How Jesus’ Sayings Promote Happiness

“[Jesus] went up into the mountain; and . . . his disciples came to him; and he . . . began teaching them.”​—MATT. 5:1, 2.

1, 2. (a) Under what circumstances did Jesus give his Sermon on the Mount? (b) How did Jesus begin his discourse?

IT IS the year 31 C.E. Jesus briefly interrupts his preaching tour of Galilee to observe the Passover in Jerusalem. (John 5:1) Returning to Galilee, he prays all night for God’s guidance in choosing 12 apostles. The next day a crowd gathers as Jesus heals the sick. With his disciples and others present, he sits down on a mountainside and begins teaching.​—Matt. 4:23–5:2; Luke 6:12-19.

² Jesus starts his discourse​—the Sermon on the Mount—​by showing that happiness results from having a good relationship with God. (Read Matthew 5:1-12.) Happiness is ‘a state of well-being ranging from contentment to intense joy.’ The nine happinesses that Jesus pronounced highlight why Christians are happy, and these sayings are as beneficial today as they were nearly 2,000 years ago. Let us now consider each of them.

“Those Conscious of Their Spiritual Need”

3. What does it mean to be conscious of our spiritual need?

³ “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” (Matt. 5:3) “Those conscious of their spiritual need” realize that they are spiritually destitute and need God’s mercy.

4, 5. (a) Why are those conscious of their spiritual need happy? (b) How can our spiritual need be satisfied?

⁴ Those conscious of their spiritual need are happy, “since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” Accepting Jesus as the Messiah opened up for his early disciples the possibility of ruling with him in God’s heavenly Kingdom. (Luke 22:28-30) Whether we personally hope to be a joint heir with Christ in heaven or we look forward to everlasting life in an earthly paradise under Kingdom rule, we can be happy if we are truly conscious of our spiritual need and are fully aware of our dependence on God.

⁵ Not all are conscious of their spiritual need, for many lack faith and do not appreciate sacred things. (2 Thess. 3:1, 2; Heb. 12:16) Ways to satisfy our spiritual need include diligent study of the Bible, zealous activity in the disciple-making work, and regular presence at Christian meetings.​—Matt. 28:19, 20; Heb. 10:23-25.

Mourners Who Are “Happy”

6. Who are “those who mourn,” and why are they “happy”?

⁶ “Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4) “Those who mourn” are the same kind of people as “those conscious of their spiritual need.” They do not mourn in the sense of complaining about their lot in life. Their mourning is sadness over their own sinful state and the conditions existing because of human imperfection. Why are such mourners “happy”? Because they exercise faith in God and Christ and are comforted by having a good relationship with Jehovah.​—John 3:36.

7. How should we feel about Satan’s world?

⁷ Do we individually mourn because of the unrighteousness rampant in Satan’s world? How do we really feel about what this world has to offer? The apostle John wrote: “Everything in the world​—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—​does not originate with the Father.” (1 John 2:16) But what if we sense that our own spirituality is being eroded by “the spirit of the world,” the impelling force that dominates human society alienated from God? Then let us pray fervently, study God’s Word, and seek the help of the elders. As we draw closer to Jehovah, we will “find comfort” for ourselves, regardless of what is causing us distress.​—1 Cor. 2:12; Ps. 119:52; Jas. 5:14, 15.

How Happy “the Mild-Tempered Ones”!

8, 9. What does it mean to be mild-tempered, and why are mild-tempered ones happy?

⁸ “Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5) “Mildness of temper,” or meekness, does not suggest weakness or hypocritical gentleness. (1 Tim. 6:11) If we are mild-tempered, we will display meekness by doing Jehovah’s will and accepting his guidance. Mildness of temper will also be evident in the way we deal with fellow believers and others. Such meekness harmonizes with the apostle Paul’s counsel.​—Read Romans 12:17-19.

⁹ Why are the mild-tempered ones happy? Because “they will inherit the earth,” said mild-tempered Jesus. He is the principal Inheritor of the earth. (Ps. 2:8; Matt. 11:29; Heb. 2:8, 9) However, mild-tempered “joint heirs with Christ” share in his inheritance of the earth. (Rom. 8:16, 17) In the earthly realm of Jesus’ Kingdom, many other meek ones will enjoy everlasting life.​—Ps. 37:10, 11.

