The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, is one of the most powerful teachings of Jesus Christ. It lays the foundation for Christian living, calling us to a higher standard of righteousness that flows from a transformed heart. In this sermon, Jesus challenges us to live with humility, love, mercy, and a deep trust in God. As we explore its teachings, we see how Christ calls us to live as citizens of His Kingdom.
1. The Beginning Of The Sermon On The Mount: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, describing the characteristics of those who are truly blessed in God’s Kingdom.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3 (KJV)
True blessing is not found in worldly wealth or power, but in spiritual humility. When we recognize our need for God, we receive His Kingdom.
Each Beatitude highlights a Christlike quality:
- Meekness leads to inheriting the earth (Matthew 5:5).
- Hunger and thirst for righteousness brings spiritual fulfillment (Matthew 5:6).
- Mercy, purity, and peacemaking reflect God’s heart (Matthew 5:7-9).
- Enduring persecution for Christ’s sake results in great reward (Matthew 5:10-12).
The Beatitudes teach us that God’s blessings are often opposite of the world’s expectations.
2. Being Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
Jesus calls us to influence the world:
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?” – Matthew 5:13 (KJV)
Salt preserves and enhances flavor. As believers, we must preserve godly values and bring the flavor of Christ’s love to the world.
Likewise, Jesus says:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” – Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
We should shine the light of Christ through our actions, drawing others to Him.
3. Jesus Fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)
Jesus clarifies His mission:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17 (KJV)
He did not abolish the Law of Moses but fulfilled its purpose. He calls us to a deeper righteousness—not just outward obedience, but inward transformation.
4. Raising the Standard: The Heart of the Law (Matthew 5:21-48)
Jesus redefines righteousness by addressing the heart behind our actions:
- Anger is as serious as murder (Matthew 5:21-22).
- Lust is as sinful as adultery (Matthew 5:27-28).
- Loving our enemies is required, not optional (Matthew 5:43-48).
These teachings reveal that God cares about our thoughts, motives, and attitudes, not just outward behavior.
5. True Worship: Prayer, Fasting, and Giving (Matthew 6:1-18)
Jesus warns against seeking human approval in worship.
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them.” – Matthew 6:1 (KJV)
- Giving should be done in secret to honor God (Matthew 6:2-4).
- Prayer should be heartfelt, not for show (Matthew 6:5-8).
- Fasting should be between us and God (Matthew 6:16-18).
He also teaches The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), a model for sincere and humble prayer.
6. Trusting God, Not Riches (Matthew 6:19-34)
Jesus warns against materialism:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” – Matthew 6:19-20 (KJV)
He urges us to seek God first instead of worrying about life’s needs:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
When we trust in God’s provision, anxiety loses its grip on us.
7. Righteous Judgment and the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:1-12)
Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment:
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” – Matthew 7:1 (KJV)
This does not mean we cannot discern between right and wrong. Instead, Jesus tells us to examine our own hearts before correcting others (Matthew 7:3-5).
He then gives the Golden Rule:
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” – Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
This command sums up how we should treat others—with kindness, fairness, and love.
8. The Narrow Way and True Faith (Matthew 7:13-27)
Jesus presents two choices:
- The broad way leads to destruction.
- The narrow way leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).
True disciples bear good fruit and obey Christ’s words. Mere religious profession is not enough:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
He concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27). Those who hear and obey God’s Word build on a solid foundation; those who ignore it will face destruction.
Conclusion: Living the Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount calls us to a radical faith—one that goes beyond external religion and transforms our hearts. Jesus teaches us to:
- Seek humility and righteousness through the Beatitudes.
- Be salt and light, influencing the world for Christ.
- Obey God from the heart, not just in outward actions.
- Love even our enemies, reflecting God’s character.
- Pray, give, and fast with sincerity, not for human praise.
- Trust God fully, rejecting materialism and worry.
- Treat others with love and fairness, living by the Golden Rule.
- Choose the narrow way, building our lives on Christ’s firm foundation.
May we not just admire these teachings but live them out daily, bringing glory to our Savior!
Most Recent ArticleS:
-
Understanding the Book of Revelation
The blessing stands. The Lamb reigns. And the end of the story is life with God, face to face, forever.
-
Christian Education: What Is Its Role?
Christian education is a lifelong, whole-person way of shaping minds and hearts to love God and neighbor.
Find Other Useful Christian Resources Here: Recommended Resources
