Thursdays are for the New Testament 4/14/16
Mitch, Curtis & Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
“Sermon on the Mount Part 2: Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:1-34)” pp. 102-112.
Mitch ties Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6 to the idea of seeking heavenly treasure. In all we do we do not seek an earthly reward but one in heaven (Mitch 2010, 102). Jesus’ assumption is that his people will engage in giving, prayer, and fasting. What he warns against is doing those acts to be noticed (Mitch 2010, 103). Although Jesus has earlier told his followers to show their good deeds (5:16), at that time people would give glory to God. In this passage the good deeds could negatively draw attention to the disciples. The “hypocrites” draw attention to themselves (Mitch 2010, 104).
Rather than risking drawing attention to themselves, Jesus gives his disciples a prayer which draws attention to God’s glory (Mitch 2010, 105). Mitch walks through the Lord’s Prayer, referring to various Old Testament passages which provide the impetus for each petition. After the prayer Jesus further illustrates the treasure his people have in heaven (Mitch 2010, 108). God’s kingdom is an eternal one, not like any of the treasures we can give on earth (Mitch 2010, 109). Only heaven or earth can rule our affections. Heaven alone is worthy (Mitch 2010, 110).
Mitch, Curtis & Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
“Sermon on the Mount Part 2: Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:1-34)” pp. 102-112.
Mitch ties Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6 to the idea of seeking heavenly treasure. In all we do we do not seek an earthly reward but one in heaven (Mitch 2010, 102). Jesus’ assumption is that his people will engage in giving, prayer, and fasting. What he warns against is doing those acts to be noticed (Mitch 2010, 103). Although Jesus has earlier told his followers to show their good deeds (5:16), at that time people would give glory to God. In this passage the good deeds could negatively draw attention to the disciples. The “hypocrites” draw attention to themselves (Mitch 2010, 104).
Rather than risking drawing attention to themselves, Jesus gives his disciples a prayer which draws attention to God’s glory (Mitch 2010, 105). Mitch walks through the Lord’s Prayer, referring to various Old Testament passages which provide the impetus for each petition. After the prayer Jesus further illustrates the treasure his people have in heaven (Mitch 2010, 108). God’s kingdom is an eternal one, not like any of the treasures we can give on earth (Mitch 2010, 109). Only heaven or earth can rule our affections. Heaven alone is worthy (Mitch 2010, 110).
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