A)What is the one key idea of this chapter? Pay attention to the title of the chapter!
In chapter three of our textbook we are called to be like Jesus. We focused primarily on the Gospel according to Matthew, reading most of it. I learned a lot about Jesus’ birth, life, teachings, and death for us on the cross. I especially enjoyed the focus on Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” and Resurrection.
B) Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
The main thing that I would like to retain from this chapter is Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” I was never really familiar with this passage (Matthew 5-7). Jesus tells us how to properly abide by laws, and sets ground rules that are easier to understand. I thought the most interesting law he touched on was about retaliation (Mt 5:38-42). It tells us to “turn the other cheek”, and give into people’s pressure. I find that hard to do in today’s society, which tends to respect people who fight and/or beat others up.
Another topic from this chapter that I want to remember is the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12). Jesus calls us to live these out in our lives, even though they are countercultural. These guidelines for passage to heaven teach us to be poor in spirit, to be mourners, to be meek, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to be merciful, to be clean of heart, to be peacemakers, and to be persecuted for the sake of righteousness. I find being a peacemaker to be one of the hardest, because many of my peers are violent, and strive to pick on others. It is hard to stop, but Jesus wants us to work towards ending violence.
D) One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal. Just write out the question. Try to answer it if you want.
What was the size of the audience Jesus had at his “Sermon on the Mount”? If it was small, how did the words of Jesus spread to everyone who was not present?
E) Pick one organization working for social justice today. Describe the organization and what it does. Make sure to provide a link to its web site.
The “One Campaign”, which works to end poverty in Africa, is a great example of an organization working for social justice today. The One Campaign, which is greatly influenced by the band U2, takes donations directly to starving people in Africa and other poverty-stricken lands. This is a great organization to consider if you are looking for one to donate to. A song that fits this organization is U2’s “One”.