10. How may a lack of mildness affect our privileges of service and our relationship with others?

¹⁰ Like Jesus, we should be mild-tempered. But what if we are known for having a belligerent spirit? Such an aggressive and hostile attitude may cause people to shy away from us. If we are brothers desiring to have responsibilities in the congregation, this trait disqualifies us. (1 Tim. 3:1, 3) Paul told Titus to keep reminding Christians in Crete “not to be belligerent, to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men.” (Titus 3:1, 2) What a blessing such mildness is to others!

They Hunger for “Righteousness”

11-13. (a) What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? (b) How are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness “filled”?

¹¹ “Happy are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, since they will be filled.” (Matt. 5:6) The “righteousness” that Jesus had in mind is the quality of doing what is right by conforming to God’s will and commandments. The psalmist said that he was “crushed with longing” for God’s righteous judicial decisions. (Ps. 119:20) Do we prize righteousness so much that we hunger and thirst for it?

¹² Jesus said that those hungering and thirsting for righteousness would be happy because they would be “filled,” or fully satisfied. This became possible after Pentecost 33 C.E., for Jehovah’s holy spirit then began to “give the world convincing evidence concerning . . . righteousness.” (John 16:8) By means of the holy spirit, God inspired men to compile the Christian Greek Scriptures, which are so beneficial “for disciplining in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16) God’s spirit also enables us to “put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness.” (Eph. 4:24) Is it not comforting to know that those who repentantly seek forgiveness of their sins on the basis of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice can attain a righteous standing with God?​—Read Romans 3:23, 24.

¹³ If we have an earthly hope, our hunger and thirst for righteousness will be fully satisfied when we enjoy everlasting life under righteous conditions on earth. Meanwhile, let us be determined to live in harmony with Jehovah’s standards. Jesus said: “Keep on . . . seeking first the kingdom and [God’s] righteousness.” (Matt. 6:33) Doing that will fill our hands with godly work and our heart with true happiness.​—1 Cor. 15:58.

Why “the Merciful” Are Happy

14, 15. How can we show mercy, and why are “the merciful” happy?

¹⁴ “Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy.” (Matt. 5:7) “The merciful” are moved by compassion and pity for others. Jesus miraculously relieved the suffering of many because he had pity for them. (Matt. 14:14) Mercy is manifested in a judicial sense when people forgive those who transgress against them, just as Jehovah mercifully forgives repentant ones. (Ex. 34:6, 7; Ps. 103:10) We can show mercy in that way and by our kind words and deeds that bring relief to disadvantaged individuals. A fine way to show mercy is to share Bible truths with others. Moved with pity for a crowd, Jesus “started to teach them many things.”​—Mark 6:34.

¹⁵ We have reason to agree with Jesus’ statement: “Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy.” If we treat others mercifully, they are likely to respond in kind. We may find that the mercy we have shown to others will triumph over any adverse judgment that God might otherwise bring to bear against us when we are brought into judgment. (Jas. 2:13) Forgiveness of sins and eternal life are only for the merciful.​—Matt. 6:15.

Why “the Pure in Heart” Are Happy

16. What does it mean to be “pure in heart,” and how do those possessing that quality “see God”?

¹⁶ “Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God.” (Matt. 5:8) If we are “pure in heart,” purity will be evident in our affections, desires, and motives. We will display “love out of a clean heart.” (1 Tim. 1:5) Being inwardly clean, we will “see God.” This does not necessarily mean seeing Jehovah literally, for “no man may see [God] and yet live.” (Ex. 33:20) Since he perfectly reflected God’s personality, however, Jesus could say: “He that has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:7-9) As Jehovah’s worshippers on earth, we can “see God” by observing him act in our behalf. (Job 42:5) For anointed Christians, seeing God reaches its apex when they are resurrected to spirit life and actually see their heavenly Father.​—1 John 3:2.

