#35 The Sermon on the Mount
Please first read: Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7
The 40 points from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount considered in this paper each require reading from portions of Jesus’ Temple Sermon given to the saints in Bountiful after His resurrection…references cited from Third Nephi. Also references from The Joseph Smith translation of Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. There is a wonderful increase in our understanding of Jesus’ teachings in his Sermon in Matthew by using these additional sources.
Among scholars of the New Testament there are several different views as to the chronology of some events in the four gospels, including this sermon. My understanding, which I believe is in harmony with a majority of LDS scholars, is as follows:
The account by Luke (the Sermon on the Plain) was delivered right after the ordination of the Twelve and is the same event as Matthew records in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew’s account was delivered all at one time. We have much added knowledge about this event revealed to us in the Book of Mormon account of the Sermon at the Temple. This gives more understanding and insight to the Sermon on the Mount … plain and precious things that have been lost from the bible account. The Joseph Smith Translation of the Gospel of Matthew, which I use here, also does the same thing for us.
Elder James E. Talmage in his book “Jesus The Christ” sees a greater emphasis on the adoration of Jesus in the Temple Sermon than in the Mount Sermon; but otherwise considers the two sermons to be virtually identical.
John W. Welch:
“The Sermon At The Temple And The Sermon On The Mount.” (1990) The one at the “Mount” was given to a mixed crowd of followers and non-followers of Jesus before he was crucified and resurrected. The one at the “Temple” was given to Nephite followers/members in the new world after His resurrection. So much of the subject matter in each of these sermons has a common root, allowing for different receiving audiences at each event. In his book Brother Welch looks at the differences and similarities in these two events. I have used his book for the subject matter of my article … I hope you may find it as fascinating as I have.
Brother Welch treats the Sermon at the Temple as a Temple text. The Lord here gives a series of commandments which the people commit to obey, and by so doing they will not be condemned by the Father. (3 Nephi 18:33) These commandments, instructions, symbolisms, and ceremony-like teachings are very seeable as Temple Covenants. They are also told not to speak or write of what they see and hear. (3 Nephi 26:18)
By viewing the Nephites in a Temple setting with the Lord and then studying the Mount Sermon in the New Testament, we can make logical comparisons between the two teaching incidents of our Savior. With The Book of Mormon account at the Temple and the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew we learn a great deal more of what the Lord is teaching in his Sermon on the Mount.
There are 48 detailed elements considered by Brother Welch in the Sermon at the Temple in Bountiful. Here I utilize forty of them as applicable to the Mount Sermon in the bible.
1. The voice from heaven comes three times announcing the coming of God’s Son and commanding
the people to hear Him. Numbers of three are a common occurrence in the Mount Sermon.
(3 Nephi 11:3-5 & JST Matthew 5:1-4)
2. They are commanded to open their ears and eyes and they turn their attention toward heaven.
2. They are commanded to open their ears and eyes and they turn their attention toward heaven.
(3 Nephi 11:5-6 & JST Matthew 5:1-4)
3. The Father has delegated to the Son this work on earth. (3 Nephi 11:7 & JST Matthew 5:3-4)
4. The Savior comes down clothed in a white robe and with instructions and teachings from heaven
3. The Father has delegated to the Son this work on earth. (3 Nephi 11:7 & JST Matthew 5:3-4)
4. The Savior comes down clothed in a white robe and with instructions and teachings from heaven
(3 Nephi 11:8)
5. Silence. The people durst not open their mouths. Then 2500 people come forth to touch their Lord (3 Nephi 17:25)
6. Identification marks in His hands. This identifies and removes any possible confusion. It is our Savior Jesus Christ and not just an angel or messenger from heaven. (3 Nephi 9:10)
7. The people fall down in worship and reverence. (3 Nephi 11:12)
8. The Lord invites all to come forth and feel his wounds and the nail prints in his hands and feet. They thus have sure knowledge he is the “God of Israel” and the “God of the whole earth.”
