MATTHEW'S USE OF THE PENTATEUCH IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: ESTABLISHING THE FOUNDATION FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING THROUGH THE EXAMPLE AND INSTRUCTION OF CHRIST.

Matthew's use of the Pentateuch in the Sermon on the Mount establishes the foundation for how Christians are to live their lives by modeling the example of Jesus Christ. This paper works through the Pentateuch in order of appearance in the Christian Canon addressing the respective Pentateuch uses throughout the Sermon on the Mount rather than in order of appearance in the sermon. The implications of the Pentateuch quotations by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount as recorded by the Apostle Matthew details not only the foundation of Christian living but also addresses the completion of the Messianic prophecy as the Old Testament Law being fulfilled by Christ Jesus. Upon examination of Matthew's Gospel and comparing the Pentateuch quotations in context and how Christ uses them in the sermon discourse not only enhances understanding of the Pentateuch in the overall theme of God's revelatory redemptive work in Scripture, but it also enhances the understanding of the Sermon on the Mount in the same manner. Jesus' use of the Pentateuch in the sermon discourse additionally simplifies and provides clarity to the Law, establishing what true righteousness looks like. Therefore, exemplifying the need for the imitation of Christ in daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]