(a) Discuss Jesus' sermon on the Mount under the following headings: (i) adultery and divorce (ii) neighbours and enemies (b) Mention two lessons that can b...

Answer Details

(a) Jesus' Sermon on the Mount under the given headings (Matthew 5:21-48).

(i) Adultery and divorce.

1. Jesus said that the ancients were told, "You shall not commit adultery." But He deepened the command, teaching that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
2. He stressed the seriousness of sin: if the right eye causes one to sin, it is better to pluck it out and throw it away; and if the right hand causes one to sin, it is better to cut it off, for it is better to lose one member than for the whole body to be thrown into hell. This was a call to radical self-discipline.
3. On divorce, He said it was formerly commanded that whoever divorces his wife should give her a certificate of divorce. But Jesus taught that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity (marital unfaithfulness), makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. He thus upheld the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

(ii) Neighbours and enemies.

1. Jesus recalled the saying, "You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy."
2. But He taught, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
3. He gave the reason: that they may be sons of their Father in heaven, who makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
4. He argued that if they loved only those who loved them, they had no reward, for even the tax collectors do the same; and if they greeted only their brothers, they did no more than the Gentiles.
5. He concluded, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect," calling for a love that goes beyond natural affection to embrace even one's enemies.

(b) Two lessons that can be derived from Jesus' teaching on adultery and divorce.

1. Sin begins in the heart and mind, so Christians must guard their thoughts and desires, not merely their outward actions.
2. Marriage is sacred and permanent, and should not be broken carelessly; faithfulness between husband and wife must be maintained.
3. Christians must exercise strict self-control and be willing to give up whatever leads them into sin.