5. Silence. The people durst not open their mouths. Then 2500 people come forth to touch their Lord (3 Nephi 17:25)
6. Identification marks in His hands. This identifies and removes any possible confusion. It is our Savior Jesus Christ and not just an angel or messenger from heaven. (3 Nephi 9:10)
7. The people fall down in worship and reverence. (3 Nephi 11:12)
8. The Lord invites all to come forth and feel his wounds and the nail prints in his hands and feet. They thus have sure knowledge he is the “God of Israel” and the “God of the whole earth.”
(3 Nephi 11:14-15)
9. The company sings the Hosanna Shout (Save Now) “Blessed be the name of the Most High God.” (3 Nephi 11:17) They fall at Jesus’ feet. The original Hebrew or Aramaic word for “Hosanna” appears to have had some specific Messianic significance, possibly with the cleansing of the temple.
10. The Melchizedek Priesthood is ordained on Nephi and eleven others (Twelve Apostles/Disciples) so they may baptize and give the Holy Ghost. (3 Nephi 11:21-22; 19:4; 18:37)
11. Baptism explained; the cleansing ordinance prior to entering the kingdom of God.
(3 Nephi 11:23-28 & 3 Nephi 19:10-13) There were traditional Israelite washings before going to the temple. (Exodus 19:10 & JST Matthew 5:4)
12. No evil/devil influences among the people. Contention shall be done away.
(3 Nephi 11:28-30 & 3 Nephi 13:12)
13. Three Witnesses: God the Father; God the Son; God the Holy Ghost.
(3 Nephi 11: 35-36.)
14. Teaching the Gospel. The true doctrine of faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. “Become as a little child.” (3 Nephi 11:34,35,37-38, 40)
15. Jesus admonishes the company to listen to and follow his called servants … they will minister unto you and be your servants. He has “given them power.” (3 Nephi 12:1)
16. Blessings are promised to all who follow (as in the Beatitudes) “poor, mourn, meek, hunger, thirst, merciful, pure, peacemakers, persecuted, those reviled.” (3 Nephi 12:3-12) These certainly would call forth promised temple blessings. Such attributes fit as requirements needed to enter the Jerusalem temple, as also for us today. (JST Matthew 5:5-14)
17. Followers invited (need) to be the salt of the earth.
(3 Nephi 12: 13; 18:32-33; Numbers 18: 19 & JST Matthew 5:15-18)
18. Ancient laws explained. The Law of Moses has not been destroyed but has been fulfilled.
9. The company sings the Hosanna Shout (Save Now) “Blessed be the name of the Most High God.” (3 Nephi 11:17) They fall at Jesus’ feet. The original Hebrew or Aramaic word for “Hosanna” appears to have had some specific Messianic significance, possibly with the cleansing of the temple.
10. The Melchizedek Priesthood is ordained on Nephi and eleven others (Twelve Apostles/Disciples) so they may baptize and give the Holy Ghost. (3 Nephi 11:21-22; 19:4; 18:37)
11. Baptism explained; the cleansing ordinance prior to entering the kingdom of God.
(3 Nephi 11:23-28 & 3 Nephi 19:10-13) There were traditional Israelite washings before going to the temple. (Exodus 19:10 & JST Matthew 5:4)
12. No evil/devil influences among the people. Contention shall be done away.
(3 Nephi 11:28-30 & 3 Nephi 13:12)
13. Three Witnesses: God the Father; God the Son; God the Holy Ghost.
(3 Nephi 11: 35-36.)
