Article January 19, 2009 Issue

A LESSON FROM 'THE DIAMOND SERMON'

BY MARK SWINNEY

THE SINGLE SERMON that quite possibly has brought about the most healing in all of history is presented in its entirety in chapters five through seven in Matthew, the first book in the Bible's New Testament. Mary Baker Eddy referred to it in her autobiography as the "the diamond sermon" and wrote: "No purer and more exalted teachings ever fell upon human ears than those contained in what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount..." (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 91).

I love to ponder the Sermon on the Mount because, like many, I'm captivated by Jesus' healing words and counsel to his disciples. I've found they apply to every aspect of life. What Jesus put forth in this sermon is a clear window on his own healing attitude, which formed the foundation for his career. So for those yearning to find healing in their own and others' lives, his sermon provides a guide for their prayers.

Jesus encouraged his followers in any situation to begin with God instead of just reacting to the evidence in front of them. Consider, for example, this counsel that he gave toward the middle of the sermon: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).

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