Hello there!
This week we concluded our study of the Sermon on the Mount. (If you were absent, click here to watch the sermon back--you won’t want to miss it!)
If you are wondering why we have chosen to study this teaching of Jesus to kick off 2025, it is because we want to focus in on finding purpose. Each of us has an idea of what “the good life” looks like, but Jesus challenges us to rethink “the good life” through the lens of God’s Kingdom.
This Sermon contains some of Jesus’ most poignant teachings, and we want to encourage you to not only engage with this message on Sundays, but to take it with you throughout the week. With that in mind, here are some resources we’ve put together for you to use this week in your personal time based on the Scripture passage we read and the message from Sunday.
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Bible Project video: If you want a brief overview of these verses, check out this video and article regarding oaths from our friends over at the Bible Project!
Bible Project podcast episode: For a deeper dive and to learn about the fascinating history of nonviolent resistance, listen to this podcast to hear what Tim Mackie and Jon Collins have to say on this excerpt!
Finally, here are some questions that you can use in your personal study to reflect on, whether in journaling, prayer, or conversation.
Who do I tend to consider an enemy?
How can I intentionally show love to those people?
How is God calling me to respond to Jesus’ message on enemy love and creative nonviolence?
Know that you are deeply loved and called to share that love with others. We hope to see you next week as we continue to learn and grow alongside you!
Grace and Peace,
Community Cup staff
P.S. We would love to hear from you! What has been your biggest takeaway from this series? What are you looking forward to learning or hoping to hear about in the next few months?
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