14. Teaching the Gospel. The true doctrine of faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. “Become as a little child.” (3 Nephi 11:34,35,37-38, 40)
15. Jesus admonishes the company to listen to and follow his called servants … they will minister unto you and be your servants. He has “given them power.” (3 Nephi 12:1)
16. Blessings are promised to all who follow (as in the Beatitudes) “poor, mourn, meek, hunger, thirst, merciful, pure, peacemakers, persecuted, those reviled.” (3 Nephi 12:3-12) These certainly would call forth promised temple blessings. Such attributes fit as requirements needed to enter the Jerusalem temple, as also for us today. (JST Matthew 5:5-14)
17. Followers invited (need) to be the salt of the earth.
(3 Nephi 12: 13; 18:32-33; Numbers 18: 19 & JST Matthew 5:15-18)
18. Ancient laws explained. The Law of Moses has not been destroyed but has been fulfilled.
(2 Nephi 12:17-18 & JST Matthew 5:18-20)
19. Obedience and Sacrifice. Jesus teaches as one having authority from the Father. Keep the commandments of God, obey, and ye shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Sacrifice is now a higher law … offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit to God.
(3 Nephi 12:19-20 & JST Matthew 5:21-22)
20. Avoid anger, ill-speaking and ridicule of one another. The old “law” of an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth is done away … replaced by love of all mankind.
19. Obedience and Sacrifice. Jesus teaches as one having authority from the Father. Keep the commandments of God, obey, and ye shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Sacrifice is now a higher law … offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit to God.
(3 Nephi 12:19-20 & JST Matthew 5:21-22)
20. Avoid anger, ill-speaking and ridicule of one another. The old “law” of an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth is done away … replaced by love of all mankind.
(3 Nephi 12:21-22 & JST Matthew 5: 23)
21. Before we can come to Christ we must reconcile any differences with others.
21. Before we can come to Christ we must reconcile any differences with others.
(3 Nephi 12:23-24 & JST Matthew 5:24-28)
22. Chastity, Adultery; A higher law. “Has done it already in his heart.”
22. Chastity, Adultery; A higher law. “Has done it already in his heart.”
(3 Nephi 12:27-30 & JST Matthew 5:29-30)
23. Marriage in the Covenant. Not to be dissolved except for fornication, and then only by the proper authorities. The old law of “putting away a wife by a writing of divorcement” is done away. There is a new law of marriage. (3 Nephi 12:31-32 & JST Matthew 5:35-36)
24. Oaths. The Jews were very much into swearing oaths by one object or another to indicate how important or unimportant the commitment was; whether or not it was really binding on the giver. Now let “yes” or “no”, “ye’ or “nay” be sufficient. (3 Nephi 12: 33-37 & JST Matthew 5:37-39)
25. Love of Enemies. The law of generosity. Go the extra mile. Do good to all people. The Lord will give the blessing and repay. (3 Nephi 12:38-45 & JST Matthew 5:40-49)
26. Be Perfect. Become perfect, finished, complete. Living the Law of Moses will start a person towards this goal, but that is just a beginning; Jesus is now calling his followers to a broader, higher order. One of the definitions for the word perfect in Greek religious literature means to be fully initiated in the rituals of the religion. Early Christians used this word as a way to connect with their sacraments and ordinances. (3 Nephi 12:48 & JST Matthew 5:50)
27. Giving to the poor is one of the primary requirements of the gospel (3 Nephi 13:1-4) and is to be done in secret … the Lord rewards. (D & C 104:18) The Mishnah refers to a “Chamber of Secrets” in the temple of Herod where the devout gave in secret to the poor who received in secret.