17. Being pure in heart will have what effect on us?

¹⁷ Because a pure heart is morally and spiritually clean, it does not dwell on things that are unclean in Jehovah’s eyes. (1 Chron. 28:9; Isa. 52:11) If we are pure in heart, what we say and do will have the mark of purity, and there will be nothing hypocritical about our service to Jehovah.

“The Peaceable” Become Sons of God

18, 19. How do “the peaceable” conduct themselves?

¹⁸ “Happy are the peaceable, since they will be called ‘sons of God.’” (Matt. 5:9) “The peaceable” are identified by what they will do and by what they will not do. If we are the kind of people whom Jesus had in mind, we are peaceable and ‘do not render injury for injury to anyone.’ Instead, we ‘always pursue what is good toward others.’​—1 Thess. 5:15.

¹⁹ The Greek term rendered “peaceable” at Matthew 5:9 literally means “peacemakers.” To be included among the peaceable, we must actively promote peace. Peacemakers do not do anything that ‘separates those familiar with one another.’ (Prov. 16:28) As the peaceable, we take positive steps to “pursue peace with all people.”​—Heb. 12:14.

20. Who are now “sons of God,” and who else will eventually become God’s offspring?

²⁰ The peaceable are happy because “they will be called ‘sons of God.’” Faithful anointed Christians have been adopted by Jehovah and are “sons of God.” They already have an intimate relationship with Jehovah as his children because they exercise faith in Christ and wholeheartedly worship “the God of love and of peace.” (2 Cor. 13:11; John 1:12) What about Jesus’ peaceable “other sheep”? They will have Jesus as their “Eternal Father” during his Millennial Reign, but at its end he will subject himself to Jehovah and they will become children of God in a complete sense.​—John 10:16; Isa. 9:6; Rom. 8:21; 1 Cor. 15:27, 28.

21. How will we act if we are “living by spirit”?

²¹ If we are “living by spirit,” peaceableness will be one of our qualities that is readily seen by others. We will not be “stirring up competition with one another” or “provoking . . . each other.” (Gal. 5:22-26; New International Version) Instead, we endeavor to be “peaceable with all men.”​—Rom. 12:18.

Happy Though Persecuted!

22-24. (a) What accounts for the happiness of those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake? (b) What will we consider in the next two study articles?

²² “Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” (Matt. 5:10) Expanding on this, Jesus added: “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens; for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you.”​—Matt. 5:11, 12.

²³ Like God’s prophets of old, Christians expect to be reproached, persecuted, and lyingly spoken against​—all “for righteousness’ sake.” By faithfully enduring such tests, however, we have the satisfaction of pleasing and honoring Jehovah. (1 Pet. 2:19-21) Our suffering cannot diminish our delight in serving Jehovah now or in the future. It cannot lessen either the happiness of ruling with Christ in the heavenly Kingdom or the joy of being granted everlasting life as one of the earthly subjects of that government. Such blessings provide evidence of God’s favor, benevolence, and generosity.

²⁴ There is much more to learn from the Sermon on the Mount. Various lessons are considered in the next two study articles. Let us see how we might apply those sayings of Jesus Christ.

Let Jesus’ Sayings Affect Your Attitude

“The one whom God sent forth speaks the sayings of God.”​—JOHN 3:34.

1, 2. To what might Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount be likened, and why can we say it was based on “the sayings of God”?

ONE of the largest cut diamonds known today is the 530-carat Star of Africa. It is truly a precious gem! Far more valuable, however, are the spiritual gems found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. No wonder, for the sayings of Christ have Jehovah as their Source! Referring to Jesus, the Bible says: “The one whom God sent forth speaks the sayings of God.”​—John 3:34-36.

² Although the Sermon on the Mount may have been given in less than half an hour, it contained 21 quotations from eight books of the Hebrew Scriptures. So it was solidly based on “the sayings of God.” Let us now see how we can apply some of the many priceless sayings found in this masterful sermon of God’s beloved Son.

