ABSTRACT
Inviting the hearers to move on in becoming perfect even as God is perfect, the next part of the Sermon on the Mount takes up themes of inner righteousness and singular dedication. In this sphere, emphasis is placed on cultivating secret and inward righteousness, as well as rejecting the treasures of this world and not worrying about the needs of the flesh. Moreover, a comparable cultic use of the Hebrew term shalom may provide a link between Jewish perceptions and these Hellenistic and Christian uses of the Greek word teleios. Jesus agreed with the general Jewish notion that righteousness requires giving to the poor. In addition to the temple element of prayer in general, temple correspondences are enriched in the case of the Lord's Prayer due to several of its specific themes as well as by its clear formulation as a group prayer with ritualistic applications. Fasting and prayer are suitable preparations for all ritual applications.
