.
It exposes the heart condition behind every action.
It calls believers to dependence on grace and Spirit-empowered obedience.
Its goal is transformation, not just information — forming disciples who reflect Christ.
Application
Which Beatitude challenges you most?
How can we embody mercy, purity, and peace in our homes, workplaces, and ministries?
Discussion Questions
Why did Jesus begin His teaching with blessings rather than commands?
What does it mean to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world”?
How does the Sermon on the Mount challenge modern Christianity?
The Parables of Jesus – The Secrets of the Kingdom
The Parables of Jesus – The Secrets of the Kingdom
Primary Text: Matthew 13:1–52
Supporting Texts: Luke 15; Mark 4
Introduction / Context
A parable (Greek parabolē) means “to place beside” — a story with a spiritual truth.
Jesus used parables to reveal Kingdom mysteries to believers while concealing them from hardened hearts (Matt. 13:10–17).
They invite reflection, not just information.
Bible Exploration
The Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:1–23)
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.
20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
The Word is sown in four kinds of hearts: hard, shallow, crowded, and fruitful.
The fruitfulness depends on receptivity to the Word.
Examine your heart — is it soft soil where the Word can grow?Application:
The Parable of the Weeds (Matt. 13:24–30, 36–43)
Good seed and weeds grow together until harvest.
God allows time before final judgment; His people must remain faithful.
Live faithfully among a mixed world without losing integrity.Application:
The Parables of Growth (Mustard Seed, Yeast – Matt. 13:31–33)
The Kingdom starts small but grows expansively.
The Spirit’s influence quietly transforms hearts and cultures.
The Parables of Value (Hidden Treasure, Pearl – Matt. 13:44–46)
The Kingdom is worth everything.
Discipleship demands joyful sacrifice.
24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Key Truths
Parables reveal the Kingdom’s mystery, growth, and worth.
Fruitfulness depends on a receptive heart.
The Kingdom advances quietly but powerfully.
Application
What “soil” best describes your current spiritual condition?
What is one thing you would gladly give up to pursue God’s Kingdom fully?
Discussion Questions
Why did Jesus teach with parables instead of plain statements?
How do the parables of growth encourage believers in ministry?
What do the treasure and pearl teach about priorities in discipleship?
Memory Verse
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” – Matthew 13:9
The Kingdom of God – God’s Rule in Action
The Kingdom of God – God’s Rule in Action
Primary Texts: Luke 4:16–21; Matthew 6:9–13; Luke 17:20–21; Matthew 13:31–33
Primary Texts: Luke 4:16–21; Matthew 6:9–13; Luke 17:20–21; Matthew 13:31–33
Introduction / Context
The Kingdom of God (or “Kingdom of Heaven” in Matthew) is the central theme of Jesus’ teaching.
It is not merely a future place but God’s present rule in the hearts of those who obey Him.
The Kingdom is “already but not yet” — already present through Christ, yet awaiting final fulfillment at His return.
Bible Exploration
A. The Announcement of the Kingdom (Luke 4:16–21)
Jesus declares, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…”
His ministry fulfills Isaiah 61: bringing good news, healing, freedom, and favor.
The Kingdom is God’s redemptive action breaking into a broken world.Application:
B. The Nature of the Kingdom (Luke 17:20–21)
“The Kingdom of God is within (or among) you.”
It is spiritual, not political; it transforms hearts before it transforms nations.
C. The Prayer of the Kingdom (Matthew 6:9–13)
“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done…”
Disciples are to long for and live toward the realization of God’s rule in every area of life.
D. The Growth of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:31–33)
Like a mustard seed or leaven, the Kingdom expands quietly and irresistibly.
God’s work may start small but ends with great impact.
Key Truths
The Kingdom of God is the reign of God through Christ in the hearts of believers.
It is wherever God’s will is done, present and future in its full manifestation.
Kingdom citizens live out God’s justice, mercy, and truth in everyday life.
Application
How can you live as a visible representative of God’s Kingdom this week?
Where in your community or ministry does God’s rule need to break through?
Discussion Questions
How is the Kingdom “already” here but “not yet” complete?
In what ways does the Kingdom challenge worldly definitions of power and success?
How does the Lord’s Prayer shape our daily pursuit of the Kingdom?
