It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2
Harmonizing the sayings of Jesus Christ uncovers additional depths of understanding, consequently encouraging and equipping us to do them. For example, Luke’s Beatitudes (and woes) add a physical, down to earth perspective to Matthew’s account. Both are true; encouraging us that Jesus was concerned about and speaking to all aspects of our lives.
Furthermore, searching out the harmonies reveals truths and subtleties God has hidden for His glory and ours. Our Father in heaven is bringing many sons and daughters to glory. Searching out the harmonies and mysteries found in the various accounts of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is one awesome way to participate with Him.
Jesus’ saying about the bearers of good and bad fruit is a good example. Here are the two accounts:
You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:16-19
For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:43-45
As you can see, most of the two accounts very much the same. But there are two additions – one in each account – that add understanding to Jesus’ saying about good and bad trees. Matthew’s account makes the sobering point that “every tree that does not bear good fruit are cut down and thrown into the fire“. We can draw three additional truths from this additional statement:
- This statement applies to “every” person, regardless of their claims or affiliations.
- The measure is not about avoiding bad fruit, but producing good fruit. It reminds me of James’ statement about knowing to do good and not doing it (James 4:17).
- Bad trees are “cut down and thrown into the fire”. In other words, the consequences are extreme and eternal. The reference that comes to mind is Jesus’ parable regarding the vine and branches (abiding in Christ is God’s prescription for bearing good fruit).
Luke’s account directs us to the literal heart of the matter. Our heart and its functions are the key to bearing good fruit. For those eager to search out the matter further, much can be discovered about the kingdom of God and its citizens.
First and foremost, we learn from Luke’s account that the heart of a good man contains good treasure. This corrects the assertion that the hearts of all men are evil. In fact, we were given a new heart when we were born again (Ezekiel 36:26). Would God give us an evil one?
Secondly, we discover from Luke’s account that what a man or woman says reveals the condition of their heart. This sobering truth draws our attention to Peter’s and James’ encouragements:
For “He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.” 1Peter 3:10
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath… James 1:19;
Holy and respectful language as a Christian distinctive seems to be slipping away from us. Being slow to speak is a discipline that enables us to not only discern what another means, but to hear how the Holy Spirit would have us respond.
So you see, searching out the harmonies of the Sermon on the Mount is more than a worthwhile endeavor: It is a necessary exercise for those who desire to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God (1Corinthians 4:1-2)
With that encouragement in mind, listed below is a collection of the passages in Mark, Luke and John that can be harmonized with the sayings we have been considering in Matthew. I encourage you to use this tool, under the Holy Spirit’s tutelage, to search deeper into the mysteries of God that are hidden in the Sermon on the Mount. You will be further encouraged, edified and equipped in the building of your strong house.
The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:2-12; Luke 6:20-23
Salt of the Earth – Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:49-50; Luke 14:34-35
The Lamp under a Bushel – Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 4:21-23; Luke 8:16-18; Luke 11:33; John 8:12
Fulfillment of the Law – Matthew 5:17-18; Luke 16:17
Agree with your Adversary – Matthew 5:25-26; Luke 12:58-59
Jesus Warns of Offences – Matthew 5:29-30; Mark 9:43-48
Marriage is Sacred and Binding – Matthew 5:31-32; Luke 16:18
Go the Second Mile – Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 6:27-30
Love your Enemies – Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:32-36
The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4
Forgiveness – Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26
Lay up Treasures in Heaven – Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:33-34
The Lamp of the Body – Matthew 6:22-23; Luke 11:34-36
Faithfulness with Riches – Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:10-13
Seek the Kingdom – Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-32
Judging, Condemning, and Measuring – Matthew 7:1-5; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 6:37-42
Ask, Seek and Knock – Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:9-13
Proactively Good – Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31
Discourse on Holiness – Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:22-24
The Test of a Good Person – Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45
Do the Will of the Father – Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46
Do What I Say – Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49
Please share anything you discover. It will be a blessing to all that follow the inLight Adventure blog.
In closing (for this article and series), I want to recognize, and express my gratitude for, the revelation and encouragement this project has been. Our Father is persistent and long-suffering with His children. His Son desires the best for His church and bride. The Holy Spirit has been energetic in His teaching and exhortation. I believe my house is stronger and prepared for the storms that are coming. I pray and hope yours is the same.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob
#iamjustthepen