Relationships
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27 (NRSV)
STORY
John Donne lived for many years in poverty, relying on wealthy friends to sustain him. After he received a substantial inheritance, he used the money to pay for his education; though, he also used his new-found wealth on womanizing and travel. In 1601 Donne secretly married Anne Moore, with whom he had twelve children. After his marriage Donne had a conversion experience. In 1615 he became an Anglican priest and was later appointed as Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. He also served for thirteen years in parliament. Donne is best known to us for his poetry. His most recognized poem has become known by the current title No Man Is An Island. The poem reads:
No man is an island,
Entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less,
As well as if a promontory were:
As well as if a manor of thy friend’s
Or of thine own were.
Any man’s death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
Doone’s poem was originally published with the title “Meditation XVII.” The poem was published in 1624 as part of Donne’s collection of essays and meditations titled “Devotions upon Emergent Occasions.” The poem explores the theme of interconnectedness and the shared experience of humanity. Doone shares that every person is connected to others, and that each individual’s experiences and actions have an impact on the larger community. The phrase “no man is an island” has become a popular expression that highlights the importance of social connections and the need for human interaction and support. The poem’s timeless message has resonated with readers throughout the centuries.
DEVOTION
The Sermon on the Mount presents a blueprint for character. Therefore, it is only fitting that it concluded with a blueprint on how to build a spiritual life. If Jesus’ dissertation is read as a whole it becomes very evident that his message is how to coexist in caring and supportive relationships. Peace and harmony must always be our guideposts in dealing with individuals. According to Jesus there is no place for a hostile and vindictive approach to others.
Though Jesus was a scholar, as he was an knowledgeable in the scriptures of Judaism and spoke both Hebrew and Aramaic, he taught as a practical person. His message was easy to understand and he illustrated his message with objects and stories that were familiar to the commoner. He spoke to everyday people about everyday concerns. This is why in Mark’s gospel we learn that the crowds “listened to him with delight.” (v.12:37)
Sam O’Neal was an editor for Christianity Today. On August 24, 2018, he wrote an article in which he presented his summation of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He wrote:
The Sermon on the Mount is by far Jesus’ longest explanation of what it looks like to live as his follower and to serve as a member of God’s Kingdom. In many ways, Jesus’ teachings during the Sermon on the Mount represent the major ideals of the Christian life.
For example, Jesus taught about subjects such as prayer, justice, care for the needy, handling the religious law, divorce, fasting, judging other people, salvation, and much more. The Sermon on the Mount also contains both the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer.
Jesus’ words are practical and concise; he was truly a master orator. In the end, Jesus made it clear that his followers should live in a noticeably different way than other people because his followers should hold to a much higher standard of conduct – the standard of love and selflessness that Jesus himself would embody when he died on the cross for our sins. It’s interesting that many of Jesus’ teachings are commands for his followers to do better than what society allows or expects.
An overview of Matthew’s gospel would show us that in chapters five through seven we are presented with the words of Jesus. Then in chapters eight to the remainder of the book Matthew shares with us the deeds of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in chapters five through seven, presents to the reader divine wisdom in speech; beginning with chapter eight we encounter divine love in action.
Through Jesus words and in his deeds, as we have recorded for us in Matthew’s gospel, we have the message that “No man is an island, Entire of itself; Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.”