23. Marriage in the Covenant. Not to be dissolved except for fornication, and then only by the proper authorities. The old law of “putting away a wife by a writing of divorcement” is done away. There is a new law of marriage. (3 Nephi 12:31-32 & JST Matthew 5:35-36)
24. Oaths. The Jews were very much into swearing oaths by one object or another to indicate how important or unimportant the commitment was; whether or not it was really binding on the giver. Now let “yes” or “no”, “ye’ or “nay” be sufficient. (3 Nephi 12: 33-37 & JST Matthew 5:37-39)
25. Love of Enemies. The law of generosity. Go the extra mile. Do good to all people. The Lord will give the blessing and repay. (3 Nephi 12:38-45 & JST Matthew 5:40-49)
26. Be Perfect. Become perfect, finished, complete. Living the Law of Moses will start a person towards this goal, but that is just a beginning; Jesus is now calling his followers to a broader, higher order. One of the definitions for the word perfect in Greek religious literature means to be fully initiated in the rituals of the religion. Early Christians used this word as a way to connect with their sacraments and ordinances. (3 Nephi 12:48 & JST Matthew 5:50)
27. Giving to the poor is one of the primary requirements of the gospel (3 Nephi 13:1-4) and is to be done in secret … the Lord rewards. (D & C 104:18) The Mishnah refers to a “Chamber of Secrets” in the temple of Herod where the devout gave in secret to the poor who received in secret.
(JST Matthew 5:50 & 6:1-4)
28. Order of Prayer. The Lord taught of both private and individual prayer. The English pronouns start with singular “thou” to a plural “ye.” (3 Nephi 13:5-13) The Lord’s Prayer is one used by a group. Early Christian writings tell of such prayers with participants in a circle and Jesus at the center. There appears to be a possible connection between the Lord’s Prayer and the ritual done in the Jerusalem Temple on the very sacred Day of Atonement. The High Priest transfers the sins of the people onto a scapegoat which is then driven into the wilderness, making the people “clean from all your sins before the Lord.” (Leviticus 16:30 & JST Matthew 6:5-16)
29. Fasting, Washing, and Anointing. There is a new order of fasting. It is to be done in secret to attain inward righteousness, including symbolic anointing of the head and washing of the face (hands, feet, etc.) to become completely clean from the sins of the world. (3 Nephi 13:16-18 & JST Matthew 6:17-18)
30. Consecration is Required. The heart must have the single purpose of serving God … He is the sole treasure. (3 Nephi 13:19-24 & JST Matthew 6:19-24)
31. Care promised for the twelve Disciples. They are told they need not worry about necessities: food, drink, shelter. The Lord will provide. (3 Nephi 13:25 & JST Matthew 6:26-28)
32. Clothing (symbolic: endowing the ordained disciples.) Two Greek words here: enduo (raiment) and endued (to take on the characteristics, virtues, intentions of someone.) (3 Nephi 13:25, 28-31 & JST Matthew 6:32-34)
33. Prepare for Judgement. (To the multitude.) In part we will be judged (or rewarded) by the same standard we have used in judging others. Forgiveness is only through the atonement of Christ and only to those who have forgiven others. (3 Nephi 14: 1-5 & JST Matthew 6:16)
34. Secrecy Required. Holy things must be kept secret lest that which is precious be trampled on and the giver destroyed. (3 Nephi 14:6 & JST Matthew 7:9-11)
35. A Three-fold Petition: Ask, Seek, Knock. The promise is that by so doing “it shall be opened to you.” (3 Nephi 14:7 & JST Matthew 7:12-13)
36. Seeking a gift from the Father. Symbolism. A son asking for bread, what man gives a stone, or serpent? Bread a symbol for Jesus the Bread of life. (3 Nephi 14:9, 11 & JST Matthew 7:17-20)
37. Other People. We cannot enter eternal life alone. We must have charity, the pure love of Christ, and help others find the way to salvation and eternal life also.
