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Lesson OneOverview of Matthew (Matt 1, 18, 27–28)13 Activities
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Lesson TwoIsrael's Story and Mission (Matt 2–4, 11–15)15 Activities
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Lesson ThreeJesus and the Torah (Matt 5–7, 16–17, 23–25)18 Activities
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Lesson Four"The Kingdom of God is Like..."10 Activities2 Assessments
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Lesson FiveAuthor and Audience13 Activities
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Course Wrap-upCourse Completion1 Activity1 Assessment
Participants 19
In Front | Workbook: The Rhetorical Pattern of the Sermon on the Mount
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.
- 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?