“First Make Your Peace With Your Brother”

3. After warning his disciples about the effects of wrath, Jesus gave what counsel?

³ As Christians, we are happy and peaceable because we have God’s holy spirit, and its fruitage includes joy and peace. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Jesus did not want his disciples to lose their peace and happiness, so he warned them about the death-dealing effects of prolonged wrath. (Read Matthew 5:21, 22.) He next declared: “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift.”​—Matt. 5:23, 24.

4, 5. (a) What was the “gift” referred to in Jesus’ statement recorded at Matthew 5:23, 24? (b) How important is it to make peace with an offended brother?

⁴ The “gift” that Jesus mentioned was any offering presented at the temple in Jerusalem. For example, animal sacrifices were important because they were then part of the worship rendered to Jehovah by his people. However, Jesus stressed something of greater importance​—making peace with an offended brother before offering a gift to God.

⁵ “Make your peace” means ‘to bring about a reconciliation.’ So, what lesson can we draw from this saying of Jesus? It must surely be that our way of dealing with others has a direct bearing on our relationship with Jehovah. (1 John 4:20) Indeed, offerings made to God in ancient times were meaningless if the one making them did not treat fellow humans properly.​—Read Micah 6:6-8.

Humility Must Play a Role

6, 7. Why is humility needed when endeavoring to restore peaceful relations with a brother we have offended?

⁶ Making peace with an offended brother is likely to test our humility. Humble people do not argue or contend with fellow believers in an effort to establish supposed rights. That would create an unwholesome state of affairs​—one similar to that once existing among Christians in ancient Corinth. Concerning that situation, the apostle Paul made this thought-provoking point: “It means altogether a defeat for you that you are having lawsuits with one another. Why do you not rather let yourselves be wronged? Why do you not rather let yourselves be defrauded?”​—1 Cor. 6:7.

⁷ Jesus did not say that we should go to our brother just to convince him that we are right and he is wrong. Our objective should be to restore peaceful relations. To make peace, we must honestly express how we feel. We also need to acknowledge that the other person’s feelings have been hurt. And if we have been in error, surely we will want to apologize in a humble way.

‘If Your Right Eye Makes You Stumble’

8. Give the substance of Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 5:29, 30.

⁸ In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave sound counsel on morality. He knew that our imperfect body members can have a dangerous influence on us. Jesus therefore said: “If, now, that right eye of yours is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you. For it is more beneficial to you for one of your members to be lost to you than for your whole body to be pitched into Gehenna. Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. For it is more beneficial to you for one of your members to be lost than for your whole body to land in Gehenna.”​—Matt. 5:29, 30.

9. How can our “eye” or “hand” cause us to “stumble”?

⁹ The “eye” spoken of by Jesus represents the power or ability to focus our attention on something, and the “hand” relates to what we do with our hands. If care is not exercised, these body parts may cause us to “stumble” and cease ‘walking with God.’ (Gen. 5:22; 6:9) When tempted to disobey Jehovah, then, we need to take strong action, figuratively tearing out an eye or cutting off a hand.

10, 11. What can help us to avoid sexual immorality?

¹⁰ How can we restrain our eyes from concentrating on immoral things? “A covenant I have concluded with my eyes,” said the God-fearing man Job. “So how could I show myself attentive to a virgin?” (Job 31:1) Job was a married man who was determined not to violate God’s moral laws. That should be our attitude whether we are married or single. To avoid sexual immorality, we need to be guided by God’s holy spirit, which produces self-control in those who love God.​—Gal. 5:22-25.

¹¹ To avoid sexual immorality, we might do well to ask ourselves, ‘Do I allow my eyes to arouse in me an appetite for immoral material readily found in books, on television, or on the Internet?’ Let us also remember these words of the disciple James: “Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.” (Jas. 1:14, 15) In fact, if any individual dedicated to God “keeps on looking” with immoral motives at someone of the opposite sex, he needs to make drastic changes comparable to tearing out the eye and throwing it away.​—Read Matthew 5:27, 28.

12. What counsel of Paul can help us to fight against immoral desires?

¹² Inasmuch as improper use of our hands can result in serious violations of Jehovah’s moral standards, we must be firmly determined to remain morally clean. Therefore, we should heed Paul’s counsel: “Deaden . . . your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col. 3:5) The word “deaden” stresses the strong measures that must be taken to fight against immoral fleshly desires.

