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In this lesson:
"The Sermon on the Mount" Study Tip: It helps to study more than one translation. As you read, switch back and forth between the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation" below. Also, check the margin notes in blue and click on the links. |
The Sermon on the Mount.
By Danish artist Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834-1890) |
What is the Sermon on the Mount -
Jesus gave The Sermon on the Mount on a hillside near the city of Capernaum. It has been called "the constitution for the citizens of God's kingdom." What the Ten Commandments are to the Old Testament, the Sermon on the Mount is to the New Testament. It is the most studied sermon in history, yet its message continues to challenge us today. The Sermon teaches us the high standards of righteousness needed to satisfy the Jewish Mosaic Law. However, it also emphasizes that due to our sinful nature, we are unable to meet those standards. Therefore, it teaches that salvation cannot be earned by obeying the Mosaic Law; we need a Savior, a Messiah, to save us.
Because of its importance, the following seven lessons will be devoted to the Sermon on the Mount. As you read Matthew 5:1 through 7:29, look for two lines of teaching: God's perfect and holy standards and His merciful grace offered to sinners.
The Beatitudes (5:3-11) teach us how to live and expose the shallow faith of the Pharisees, who immersed themselves in religious legalism rather than true faith. No one can attain the degree of perfection laid out in the Sermon on the Mount (5:48), and Jesus begins the beatitudes with that in mind ("Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"). Failing to meet the standards in The Sermon on the Mount leads Christians to recognize their spiritual shortcomings (Romans 3:20) and understand that only the grace of God and faith in Jesus Christ can ensure salvation (Galatians 3:24).
Jesus gave The Sermon on the Mount on a hillside near the city of Capernaum. It has been called "the constitution for the citizens of God's kingdom." What the Ten Commandments are to the Old Testament, the Sermon on the Mount is to the New Testament. It is the most studied sermon in history, yet its message continues to challenge us today. The Sermon teaches us the high standards of righteousness needed to satisfy the Jewish Mosaic Law. However, it also emphasizes that due to our sinful nature, we are unable to meet those standards. Therefore, it teaches that salvation cannot be earned by obeying the Mosaic Law; we need a Savior, a Messiah, to save us.
Because of its importance, the following seven lessons will be devoted to the Sermon on the Mount. As you read Matthew 5:1 through 7:29, look for two lines of teaching: God's perfect and holy standards and His merciful grace offered to sinners.
The Beatitudes (5:3-11) teach us how to live and expose the shallow faith of the Pharisees, who immersed themselves in religious legalism rather than true faith. No one can attain the degree of perfection laid out in the Sermon on the Mount (5:48), and Jesus begins the beatitudes with that in mind ("Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"). Failing to meet the standards in The Sermon on the Mount leads Christians to recognize their spiritual shortcomings (Romans 3:20) and understand that only the grace of God and faith in Jesus Christ can ensure salvation (Galatians 3:24).
