The Extensions
Rev. Alexis Johnson
February 28, 2021
Scripture: – Matthew 5:17- 22, 27- 28, 38-42
Secondary Source: The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginners Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven Dr. Amy-Jill Levine Abingdon Press 2020
Thesis: The foundational truth to us is that we are created in the image of God, everything else is fence-building and helps us live into that.
Making My Case:
Dr. Levine teaches us/reminds us that Jesus does not abolish or replace the Law. So what is Jesus doing? Jewish teachers have a long and continued history of “building fences” around the commandments so that one does not run the risk of breaking the commandments.
Jesus Fences:
The Torah (Law or Teachings) was given to the Israelites AFTER they escaped from 400 years of slavery and were wandering in the desert.
We are told in Genesis that God created us in God’s image.
What ifs (My Theory):
Call to Action and Response: Read the text and send me your thoughts! I could be crazy. Put my lens on and see how it strikes you. Send me a message!!