The Extensions: But I Say to You

Through the setting of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew presents Jesus as a new Moses, fulfilling the law and interpreting the commandments that were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. In this section of his teaching, as Jesus says, “You have heard it said…but I say to you…”, he extends and intensifies the commandments - - to the command against murder, Jesus says do not be angry, to the command against adultery, Jesus forbids lust. These extensions begin to flesh out Jesus’ Alternative Plan, and by following the commandments as he extends and interprets them, his disciples can live as if they have one foot already in the kingdom of heaven.