The following is my viewpoint.
No intention to claim universal truth, but to appeal to common human sense and wisdom.

Regardless of any historic reality
Truth can be known by it's own fruit

The Sermon on the Mountain
-- breaking it down --

Of all the teachings of Jesus, this contains the most prescient wisdom.
The following numbered statements come from the King James translation of the book purportedly written by Matthew, and credited to Jesus.
Who actually wrote this is far from critical.
When read with an open heart we see it's truth.

If we are to take advantage of deeply important instruction given by the man called Yeshua (Jesus Christ), we must have our wits and common sense installed. Not our senses of guilt or self-righteousness. I refer to Yeshua as "Master" as my focus is on the teaching and it's lessons - not on an individual that many worship as God.
No disrespect at all. Just a greater focus on the teachings.

1) Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Narrative: We know that we must each make many judgements every day, as this is a key part of decision making. The Master implies that we avoid judging other people. True; this isn't said, but good common sense dictates this assumption. Still we need to make judgments about others as we deal with them [common sense], what we do not need to do is to judge whether they are good or bad people. We must judge whether we should protect ourselves from them. One can't let a thief have a key to their home [common sense].

Expanded: First of all avoid tying emotions to the judgements we must make of others. Try one's best to live and let live without shirking one's duty to the responsibility to act when behavior is harming the community or others. This is not an easy responsibility, many aspects need to be considered. Trying to make informative suggestions through the asking of key questions can often work, but if this skill isn't your strong suit - be polite if possible.

3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.



Narrative: These lines are an expansion on the issue of judging. They focus on "self-righteous-ism." If one were to clear up their own mental reasoning capabilities, they might see their judgement was in error. This statement is also a strong recommendation that one spend their "judgment energies" on looking at themselves. It is herein apparent that Yeshua was tired of hearing those that surround him constantly complaining about others.

6) Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Narrative: This is an abrupt change of topic. Common sense tells us The Master is not talking about dogs. He's talking about the kind of people that are unable to learn from their own mistakes or instruction coming from others. Dogs will keep eating the kinds of things that have made them sick. (Proverbs 26:11). Some types of people can't seem to learn and far too many have not come to respect wisdom and wholesome teaching. They rely on what they think they've learned from their own individual experience. Because of this their opinions are often detrimental to themselves, the community or those they encounter.

To attempt to teach this kind of person will only spark their desire to hurt or slander you. If they ask about an important issue, it is responsible to give a reply, but be careful. It is likely they only wait to pounce.

7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Narrative: Again; a new topic. This is a recommendation to "Manifest" a better destiny and is one of The Master's great gifts to us. In other passages it is found that The Master also says to ask with doubt in your heart brings failure.

The common practice of "asking a prayer" often runs into disappointment, and so clarity on this issue may just help.

Imagine our individual limited experience and reasoning capacity was in complete charge of our life, all its' circumstances as well as our interactions with others. Everything we wish for - came true. The imagined scenario (movie) should prove very interesting. I believe it was imagined in an episode of Twilight Zone - with a very dark outcome.

There exists an "Inner Guide" within each of us. It speaks with an intuition as to the best course of action. We are far wiser to firstly acknowledge that our "Inner Guide" (our connection to The Ultimate Wisdom) is that which we "Will" to direct to lead our lives.
This Guide yearns for our participation in this "Manifestation". It is truly a Divine experience to witness the unfolding of what we hoped for, as it becomes reality.

Ask for what you hope,
acknowledge that Ultimate Wisdom
must deal with it, then
"give permission" for this Wisdom to act
- in "Its own way" -

The practice of following this statement is responsible for the many wonderous developments we see in today's world. Yeshua uniquely provided this powerful instruction.
Use it!

This instruction also applies to our daily lives. Other people do not know what you may need unless you say something. It doesn't have to come in the form of a direct request for a favor, and this should really be avoided.

Prefacing a request with "would you do me a favor"; is putting the other person in a tough spot. Try to avoid this. You can start with simply expressing what your need is, and why you need it. This assures the listener knows your need and allows them the choice of helping or not without pressure. Of course if you are really in a pinch for this request - you will likely let them know the urgency if they ponder giving any answer at all.

9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10) Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Narrative: These lines attempt to clarify how The Ultimate Wisdom fulfills our right-hearted hopes. It also suggests that we look for just how our manifestation is being filled, rather than waiting impatiently for "what we assume" should happen - to become real.

A suggestion: There are three major benefits to being grateful following the fulfillment of manifestation.
Personal happiness and development.
The ability to hope for wiser outcomes.
The increase of successful manifestations
that you will encounter.

12) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Narrative: In the Spirit of Truth and Common Sense, this instruction is simple - Let your treatment of others be kind, compassionate and with humility in the same way you would hope others treat you.
The fact that a masochist is excluded from this instruction should be obvious.

