GETTING READY FOR THE WEEK

Here is some context as we dig into this next section of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is beginning to set up stark contrasts between the differences in the religion of the Jewish leaders and the relationship He is calling people into. While those he was speaking to would have been familiar with the idea of giving and being generous from the teachings of the Law (that is, the Jewish Torah which are the first five books of our Old Testament), He is setting apart the attitude by which those who follow Him will obey the law. 

Before we go much further into the text, there is an important question to consider: Is being generous just about our money, or does it affect other aspects of our lives? In order to answer that question, let’s look at the words used in this passage that are translated as “give to the needy” or “almsgiving” (in Greek: ποιῇς ἐλεημοσύνην, pronounced poy-eh'-o). A more direct translation is “to do an act of mercy”. So as we continue, keep in mind that generosity can most certainly be monetary, but it can also be acts of mercy and kindness given through our time, talents, and other gifts which God has blessed us with.

Tomorrow we’ll spend some time orienting ourselves around Generosity and what the week will look like. For the rest of the week we are suggesting a moment of prayer at the beginning of the day to set our intention, and then a longer time in the evening with reading and reflection. If that rhythm does not work for you this week, then adapt it as needed to meet your needs.

Giving is the Good Life - Randy Alcorn - Book
The Generosity Practice - John Mark Comer - RNM Study

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¹ Donald Alfred Hagner et al., Matthew 1-13: Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 33a (Waco, TX: Word Books, Publisher, 1993), 136-141.