The magnitude of the truth tucked away in these last verses of Jesus’ sermon is quite breath-taking. Consider what Jesus reveals about himself: he claims an intimate relationship with God (v 21), he unveils his authority as Lord and judge (vs 21,23) and declares that his teaching has power to save and protect (v 25). That means Jesus’ teaching demands a response. 

Some people respond by saying and doing the right things (vs 21–23) but their claim for entry to the kingdom of God is based on their works (v 21) rather than a relationship with Christ based on God’s grace. Jesus’ judgement (v 23) is clear: these people evidently do not have a relationship with him because they continue to do evil.   

Then there are people who hear Jesus’ teaching but don’t do anything about it. Reading the Bible or sitting listening to a sermon is not enough to give life. The only wise response is to obey (v 24; see also John 6:29). Just as building on a rock takes more effort, so putting Jesus’ words into practice will never be easy, but it is the only way that leads to life and security (v 25).

Pray that, as we reach the end of the Sermon on the Mount, its message may shape our discipleship in ways that are faithful and radical. 

The Sermon concludes with the ringing affirmation of the necessity of hearing and doing the word of God as this has now been revealed by Jesus. The repeated emphasis on the practice of truth is unavoidable: this indissoluble combination is what characterises the ‘wise man’ (v 24), while its absence is the distinguishing mark of the ‘foolish man’ (v 26). A popular children’s chorus is based on this distinction, but the purpose here is not just the amusement of the young, but the warning for all of us that eternal issues are at stake. 

Jesus repeatedly emphasises that genuine faith must bear fruit in deeds. It is the distinctive way of life, individual and corporate, which makes the kingdom of God visible before the watching world. It is not enough to mouth the correct doctrinal confession (v 21), nor to claim spectacular powers of preaching or healing (v 22), since both propositional truth and pentecostal wonders divorced from moral and ethical transformation are useless and dangerous. The repetition of the phrase ‘puts them into practice’ (vs 24,26) drives this home in a manner designed to cause self-examination on the part of every professed disciple of Jesus. 

The relationship between saving faith and good works has been debated since the Protestant Reformation. Having read these chapters and listened to Jesus’ conclusion, we may wonder how this ever came to be a problem. Moreover, in the tragically broken world of the twenty-first century it is imperative that faith is demonstrated by deeds; anything less will result in the ‘great crash’ (v 27) of which Jesus has warned. Matthew informs us that those who listened to Christ were amazed at his teaching (v 28). Can our reaction be anything less than that?

Looking back over these studies on the Sermon, what has challenged you most and where have you found encouragement to pursue the way of Christ?