The hosts discuss the concept of peacemaking in the Sermon on the Mount, the social dynamics during Jesus' time under Roman occupation, and the various groups' interpretations of peace. They also explore the concept of investing in the new creation and how the Beatitudes outline Jesus' traits and actions. The episode ends with a discussion on the third beatitude and the triadic structuring of Jesus' speech.
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Quick takeaways
Peacemaking involves actively getting involved in arenas of conflict to bring opposing sides into harmonious relationship.
Understanding the social and political context is crucial to grasp the radical nature of Jesus' teachings on peacemaking.
Deep dives
The Beatitudes and the Call to Peacemaking
The podcast episode explores the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount and focuses on the call to be peacemakers. It discusses how peacemaking involves seeking right relationships with both neighbors and enemies, but warns that it won't always be peaceful even with good intentions. Jesus emphasizes the importance of getting involved in arenas of conflict where his ethic of generous mercy can make a significant impact. The episode highlights that biblical peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of harmony, and encourages listeners to actively create peace. It also explains how being a peacemaker can lead to persecution, but assures that the reward in the kingdom of heaven will be great for those who face such challenges.
Understanding the Social Dynamics of Jesus' Time
The podcast episode delves into the social dynamics of Jesus' time to provide context for his teachings on peacemaking. It discusses the different groups within Judaism, including the Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots, and their varying perspectives on peace and conflict. The episode explores how Jesus' call to peacemaking challenged and clashed with the existing power structures and ideologies. It emphasizes the significance of understanding the political and social context in order to grasp the radical nature of Jesus' teachings.
The Good Life of the Peacemakers
The podcast episode examines the meaning of the third beatitude, 'Blessed are the peacemakers,' and its significance in the overall message of the Sermon on the Mount. It explains that peacemaking is not about avoiding conflict, but actively getting involved in arenas of conflict to bring opposing sides into harmonious relationship. The episode highlights Jesus' role as the ultimate peacemaker and how his followers are called to emulate his example, even in the face of persecution. It emphasizes that the good life of peacemakers is not determined by worldly recognition or approval, but by their reflection of God's character and their investment in the new creation.
The Beatitudes and the Journey of Transformation
The podcast episode concludes by reflecting on the Beatitudes as a call to a transformed way of life. It explores how the Beatitudes outline Jesus' own biography and his mission to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. The episode emphasizes that the Beatitudes are not just timeless principles, but a guide for discipleship and a roadmap for living in alignment with God's values. It highlights the importance of internalizing and embodying the Beatitudes in order to be agents of change and participate in the new creation. The episode concludes with an invitation to meditate on the Beatitudes and their transformative power in our lives.
Sermon on the Mount E7 – What will it cost us to live like Jesus in our world? In the third and final triad of the Beatitudes, Jesus declares that the good life belongs to the peacemakers. But making peace Jesus-style will mean conflict, pain, difficulty, and even persecution. In this episode, Tim, Jon, and others explore the cultural tensions surrounding Jesus, his audience, and the four ancient groups who tried to make peace and how Jesus’ teachings created conflict with all of these groups.
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Show Music
Original Sermon on the Mount music by Richie Kohen
BibleProject theme song by TENTS
Show Credits
Dan Gummel is the Creative Producer for today’s show. Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer; Cooper Peltz, managing producer; Colin Wilson, producer; and Stephanie Tam, consultant and editor. Tyler Bailey is our audio editor and engineer, and he provided our sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Special thanks to Ben Tertin and Rose Mayer. Today’s hosts are Jon Collins and Michelle Jones.
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