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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Matthew 5:1-16
Kingdom citizens 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. |
Margin notes:
"And when he was set." (5:1) - "And when he (Jesus) was seated." In Jesus' day, speakers sat, and the audience stood and listened. "Blessed are the poor in spirit." (5:3) - "Blessed are the spiritually humble." "Blessed are they that mourn." (5:4) - Mourn over their sins, for they will be comforted and pardoned (2 Corinthians 7:10). "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." (5:5) - This verse is paraphrased from Psalm 37:11. Being meek is a challenge, even for the mild-mannered. "It is our human nature to be proud and self-assertive, not meek. Only the Spirit of God can transform our lives through the new birth experience and then make us over again in the image of Christ. He is our example of true meekness." ("Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; page 236) "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness." (5:6) - When we "hunger" for righteousness, we are acknowledging God. He is our righteousness. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (5:7) - See 2 Samuel 22:26. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (5:8) - "Why does Jesus say we should be "pure in heart?" The reason is because our heart - our inner being - is the root of all our actions. ("Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; page 259). Jesus put it this way: "From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness" (Mark 7:21-22). The pure of heart shall see God (Psalm 24:3-4). "Blessed are ye," (5:11) - "The change from the third person "they" (vv. 3-10) to the second person "ye," "you," etc. (vv.11-16) is significant. Most of the Sermon on the Mount is addressed directly to the disciples as subjects of the kingdom of heaven." ("The New Scofield Reference Bible" published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; page 998) "Rejoice." (5:12) - Be happy when persecuted for your faith (1 Peter 4:13-14). This is an excellent verse to remember when feeling dejected. "So persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (5:12) - The Old Testament prophets sent by God to prepare the world for Jesus were rejected, persecuted, and killed (Acts 7:52). "You are the salt of the earth." (5:13) - In ancient times, before refrigeration, salt was used to flavor and preserve food. It was considered valuable. So here, Jesus is telling His followers that they have value and must preserve the faith. The Old Testament called this "a covenant (agreement) of salt" (2 Chronicles 13:5). "If the salt have lost his savour." (5:13) - "If the salt has lost its flavor." When a little salt is rubbed into meat, it slows the decaying process. Jesus is using salt as a metaphor for Christians. Like salt without flavor, believers who don't preserve the word of God or live their faith fall short of their potential. "Ye are the light of the world." (5:14) - Be a light to others, shine the way for them (Philippians 2:15). Proverbs 4:18 tells us that "the path of the just is as the shining light." Do your family, friends, and neighbors see something in you that draws them to Jesus? "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works." (5:16) - This is a metaphor. Let your light shine, not to impress others, but to honor God. Do family, friends, and co-workers see your shining light? |
Read Luke 6:20-49 to learn more about the Beatitudes.
New Living Translation
Matthew 5:1-16
The Sermon on the Mount
1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,
2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
3 "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Teaching about Salt and Light
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
The "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
The Sermon on the Mount
1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,
2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
3 "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Teaching about Salt and Light
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
The "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (5:12)
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." (5:14)
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (5:16)
"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (5:12)
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." (5:14)
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (5:16)
Today's Questions:
1. What is the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount?
2. Why "rejoice" when being persecuted? (5:11-12)
3. What lessons can be learned from this passage?
To learn more, read your Bible. These lessons shouldn't be your only contact with God.
1. What is the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount?
2. Why "rejoice" when being persecuted? (5:11-12)
3. What lessons can be learned from this passage?
To learn more, read your Bible. These lessons shouldn't be your only contact with God.
Answers: (Do you agree?)
1. The purpose of the Sermon on the Mount is to show mankind that we cannot find salvation by living under the Mosaic Law and the Old Testament. Likewise, no one can meet the standards laid out in the Sermon. Can you name a successful peacemaker in the world today? Who can honestly say that their heart is pure and they "hunger and thirst for justice?" How do we become "meek?" In His sermon, Jesus sets the stage to reveal the true path to salvation, the acceptance of God's grace. Belief in Jesus Christ is the only way to please God.
Additional note: The wisdom in Jesus' day held that wealth and power were blessings from God, and those who were poor were being punished. Jesus challenged that belief. He wants His followers to know that material things are only temporary.
2. Christians rejoice when they are persecuted because it strengthens their relationship with God and showcases their faith in Jesus. Persecution takes the focus off earthly rewards and reminds believers that they can only expect perfection in heaven. But know, that Christian bliss doesn't come from being persecuted; it comes from the reason for the persecution, Jesus Christ.
3. The lessons in this segment are to recognize man's spiritual bankruptcy, mourn sin (in us and others), be meek and merciful, seek righteousness, love God with all our heart, and be a peacemaker (it is hard to keep peace, but even harder to make peace where it doesn't already exist). These are things we cannot do without Christ.
Advice from Jesus:
Take the time to read Matthew 5:9 when you're angry at others.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen, published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Atlas of the Bible" edited by Joseph L. Gardner, published by Readers Digest, Pleasantville, New York; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The New Testament" Recovery Version published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, California; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The New Scofield Reference Bible" published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2025 evolke
© 2025 evolke