(3 Nephi 14:12 & JST Matthew 7:21)
38. The gate to eternal life is strait/narrow/constricted. (3 Nephi 14:13-14 & JST Matthew 7:22-23)
39. Fruit of the Tree of Life. Be a good tree that brings forth good fruit. (3 Nephi 14:16-20 & JST Matthew 7:25-29)
40. Judgement. Coming into the presence of the Lord. We must prepare to be “known to the Lord.” (3 Nephi 14:21-23 & JST Matthew 7:30-33) We must make and keep His Temple Covenants. God’s old covenant between God and Israel (Hosea 13:4, & Jeremiah 24:7) is finished; the new covenant is now being introduced. (3 Nephi 15:1)
To conclude the scriptural accounts pertaining to the Sermon on the Mount please see: 3 Nephi 14:24-27; 15:1 & JST Matthew 7:34-37
Glenn R. McGettigan
February 2015; Revised September 2015
References:
“The Sermon At The Temple And The Sermon On The Mount.” Welch
“Jesus The Christ.” Talmage
28. Order of Prayer. The Lord taught of both private and individual prayer. The English pronouns start with singular “thou” to a plural “ye.” (3 Nephi 13:5-13) The Lord’s Prayer is one used by a group. Early Christian writings tell of such prayers with participants in a circle and Jesus at the center. There appears to be a possible connection between the Lord’s Prayer and the ritual done in the Jerusalem Temple on the very sacred Day of Atonement. The High Priest transfers the sins of the people onto a scapegoat which is then driven into the wilderness, making the people “clean from all your sins before the Lord.” (Leviticus 16:30 & JST Matthew 6:5-16)
29. Fasting, Washing, and Anointing. There is a new order of fasting. It is to be done in secret to attain inward righteousness, including symbolic anointing of the head and washing of the face (hands, feet, etc.) to become completely clean from the sins of the world. (3 Nephi 13:16-18 & JST Matthew 6:17-18)
30. Consecration is Required. The heart must have the single purpose of serving God … He is the sole treasure. (3 Nephi 13:19-24 & JST Matthew 6:19-24)
31. Care promised for the twelve Disciples. They are told they need not worry about necessities: food, drink, shelter. The Lord will provide. (3 Nephi 13:25 & JST Matthew 6:26-28)
32. Clothing (symbolic: endowing the ordained disciples.) Two Greek words here: enduo (raiment) and endued (to take on the characteristics, virtues, intentions of someone.) (3 Nephi 13:25, 28-31 & JST Matthew 6:32-34)
33. Prepare for Judgement. (To the multitude.) In part we will be judged (or rewarded) by the same standard we have used in judging others. Forgiveness is only through the atonement of Christ and only to those who have forgiven others. (3 Nephi 14: 1-5 & JST Matthew 6:16)
34. Secrecy Required. Holy things must be kept secret lest that which is precious be trampled on and the giver destroyed. (3 Nephi 14:6 & JST Matthew 7:9-11)
35. A Three-fold Petition: Ask, Seek, Knock. The promise is that by so doing “it shall be opened to you.” (3 Nephi 14:7 & JST Matthew 7:12-13)
36. Seeking a gift from the Father. Symbolism. A son asking for bread, what man gives a stone, or serpent? Bread a symbol for Jesus the Bread of life. (3 Nephi 14:9, 11 & JST Matthew 7:17-20)
37. Other People. We cannot enter eternal life alone. We must have charity, the pure love of Christ, and help others find the way to salvation and eternal life also.
(3 Nephi 14:12 & JST Matthew 7:21)
38. The gate to eternal life is strait/narrow/constricted. (3 Nephi 14:13-14 & JST Matthew 7:22-23)
39. Fruit of the Tree of Life. Be a good tree that brings forth good fruit. (3 Nephi 14:16-20 & JST Matthew 7:25-29)
40. Judgement. Coming into the presence of the Lord. We must prepare to be “known to the Lord.” (3 Nephi 14:21-23 & JST Matthew 7:30-33) We must make and keep His Temple Covenants. God’s old covenant between God and Israel (Hosea 13:4, & Jeremiah 24:7) is finished; the new covenant is now being introduced. (3 Nephi 15:1)
To conclude the scriptural accounts pertaining to the Sermon on the Mount please see: 3 Nephi 14:24-27; 15:1 & JST Matthew 7:34-37
Glenn R. McGettigan
February 2015; Revised September 2015
References:
“The Sermon At The Temple And The Sermon On The Mount.” Welch
“Jesus The Christ.” Talmage
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