13, 14. Why is it vital to avoid immoral thoughts and acts?

¹³ In order to preserve his life, a person is likely to be willing to have a limb surgically amputated. The figurative ‘throwing away’ of the eye and the hand is vital for us to avoid immoral thinking and actions that can cost us our spiritual life. Keeping mentally, morally, and spiritually clean is the only way to escape the everlasting destruction symbolized by Gehenna.

¹⁴ Because of inherited sin and imperfection, maintaining moral cleanness requires effort. “I pummel my body and lead it as a slave,” said Paul, “that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.” (1 Cor. 9:27) Let us therefore be determined to apply Jesus’ counsel on morality, never allowing ourselves to act in ways that show a lack of gratitude for his ransom sacrifice.​—Matt. 20:28; Heb. 6:4-6.

“Practice Giving”

15, 16. (a) How did Jesus set an example in giving? (b) What is meant by Jesus’ words recorded at Luke 6:38?

¹⁵ Jesus’ sayings and superlative example promote a giving spirit. He displayed great generosity in coming to the earth for the benefit of imperfect mankind. (Read 2 Corinthians 8:9.) Jesus willingly divested himself of heavenly glory to become a man and give his life for sinful humans, some of whom would gain riches in heaven as his joint heirs in the Kingdom. (Rom. 8:16, 17) And Jesus certainly encouraged generosity when he said:

¹⁶ “Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.” (Luke 6:38) ‘Pouring into the lap’ refers to a custom of some vendors to fill the fold of a purchaser’s wide upper garment, which was bound with a girdle and made into a pouch for carrying items. Our own spontaneous generosity may result in our receiving a fine measure in return, perhaps when we are in need.​—Eccl. 11:2.

17. How did Jehovah set the prime example of giving, and what kind of giving can bring us joy?

¹⁷ Jehovah loves and rewards those who give cheerfully. He himself set the prime example, giving his only-begotten Son “in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Paul wrote: “He that sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6, 7) Giving of our time, energy, and material resources to promote true worship is sure to bring us joy and rich rewards.​—Read Proverbs 19:17; Luke 16:9.

“Do Not Blow a Trumpet Ahead of You”

18. Under what circumstances will we “have no reward” from our heavenly Father?

¹⁸ “Take good care not to practice your righteousness in front of men in order to be observed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens.” (Matt. 6:1) By “righteousness,” Jesus meant conduct that conforms to the divine will. He did not mean that godly deeds should never be done in public, for he had told his disciples to “let [their] light shine before men.” (Matt. 5:14-16) But we will “have no reward” from our heavenly Father if we do things “in order to be observed” and admired, like actors performing onstage in a theater. If we have such motives, we will not enjoy a close relationship with God or the eternal blessings of Kingdom rule.

19, 20. (a) What did Jesus mean when he spoke against ‘blowing a trumpet’ when making “gifts of mercy”? (b) How do we not let the left hand know what the right is doing?

¹⁹ If we have a proper attitude, we will follow Jesus’ admonition: “Hence when you go making gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, just as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, They are having their reward in full.” (Matt. 6:2) “Gifts of mercy” were donations made to support the needy. (Read Isaiah 58:6, 7.) Jesus and his apostles had a common fund for use in helping the poor. (John 12:5-8; 13:29) Since almsgiving was not literally preceded by trumpet blasts, Jesus evidently used hyperbole when he said that we should not “blow a trumpet” ahead of us when making “gifts of mercy.” We are not to publicize such giving, as the Jewish Pharisees did. Jesus called them hypocrites because they advertised their charitable donations “in the synagogues and in the streets.” Those hypocrites were “having their reward in full.” The acclaim of men and possibly a front seat alongside noted rabbis in the synagogue would be all the reward they would get, for Jehovah would give them nothing. (Matt. 23:6) How, though, were Christ’s disciples to act? Jesus told them​—and us:

²⁰ “But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, that your gifts of mercy may be in secret; then your Father who is looking on in secret will repay you.” (Matt. 6:3, 4) Our hands usually work together. Therefore, not letting the left hand know what the right is doing means that we do not advertise our charitable deeds, even to those as close to us as our left hand is to our right hand.