Additionally; that this instruction is the basic teaching within all Holy Laws and Guide for Sanctified Teachers, gives to us the ability to judge easily any and all other laws or rules that are presented to us, or given by us.
This Golden Rule is vitally important!
A true Prime Directive.

Within any Religion or Spiritual Organization this primary instruction can be used to detect the truth of that organization! There should be a volume of books written about the myriad of issues to be evaluated by this Primary Rule. One that quickly presents itself is the issue of Tough Love. Actions that need to be taken (or avoided) in order to implement a wholesome benefit to a person either under our care, or one seeking money or assistance. Often it is clear that to give what they seek does not truly help them. Sometimes the best response is not clear though. Our own emotions frequently lead our thinking process, and really shouldn't. To refuse help simply because they annoy us - is likely an error. Just as is providing help based on personal sympathy alone. Without a rational inspection of the wider circumstance, most responses are likely to be in error.

Allow the emotion initially invoked to begin the deliberation, then commune with your Inner Guide to evaluate the immediate and wider circumstance. Usually it takes time for this process to occur internally. Maybe a day or two. Usually the requested assistance can actually also wait. Sometimes immediate help is required, Yet remember; haste makes waste.

13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


Narrative: This is a follow up on the issue of judgement. To be lead by Our Inner Guide is to be lead by the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of the Primary Rule. This guidance is the "Strait Gate". It is a narrow passage as it must conform to these Spirits.
Many choose an errant path too often when judgement comes from a momentary emotion provoked by an unwelcomed circumstance.

Example; On a perticular Sunday, someone makes an alter call and publicly accepts Jesus as their Lord. This is a wonderful moment. However, should this be assumed to be a "lock" for this person
"getting to heaven".
When we live for "Christ The Eternal", our own personal safety is no longer the issue. In Luke 17;21, Jesus said "heaven does not come by obeservation. Not here - not there. But is inside us.
So, Where is this heaven we are going? Accepting that our own personal survival is microscopic compared to The Eternal is a great step towards freedom. We need then to take this vision into our daily lives in order for it to become real.

To believe that by making a pledge one day, and even subsequently repeating this phrase would indicate we are truly committed to this path
- IS NOT REALLY COMPLIANT -
The Salvation of the worthiness of our life is a Journey not a destination. If one is not living according to their comittment, it's not real.
Additionally, to worry that our continued mistakes and errors somehow make us wothy of eternal torment is very misguided. We have a loving Father!

15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16) Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is
hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.



Narrative: Wisdom comes from within and from without. As for that which is delivered from others (preachers, teachers, friends or strangers). We need to consider the actions these people take as part of our judgement as to whether their teaching or viewpoint is valid or worthy. Compare what they do with the Primary Rule.

The story about corrupt fruit trees being burned is simply a way to express the ultimate uselessness of corrupt people. It is not a threat to those who fail to see and practice beneficial beingness - that they will suffer eternal torment from fire. Eternal punishment is not the "fruit" of a Loving God.

21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Narrative: This is the section of the Mountain Sermon that points towards Salvation not being a destination, but rather a journey.
Simply claiming that you are a Christian is not the point. If a person considers Salvation to be something their individual ego needs to have, where it doesn't really matter about the "salvation" of other people; they have not "died in Christ", and live for God.
Being faithful to the Primary Rule (the will of the Father) is Salvation
Throughout your life, following these teachings is how you build your Mansion - Is how you help your Soul to Evolve.
If you have lived a life of compassion and love as described by the Primary Rule,
you have been building your Manifestation of a Better Life and world.
Whether you have personally read about the teachings and life of Yeshua or not.
You KNOW Him & it's Truth,
Because you know and follow his teachings brings benefits to you personally as well as to others.
This good practice however, does not entitle anyone to boast that they are better than others because of it.
The attitude of self-pride will destroy the beauty and value of the good deeds done. Self-pride also ushers into one's soul a spirit of judgement.
Judging one's soul as "worthy" of praise. This stain will ruin the beauty of every soul infected with it.

Follow the dictates of the Golden Rule

Don't ruin it by being proud of what you've done!

24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Narrative: These preceding four statements take the instructions given during this speech directly into daily application.
Practical day to day results come with adherence to, or rebellion against these directives. Beyond what adherence may mean to the Eternal Soul, it brings results into our daily circumstances.
Though we often see ruthless and cruel people who seemingly thrive in life, having vast riches and honors; These souls have turned their back on the reality and value of others.
They live in a world where they are virtually alone. They may be distracted by the presence of others, but as they age and then depart from this life,
they will become increasingly aware of their futile life. The absolute loneliness they must experience in their final moments will torment them. The aspect of a "Life Review" can only be haunting.

28) And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29) For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Within the teachings of this lecture, I can't find a single fault. They will give us a society of peace and prosperity. Communities where harmony thrives! Nations creating good lives while revering our precious environment. My hope is that we can all begin to live these concepts and practice this rule.