The Sermon on the Mount,
found in Matthew 5-7, is one of Jesus‘
- ### 1. **The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)**
– **Blessings for the Humble and Righteous**: Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, which describe the blessings for those who embody kingdom values such as humility, mercy, purity, and peacemaking. - ### 2. **Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)**
– **Influence and Example**: Believers are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, influencing society positively and demonstrating godly living. - ### 3. **Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)**
– **Righteousness Exceeding the Pharisees**: Jesus teaches that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets and that true righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees, focusing on the heart rather than mere external compliance. - ### 4. **Teachings on Various Commandments (Matthew 5:21-48)**
– **Anger and Reconciliation**: Jesus equates anger with murder and emphasizes reconciliation.
– **Adultery and Lust**: He teaches that lustful thoughts are as sinful as adultery.
– **Divorce**: Jesus upholds the sanctity of marriage.
– **Oaths**: He advocates for honesty and integrity without the need for oaths.
– **Retaliation**: Jesus promotes non-retaliation and turning the other cheek.
– **Love for Enemies**: He commands love for enemies and prayer for persecutors, reflecting God’s perfect love. - ### 5. **Practicing Righteousness (Matthew 6:1-18)**
– **Giving to the Needy**: Jesus instructs giving in secret, not for public praise.
– **Prayer**: He teaches the Lord’s Prayer and emphasizes sincere, private prayer.
– **Fasting**: Fasting should be done discreetly, for spiritual purposes, not to impress others. - ### 6. **Trust in God (Matthew 6:19-34)**
– **Treasures in Heaven**: Jesus advises storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
– **Eye as the Lamp**: A healthy perspective focused on God brings light to one’s life.
– **Serving Two Masters**: One cannot serve both God and money.
– **Do Not Worry**: Jesus encourages trust in God’s provision, focusing on seeking His kingdom first. - ### 7. **Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-6)**
– **Do Not Judge**: Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment and urges self-examination before addressing others’ faults. - ### 8. **Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-11)**
– **Persistent Prayer**: Jesus encourages persistent prayer, assuring that God gives good gifts to His children. - ### 9. **The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)**
– **Treat Others Well**: “Do to others what you would have them do to you,” summarizing the Law and the Prophets. - ### 10. **The Narrow and Wide Gates (Matthew 7:13-14)**
– **Path to Life**: Jesus contrasts the narrow gate leading to life with the wide gate leading to destruction, urging the choice of the narrow path. - ### 11. **True and False Prophets (Matthew 7:15-20)**
– **Discernment**: Jesus warns against false prophets and teaches that true followers are known by their fruit (actions). - ### 12. **True and False Disciples (Matthew 7:21-23)**
– **Obedience to God’s Will**: Not everyone who acknowledges Jesus verbally will enter the kingdom, but those who do the will of the Father. - ### 13. **The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)**
– **Foundation on Christ’s Teachings**: Jesus concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing the importance of hearing and obeying His words. Those who build their lives on His teachings are like wise builders with a solid foundation. - The Sermon on the Mount presents a radical, counter-cultural vision of life in God’s kingdom, emphasizing inner transformation, genuine righteousness, and wholehearted devotion to God. It challenges believers to live out their faith authentically and to embody the values of the kingdom of heaven.