21. Repayment from the One “looking on in secret” includes what?

²¹ If we do not boast about our charity, our “gifts of mercy” will be in secret. Then our Father, “who is looking on in secret,” will repay us. Residing in the heavens and invisible to human eyes, our heavenly Father remains “in secret” as far as mankind is concerned. (John 1:18) Repayment from the one “looking on in secret” includes Jehovah’s bringing us into an intimate relationship with him, forgiving our sins, and granting us eternal life. (Prov. 3:32; John 17:3; Eph. 1:7) That is so much better than receiving praise from humans!

Precious Sayings to Be Cherished

22, 23. Why should we cherish Jesus’ sayings?

²² The Sermon on the Mount is certainly full of spiritual gems having many lovely facets. It unquestionably contains priceless words that can bring us joy even in this troubled world. Yes, we will be happy if we cherish Jesus’ sayings and allow them to affect our attitude and way of life.

²³ Everyone who “hears” and “does” what Jesus taught will be blessed. (Read Matthew 7:24, 25.) So let us be determined to comply with Jesus’ counsel. More of his sayings in the Sermon on the Mount will be considered in the final article of this series.

Do Jesus’ Sayings Influence Your Prayers?

“When Jesus finished these sayings, the effect was that the crowds were astounded at his way of teaching.”​—MATT. 7:28.

1, 2. Why were the crowds astounded at Jesus’ way of teaching?

WE OUGHT to accept the sayings of God’s only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and apply them in our life. He certainly spoke like no other man. Why, people were amazed at the way he taught in the Sermon on the Mount!​—Read Matthew 7:28, 29.

² Jehovah’s Son did not teach as did the scribes, who based their wordy speeches on the teachings of imperfect humans. Christ taught “as a person having authority” because what he spoke came from God. (John 12:50) So let us see how Jesus’ further sayings in the Sermon on the Mount can and should influence our prayers.

Never Pray as the Hypocrites Do

3. Give the essence of Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 6:5.

³ Prayer is an important part of true worship, and we ought to pray to Jehovah regularly. But our prayers should be influenced by Jesus’ sayings in the Sermon on the Mount. He said: “When you pray, you must not be as the hypocrites; because they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the broad ways to be visible to men. Truly I say to you, They are having their reward in full.”​—Matt. 6:5.

4-6. (a) Why did the Pharisees like to pray “standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the broad ways”? (b) How were such hypocrites “having their reward in full”?

⁴ When praying, Jesus’ disciples were not to imitate such “hypocrites” as the self-righteous Pharisees, whose public display of piety was nothing more than a pretense. (Matt. 23:13-32) Those hypocrites liked to pray “standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the broad ways.” Why? So as to be “visible to men.” First-century Jews customarily prayed as a congregation during the time of the burnt offerings at the temple (about nine o’clock in the morning and three o’clock in the afternoon). Many residents of Jerusalem would pray along with a crowd of worshippers in the temple precincts. Outside that city, devout Jews often prayed twice a day while “standing in the synagogues.”​—Compare Luke 18:11, 13.

⁵ Since most people were not near the temple or a synagogue for the prayers just mentioned, they might pray wherever they happened to be at those times. Some liked to have the times for prayer catch them while they were “on the corners of the broad ways.” They wanted to be “visible to men” who were passing through those intersections. The pious hypocrites would “for a pretext make long prayers” in order to be admired by onlookers. (Luke 20:47) That is not the attitude that we should have.

⁶ Jesus declared that such hypocrites were “having their reward in full.” They greatly desired recognition and praise from fellow humans​—and that was all they would get. It would be their full reward, for Jehovah would not answer their hypocritical prayers. On the other hand, God would respond to the prayers of Christ’s true followers, as shown by Jesus’ further statement on this subject.

