1. The Ethics of the Sermon on the Mount
The Justice of the Kingdom of God

2. An Ethics of the Kingdom of God
The Beatitudes reflect how God desires to be among those who are in most need: the poor, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry and thirsty.
Presents a life “lived at the limits of human possibility.”
It is a life where God is in charge; our actions and being reflect the God of Jesus which includes forgiveness, sharing, no judgment, no retaliation, no anger, no adultery, etc…
Ethical Repercussions?

3. An Ethics That Calls Us To Perfection
Our moral life makes sense only if we have a good relationship with Abba/Father (God).
It is our vocation to be “children of the father” and thus, perfect.
If we are all children of God, then we are all brothers and sisters; therefore we must consider how our actions will affect others at all times.
Jesus describes God as generous to all: “he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.”

4. An Ethics That Makes Us Righteous
To be righteous is to act with justice; it is not only about what we do, but about what we receive.
Righteous is best translated as “to be put in the right” – we are made righteous through the loving action of God (GRACE)
By living the way Jesus taught in the Sermon, we become “right” before God because He sees His Son, living in us.

5. As Eschatological Ethics
Eschatological = “pertaining to the end of time” or the “fullness of time.”
The Kingdom of God refers to a different time than the ordinary; it comes when God reveals Himself and the present time encounters God.
It is a time filled with tension; gives us a glimpse of the possibility of God’s goodness.
Examples:
A journey – You begin a journey because you have a glimpse of what will be at your destination, but you do not truly realize its awe until you arrive
Strives for the infinite good – Jesus is the bridge that helps us see the Kingdom and thus strive to reach it.

6. An Ethics to be Right With One Another
The Commandments teach us the value of respecting the “other” (God, parents, neighbour, spouse).
The Sermon is a call to act on behalf of the other (the poor, the meek, the mourning).
How we treat each other is central to Jesus’ teachings: “For I was hungry and you gave me food…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Mt. 25:35-40)

7. A Gospel Ethics
Gospel means “good news” – to live life the way Jesus calls will bring goodness to all
If the Sermon is considered the cornerstone of our Christian faith, can we assume these teachings are as stringent as the Ten Commandments?
Jesus invites us to love; this love changes our relationship with God dramatically because it requires action.
It is “good news” because the Kingdom of God has come and our commitment to this life will bring it to its fullness