Now, seeing the crowds, he ascended the mountain, and when he seated himself, his disciples approached him, raised his eyes to them, and began to teach them, saying, “How blissful the destitute, cowing in spirit, for yours is the Kingdom of God. How blissful those who mourn and weep, for they shall be aided and laugh. How blissful the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. How blissful those who hunger and thirst for what is right, for they shall feast. How blissful and merciful they are, for they shall receive mercy. How blissful the pure in heart, for they shall see God. How blissful the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. How blissful those who have been persecuted for the sake of what is right, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. How blissful you are when they reproach you and persecute you and falsely accuse you of every evil for my sake. On that day, rejoice and be glad, for your reward in the heavens is great; that is how their fathers persecuted the profits before you.” (Matthew 5:3-12, Luke 6:20-23)
“But alas for you who are rich, for you have your comfort. Alas, for you who are now well-fed, you will be hungry. Alas for those now laughing, for you will mourn and lament. Alas for you who when all men speak well of you, for in like fashion, their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:24-26)
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt should become insipid, what will make it salty again? It is no longer used except to scatter outside for people to tread upon. You are the light of the cosmos. A city set upon a hill cannot be hidden; neither do they light a lamp and place it under a basket, but rather, they place it upon a lampstand, which illuminates all in the house. So let your light shine before humanity, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
I’ve Come To Fulfill
“Do not think I have come to destroy the Law and the Prophets. I came not to destroy but to fulfill. For I tell you until heaven and earth pass away, not a single iota or single serif must vanish from the Law until all things pass. Therefore anyone who relaxes one of the least of the commandments and teaches people to do likewise shall be called least in the Kingdom of the heaven. But whoever performs and teaches it, this one will be called great in the Kingdom of the heavens. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the Kingdom of the heavens.” (Matthew 5:17-20)
“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not commit murder’ [Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17] and ‘whoever commits murder shall be liable to judgment.’ I say that everyone who becomes angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment. Whoever says Raka (you fool) to his brother shall be liable to the Council. Whoever says ‘you’re worthless” shall be liable to enter Hinnom’s Valley of Fire (also known as Hell). Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there you recall that your brother holds something against you, leave your gift in front of the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Be quick to show goodwill to the plaintiff against you while you are out in the street with him less the plaintiff delivers you to the judge, and the judge to the bailiff, and you are thrown into prison. Amen, I tell you, you shall most certainly not emerge from there until you repay the very last penny.” (Matthew 5:21-26)