7. What is meant by the counsel to pray in our “private room”?

⁷ “You, however, when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you.” (Matt. 6:6) Jesus’ admonition to pray in a private room after shutting the door did not mean that someone could not represent a congregation in prayer. This counsel was meant to discourage public prayer that was offered to call attention to the one praying and to elicit praise from others. We should remember this if we are privileged to represent God’s people in public prayer. Let us also comply with Jesus’ further admonition respecting prayer.

8. According to Matthew 6:7, what abuse of prayer should we avoid?

⁸ “When praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words.” (Matt. 6:7) Jesus thus cited another abuse of prayer​—repetition. He did not mean that we should never repeat heartfelt pleas and expressions of thanksgiving in prayer. In the garden of Gethsemane on the night before he died, Jesus repeatedly used “the same word” in prayer.​—Mark 14:32-39.

9, 10. In what sense should we not say repetitious prayers?

⁹ It would be wrong for us to mimic the repetitious prayers of “people of the nations.” “Over and over again,” they repeat memorized phrases that include many unnecessary words. It did worshippers of Baal no good to call upon the name of that false god “from morning till noon, saying: ‘O Baal, answer us!’” (1 Ki. 18:26) Millions today offer wordy, repetitious prayers, thinking in vain that they “will get a hearing.” But Jesus helps us to realize that the “use of many words” in long and repetitious prayers is of no value from Jehovah’s standpoint. Jesus further said:

¹⁰ “So, do not make yourselves like them, for God your Father knows what things you are needing before ever you ask him.” (Matt. 6:8) Many Jewish religious leaders made themselves like the Gentiles through excessive wordiness when praying. Heartfelt prayer that includes praise, thanksgiving, and petition is an important part of true worship. (Phil. 4:6) Yet, it would be wrong for us to say the same things over and over again with the thought that repetition is necessary to tell God about our needs. When we pray, we should remember that we are addressing the One who ‘knows what we need before ever we ask him.’

11. What should we remember if we are privileged to offer public prayer?

¹¹ Jesus’ sayings about unacceptable prayers should remind us that God is not impressed by high-sounding speech and superfluous words. We should also realize that public prayer is not an occasion to try to impress listeners or cause them to wonder how long it will be before we say “Amen.” Using prayer to make announcements or to counsel the audience would also be out of harmony with the spirit of Jesus’ sayings in the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray

12. How would you explain the significance of the request “let your name be sanctified”?

¹² Although Jesus warned against abusing the grand privilege of prayer, he did teach his disciples how to pray. (Read Matthew 6:9-13.) The model prayer is not to be memorized in order to be recited over and over again. Instead, it furnishes a pattern for our own prayers. For instance, Jesus put God first with the opening words: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.” (Matt. 6:9) We properly address Jehovah as “our Father” because he is our Creator, who dwells “in the heavens,” far beyond the earth. (Deut. 32:6; 2 Chron. 6:21; Acts 17:24, 28) Use of the plural term “our” should remind us that our fellow believers also have a close relationship with God. “Let your name be sanctified” is a petition that Jehovah take action to sanctify himself by clearing his name of all the reproach that has been heaped upon it since the rebellion in Eden. In answer to that prayer, Jehovah will remove wickedness from the earth, thus sanctifying himself.​—Ezek. 36:23.

13. (a) How will the request “let your kingdom come” be fulfilled? (b) What will the doing of God’s will on earth involve?

¹³ “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matt. 6:10) In connection with this request in the model prayer, we should remember that the “kingdom” is the heavenly Messianic government in the hands of Christ and the resurrected “holy ones” associated with him. (Dan. 7:13, 14, 18; Isa. 9:6, 7) Praying for it to “come” is a request that God’s Kingdom come against all earthly opposers of divine rulership. That will soon occur, paving the way for a global paradise of righteousness, peace, and prosperity. (Ps. 72:1-15; Dan. 2:44; 2 Pet. 3:13) Jehovah’s will is being done in heaven, and asking that it take place on earth is a plea that God carry out his purposes toward our planet, including the removal of his opposers today as he did in ancient times.​—Read Psalm 83:1, 2, 13-18.

