The Straight and Narrow

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 5-8) is possibly the single most important speech in history. In terms of epigrams alone, it rivals the Shakespearean corpus: the exhortations to be “the salt of the earth”, to “go the extra mile”, to “turn the other cheek”, to “love your neighbour”, to “lay up treasures in heaven”, “to take the log out of your own eye”, “to do unto others as you would have them do unto you” all come from this sermon, in which Jesus tells us that “no man can serve two masters” and that “wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction … but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

More importantly, where the books of Moses laid out God’s expectations of Israel in his covenant with them, the Sermon on the mount lays out God’s expectations of us. And everything is deepened:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.’ But I tell you that everyone who is angry at his brother will be subject to judgement, and…anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. … If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matt 5:21-48)

Impossible stuff. No wonder Jesus will later say, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:25)

And yet, Jesus would also say: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28-30)