The Gospel of Matthew

by John-Peter Gernaat

​In the previous month’s article on the Gospel of Matthew, I wrote about a particular theme that I hope to follow throughout the Gospel. After Jesus speaks the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount He speaks about what it means that he has come to fulfil the law (not to abolish it). He raises six aspects of the law: killing, dishonouring marriage, divorce, swearing an oath, revenge, and for whom to have love. In each case, after stating the law, Jesus says, “But out of my own power, I say to you …”, placing to power of judgement upon the “I”. It is through the “I am” incarnate in us that we discern what is right and what is wrong. In this way the law is fulfilled in our right discernment and without having to turn to the written law of the Old Testament.

Jesus then turns to our engagement with a spiritual life. Our connection with the spirit is in our innermost being and not something that is visible or displayed outwardly. He teaches the disciples the universal prayer that connects us with the Father, and brings the will of the Father into earthly life through the human being. It connects each aspect of our constitution with our need and shortcomings.

Life of earth can so easily be about earthly matters, yet these bring nothing to our eternal being. Jesus instructs that any area of life (our being) that has fallen into earthly darkness is best discarded. This is followed by one of the most mysterious aspects of this Sermon on the Mount, how life is provided for by the spiritual world and our stiving should not be about food and clothing. When our stiving is directly correctly, the world of spirit will ensure that our earthly needs are also met.