The Sermon on the Mount is the most famous compilation of the teachings of Jesus. Yet the followers of Jesus today will interpret these scripture in many different ways. (This is a good lesson that applies to all religions: practitioners of a faith tradition will often disagree about the interpretation of the sacred teachings.) Jesus often used metaphors and hyperbole ("pluck out your eye"?!) to make a point. Since Jesus was Jewish, his teachings are rooted in that faith tradition, and best understood in that context. However, many scholars see a reflection of Buddhist teachings in the words of Jesus as well. See if you can spot these Jewish and Buddhist connections. Read Matthew 5, 6, 7. List at least three topics you found interesting, and put those teachings in your own words (do not copy and paste the verses). Then discuss at least one of the teachings at length. What did this teaching mean for the people of that time? Is it relevant for modern times? Why or why not? How is it a reflection of other religious teachings you've learned? Do you have personal experience/reflection to share?

The Sermon on the Mount is the most famous compilation of the teachings of Jesus. Yet the followers of Jesus today will interpret these scripture in many different ways. (This is a good lesson that applies to all religions: practitioners of a faith tradition will often disagree about the interpretation of the sacred teachings.) Jesus often used metaphors and hyperbole ("pluck out your eye"?!) to make a point. Since Jesus was Jewish, his teachings are rooted in that faith tradition, and best understood in that context. However, many scholars see a reflection of Buddhist teachings in the words of Jesus as well. See if you can spot these Jewish and Buddhist connections. Read Matthew 5, 6, 7. List at least three topics you found interesting, and put those teachings in your own words (do not copy and paste the verses). Then discuss at least one of the teachings at length. What did this teaching mean for the people of that time? Is it relevant for modern times? Why or why not? How is it a reflection of other religious teachings you've learned? Do you have personal experience/reflection to share?