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The Gospel of Matthew

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Matthew (Matt 1, 18, 27–28)
    13 Activities
  2. Lesson Two
    Israel's Story and Mission (Matt 2–4, 11–15)
    15 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Jesus and the Torah (Matt 5–7, 16–17, 23–25)
    18 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    "The Kingdom of God is Like..."
    10 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  5. Lesson Five
    Author and Audience
    13 Activities
  6. Course Wrap-up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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The Gospel of Matthew Jesus and the Torah (Matt 5–7, 16–17, 23–25) In Front | Workbook: The Rhetorical Pattern of the Sermon on the Mount
Lesson 3, Activity 16

In Front | Workbook: The Rhetorical Pattern of the Sermon on the Mount

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Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

The first part of the ethical discourse in Matthew 6 presents three topics that each have their own significance, but O. Wesley Allen, Jr. has noted that these topics also represent three parallel examples in a miniature three point sermon. Each provides a specific example of the command given in verse 1:

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Not only does the general lesson on each topic drive home this same point, the pattern Jesus uses in each case to make his point is nearly identical. 

Source: O. Wesley Allen, Jr., Matthew, 2013, pp. 74-75.

Jesus used repetition in rhetorical patterns like this to drive home a point and make his teachings memorable.

  1. Are there other examples of “practicing righteousness” in contemporary life that you might add to Jesus’ list? What kinds of practices come to mind in 21st century life?