Excerpt from Demand and Grace
by Edwin K. Broadhead

Matthew places the Sermon on the Mount in the midst of his story of Jesus' ministry. Following the story of Jesus' origins (1:12:23), Matthew tells of the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Jesus' story begins with the work of John the Baptist, who baptizes Jesus (3:1-17). Jesus undergoes a time of testing (4:1-11), then he is proclaimed as God's light for both Jews and Gentiles (4:12-16). Matthew 4:17 is programmatic for Matthew's story of Jesus: "From that time Jesus began to proclaim, 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven stands near.'" Jesus gathers first the disciples (4:18-22) and then the crowds (4:23-25). Matthew then presents his central evidence of Jesus' call to the Kingdom: the Sermon on the Mount (5:17:29).

Matthew is an organizer, and the Sermon reflects his patterns of careful arrangement. As usual, Matthew provides a clear introduction and conclusion to the material he presents. Matthew 5:1-2 sets the stage for the Sermon by telling of the place, the people, and the purpose.

The place is a mountainside, which calls to mind the many Old Testament stories in which God works upon the mountain for the people of Israel. The Jewish reader would especially recall the stories in which Moses brought the Law down from Mount Sinai.

Two descriptions of the people are given: crowds and disciples. When Jesus sees the crowds, he goes up to teach. He calls to him a special group who are labeled as disciples, or "learners." Jesus has chosen a special place and called aside certain people.

The purpose of this is soon clear: he begins to teach them. In this way Matthew helps us to see Jesus as the Teacher whom God has sent to instruct and lead the people. While others may find the key to God's will in texts or traditions, Matthew insists that Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom provides the key to righteousness.

The stage is set. The audience is in place. The Teacher is about to begin. Those who wish to learn should listen well.

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