Jesus and the Politics of Righteousness: Reframing Torah in the Sermon on the Mount (Sermon on the Mount Series)

Aug 10, 2020

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How the Sermon on the Mount radically redefines righteousness, challenges religious legalism, and reshapes the political imagination of the church. In part five of the Sermon on the Mount series, Mike and Tim unpack Matthew 5:17–20—one of the most theologically and politically rich passages in the entire Gospel. What does it mean for Jesus to “fulfill” the law and prophets? Why is he so adamant about not "abolishing" the Torah? And how does this reframe our understanding of justice, righteousness, and political engagement in the kingdom of God?

The conversation explores Jesus’ use of rabbinic language, corrects popular misunderstandings about the Old Testament, and calls out modern-day examples of misuse of Scripture in political discourse. From culture war Christianity to selective Bible quoting, this episode holds a mirror to the American church and invites a deeper allegiance to the way of Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • Jesus as Fulfillment of Torah – Understanding how Jesus reinterprets and embodies the Torah, not abolishing it but showcasing its heart through correct teaching and practice. • A New Kind of Righteousness – Digging into what Jesus meant when he said "your righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees" and how the Sermon on the Mount critiques performative holiness. • Law, Light, and Heavy Commands – Exploring Jewish rabbinic categories of “light” and “heavy” commandments and how Jesus uses them to elevate even the smallest parts of the Torah. • Hearts Over Legalism – Why attitude and motive matter as much as action; Jesus' greater righteousness begins in the heart and goes far beyond rule-keeping. • Political Implications – Critiquing how both progressive and conservative Christians cherry-pick Bible verses to fit their platforms. What does it mean to be a people who hold the whole witness of Scripture together?

Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5:17–20 – [Link] • “Scandalous Witness” by Lee Camp – Example of the “Slave Bible” and selective Scripture misuse. • Jeremiah 31 – The promised New Covenant written on hearts. • Mark 7 – Jesus' critique of Pharisees for nullifying commandments for tradition. • Deuteronomy 22:6-7 – Example of a "light" command. • Exodus 20:12 – "Honor your father and mother" as a "heavy" command.

Call to Action: Let this conversation challenge and reshape how you engage Scripture—especially when it comes to politics, justice, and righteousness. Subscribe, review, and share the podcast to help others explore the radical teachings of Jesus. Engage with us on social media or email us at hello@voxpodcast.com.

We love your questions and reflections, and we invite you to walk this journey alongside us as we rediscover what it means to live as salt and light in a divided world.

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Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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