14. Why is it fitting to ask for “our bread for this day”?

¹⁴ “Give us today our bread for this day.” (Matt. 6:11; Luke 11:3) By making this prayerful request, we are asking God to provide necessary food “for this day.” This indicates that we have faith in Jehovah’s ability to care for our needs on a daily basis. It is not a prayer for surplus provisions. This request for our daily needs may remind us that God commanded the Israelites to gather manna “each his amount day for day.”​—Ex. 16:4.

15. Explain what is meant by the request “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

¹⁵ The next request in the model prayer turns our attention to something we need to do. Jesus said: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matt. 6:12) Luke’s Gospel shows that these “debts” are “sins.” (Luke 11:4) Only if we already “have forgiven” those sinning against us may we expect forgiveness from Jehovah. (Read Matthew 6:14, 15.) We should forgive others freely.​—Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13.

16. How are we to understand the requests regarding temptation and deliverance from the wicked one?

¹⁶ “Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.” (Matt. 6:13) How are we to understand these two related requests in Jesus’ model prayer? One thing is certain: Jehovah does not tempt us to commit sin. (Read James 1:13.) Satan​—“the wicked one”—​is the real “Tempter.” (Matt. 4:3) However, the Bible speaks of God as doing things that he is merely permitting. (Ruth 1:20, 21; Eccl. 11:5) Therefore, “do not bring us into temptation” is a petition that Jehovah not permit us to succumb when we are tempted to disobey him. Finally, the plea “deliver us from the wicked one” is a request that Jehovah not allow Satan to overcome us. And we can be confident that ‘God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.’​—Read 1 Corinthians 10:13.

‘Keep On Asking, Seeking, Knocking’

17, 18. What does it mean to ‘keep on asking, seeking, and knocking’?

¹⁷ The apostle Paul urged fellow believers: “Persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) Jesus made a powerful point along those lines when he declared: “Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7, 8) It is proper to “keep on asking” for anything that is in harmony with God’s will. In keeping with Jesus’ words, the apostle John wrote: “This is the confidence that we have toward [God], that, no matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us.”​—1 John 5:14.

¹⁸ Jesus’ counsel to ‘keep on asking and seeking’ means that we should pray earnestly and not give up. It is also necessary for us to “keep on knocking” to gain access to the Kingdom and enjoy its blessings, benefits, and rewards. But can we be confident that God will answer our prayers? Yes, we can if we are faithful to Jehovah, for Christ said: “Everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened.” Many experiences enjoyed by Jehovah’s servants prove that God truly is the “Hearer of prayer.”​—Ps. 65:2.

19, 20. In view of Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 7:9-11, how is Jehovah like a loving father?

¹⁹ Jesus likened God to a loving father who provides good things for his offspring. Imagine that you were present for the Sermon on the Mount and heard Jesus say: “Who is the man among you whom his son asks for bread​—he will not hand him a stone, will he? Or, perhaps, he will ask for a fish​—he will not hand him a serpent, will he? Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him?”​—Matt. 7:9-11.

²⁰ A human father, although comparatively “wicked” because of inherited sin, has natural affection for his offspring. He would not deceive his child but would strive to provide him with “good gifts.” With a fatherly attitude toward us, our loving heavenly Father provides “good things,” such as his holy spirit. (Luke 11:13) It can strengthen us to render acceptable service to Jehovah, the Provider of “every good gift and every perfect present.”​—Jas. 1:17.

Continue to Benefit From Jesus’ Sayings

21, 22. What is noteworthy about the Sermon on the Mount, and how do you feel about these sayings of Jesus?

²¹ The Sermon on the Mount was indeed the greatest discourse ever given on earth. It is remarkable for its spiritual content and clarity. As shown by the points drawn from it in this series of articles, we can benefit greatly if we apply the counsel that this sermon contains. These sayings of Jesus can improve our life now and give us the hope of a happy future.

²² In these articles, we have examined only a few of the spiritual gems in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. No wonder those who heard his discourse “were astounded at his way of teaching.” (Matt. 7:28) That will undoubtedly be our reaction too when we fill our minds and hearts with these and other priceless sayings of the Great Teacher, Jesus Christ.