The Sermon on the Mount: The Church's First Statement of the Gospel

Rating:
Summary: A Christological Interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount
Review: David Scaer is truly at home in his favorite Gospel, the Gospel of Matthew. His book is a very worthwhile read, if simply for the depth of his insight into Matthew's Gospel, that comes from a lifetime of study. To this is added the benefit of his determined intent to see Christ as central in all things, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. Where this is especially helpful, is in showing that the high demands made in the Sermon are not just impossible moral injunctions, but rather they are descriptive of Christ's own perfect obedience to the Law, and the righteousness He earned for us thereby. It is therefore in Christ that these statements (such as the Beatitudes) become descriptive of the life of the Christian, as the love of Christ works in us.

Scaer's treatment of the Sermon on the Mount is readable and interesting, and attempts to engage especially those more difficult passages of the Sermon. Sometimes his explanations, particularly for those more difficult passages, are less obvious (or intuitive) than the commonly given interpretations. One of my chief complaints with the book is the unnecessary amount of attention given to various historical critical attitudes toward the Gospel. It is also curious why at many points throughout the book, Matthew's role as author seems to almost eclipse the fact that Jesus Himself spoke the words. What I mean by this is that you will frequently notice that Scaer asks what MATTHEW's purpose was in saying something a certain way, or using certain title's--when referring to the direct words of Jesus (not the intervening narratives). This seems to make Matthew responsible for the real theologizing intent behind the Gospel, rather than Jesus. Now, I'm certain that Scaer would not actually espouse that idea, but it begs the question of why he consistently writes that way. My best guess is that it relates to his interest in Matthew's role in collecting the various teachings of Jesus and compiling them into the Sermon on the Mount. It is also only fair to point out that Scaer firmly believes in the historicity of all the accounts, and that Jesus is in fact speaking with Divine Authority. I did appreciate Scaer's honesty in identifying his presuppositions and biases at the beginning of the book, and even specifically denying such higher critical theories as the "Q" document.

Overall, though, the above complaint does not detract from a fine work that is a valuable contribution to the interpretation of the Sermon. Furthermore, this book is particularly helpful for preaching on the Sermon on the Mount, as it draws attention to Christ and His work, rather than human ethical or moral righteousness.

Rating:
Summary: Christ Alone As Rabbi/Teacher
Review: Scaer continues his fine emphasis that all theology is Christology, which if not offensive to other Christian confessions causes offense today strangely enough this day in the confession bearing Luther's name and supposed heritage.

Scaer is certainly advocate of Matthew as first gospel and as catechesis. Thus, the flow for him to this Sermon on Mount is high Christology. This completely flies in the face of common held moral usefulness of this discourse, i.e. purpose driven church and life. This is rules for Christian life, right! No, says Scaer, this is not prescriptive but descriptive. This is Gospel not Law. Scaer makes worthy point that since Matthew's flow up to this discourse if high Christology, then it would be startlingly turn to shift to "rules for living." Rather, seen in its context of John and Jesus' preaching of repentance for the kingdom of heaven has come, this is seen as "essence and heart of Christian preaching."

Thus, verse 3 is critical, just who are the poor? All those who have need for the Good News to be preached to them (repentant). This does include everyone, except not everyone senses this need, i.e. healthy don't need a hospital, just the sick says the Lord. Thus, rich in relationship to God without Christ alone don't need the Gospel. Rules for living will be fine, thank you very much. Don't tell me I'm theologically poor! I am not a poor miserable sinner.

Thus, Scaer provides church with needful corrective to abuse of this text which abuses the Gospel and Christ and church. Here Scaer contributes signficant point, which I'll quote his words: "The Beatitudes are the christological prism through which the followers of Jesus find their standing before God." Scaer devotes much space to exposure of critic's view, which to the uninformed seems only for academia to argue over, but it does have major relevance to Christ's followers. Due to media's continued coverage of critic's views of Jesus and Paul on the tube especially, the people of God need such well informed response from this able interpreter.

How magnificent that this significant Servant of the Word gives to Christ's church this commentary on Christ's catechetical training to edify the foundation of the church's life in Christ. There is no being "a better Christian," but rather "being a follower of Jesus."

Worth the read. Better worth continued reference and reflection and study and application.