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What is the Sermon on the Mount? Understanding the Core Teachings of Jesus – Viral Believer
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What is the Sermon on the Mount? Understanding the Core Teachings of Jesus

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most famous and influential teachings of Jesus Christ. It is found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of Matthew, chapters 5-7. The sermon is a collection of teachings that cover a wide range of topics, including morality, ethics, and spirituality.

The Sermon on the Mount is considered by many to be the cornerstone of Christian teachings. It is a powerful and inspiring message that has been studied and analyzed by theologians, scholars, and believers for centuries.

The sermon provides a blueprint for living a life of faith, love, and compassion. It challenges us to be better people, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to seek God’s will in all that we do.

What is the Sermon on the Mount?

Overview

The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of teachings by Jesus Christ, which is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible. It is considered to be one of the most important and influential teachings of Jesus, and it is often referred to as the “greatest sermon ever preached.”

The Sermon on the Mount contains a number of teachings on topics such as morality, faith, prayer, and love.

Context

The Sermon on the Mount is believed to have been delivered by Jesus to his disciples and a large crowd of people on a mountain in Galilee.

It is recorded in Matthew chapters 5-7. At the time, Jesus was gaining popularity as a teacher and healer, and large crowds of people were following him wherever he went. The Sermon on the Mount is considered to be a summary of Jesus’ teachings and a guide for how his followers should live their lives.

Significance

The Sermon on the Mount is significant for several reasons. First, it contains some of the most important teachings of Jesus, including the Beatitudes, which are a series of blessings for those who live a righteous life.

Second, it provides a blueprint for how Christians should live their lives, emphasizing the importance of love, forgiveness, and humility. Finally, it is a testament to the power and authority of Jesus as a teacher and spiritual leader.

Some of the key teachings of the Sermon on the Mount include:

  • The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
  • The importance of loving your enemies (Matthew 5:44)
  • The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
  • The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)

In summary, the Sermon on the Mount is a collection of teachings by Jesus Christ that provides a blueprint for how Christians should live their lives. It is significant for its emphasis on love, forgiveness, and humility, and for its status as one of the most important and influential teachings of Jesus.

The Beatitudes

Meaning

The Beatitudes are a series of blessings that Jesus gave in his Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Each of the Beatitudes begins with the word “blessed,” which means happy or fortunate.

However, the blessings Jesus spoke of were not based on material wealth or success, but rather on spiritual qualities.

The Beatitudes are not a list of requirements to be fulfilled in order to earn God’s favor. Rather, they describe the characteristics of those who have already received God’s grace and are living in obedience to Him. The Beatitudes are a call to a radical way of life that stands in stark contrast to the values of the world.

Application

The Beatitudes are an invitation to live a life of humility, compassion, and righteousness. They challenge us to be poor in spirit, mournful over sin, meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and willing to suffer for the sake of Christ.

As we seek to live out the Beatitudes, we are called to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. We are to be salt and light in the world, shining the light of Christ in the darkness and preserving the goodness of God’s creation.

The Beatitudes also teach us about the nature of the Kingdom of God. They reveal that the Kingdom is not of this world, and that it is not based on power, wealth, or status. Rather, the Kingdom is characterized by humility, love, and service.

In summary, the Beatitudes are a call to a radical way of life that stands in contrast to the values of the world. They challenge us to live in humility, compassion, and righteousness, and to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.

Teachings on Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as a model. This prayer is a powerful tool that teaches us how to approach God and ask for his help. The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.

The Lord’s Prayer begins by acknowledging God as our Father who is in heaven. It’s a reminder that God is our loving Father who cares for us and wants to provide for us. The prayer then goes on to ask for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. This is a call to submit to God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

The prayer also asks for our daily bread, which is a reminder that we should trust God to provide for our needs. It then asks for forgiveness of our sins and for the strength to forgive others who have sinned against us. Finally, the prayer asks for protection from temptation and evil.

The Importance of Prayer

Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer throughout the Sermon on the Mount. He tells his disciples to pray in secret and not to make a show of their prayers in public. He also tells them that God will reward those who pray in secret.

Jesus also teaches his disciples about the power of fasting and prayer. He tells them that when they fast, they should do it in secret and not let others know. Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before God and seek his guidance and direction.

Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and seek his help in our lives. It’s a way to build a relationship with God and seek his will for our lives. Jesus teaches us to pray with faith and persistence, knowing that God hears our prayers and will answer them according to his will.

In conclusion, the Sermon on the Mount teaches us about the importance of prayer and how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as a model. By following Jesus’ teachings on prayer, we can deepen our relationship with God and seek his guidance and direction in our lives.

Teachings on Living Righteously

Living as Salt and Light

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus teaches his followers that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He tells them that they should let their light shine before others so that they may see their good works and glorify God.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be a positive influence in the world around us. We should strive to be the salt that preserves and adds flavor to the world, and the light that shines in the darkness.

Living as Peacemakers

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to work towards reconciliation with others.

This means that we should seek to resolve conflicts and promote peace in our relationships, communities, and the world at large. We should follow the example of Christ, who came to bring peace between God and humanity.

Living as the Righteous

In Matthew 5:20, Jesus says, “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is not saying that we need to be perfect, but rather that we need to have a righteousness that comes from the heart.

We should not just follow the letter of the law, but also the spirit of the law. We should strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, and to follow the example of Christ.

In Matthew 5:21-48, Jesus gives several examples of what it means to live righteously. He teaches us that murder is not just an action, but also a matter of the heart.

He also teaches us about the importance of keeping our word, and not making oaths lightly. He tells us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us.

Inherit the Earth and Avoiding Hell

In Matthew 5:5, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” This is a promise that God will bless those who are humble and gentle. In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus warns us about the dangers of sin and hell. He tells us that it is better to cut off a body part that causes us to sin, than to be thrown into hell.

Authority

In Matthew 5:38-48, Jesus teaches us about how we should respond to those in authority over us. He tells us to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile, and to love our enemies. This does not mean that we should be passive or allow ourselves to be taken advantage of, but rather that we should respond with love and grace.

Overall, the Sermon on the Mount teaches us about what it means to live a righteous life as followers of Christ. We should strive to be salt and light in the world, to be peacemakers, and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Teachings on Relationships

Love Your Enemies

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. He says, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 NKJV).

This teaching challenges us to show love and kindness to those who may have wronged us or hold different beliefs.

Avoiding Adultery and Divorce

Jesus also speaks about the importance of avoiding adultery and divorce. He teaches that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart. He says, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 NKJV).

Jesus also emphasizes the sacredness of marriage and warns against divorce except in cases of unfaithfulness.

When it comes to swearing oaths, Jesus teaches his followers to let their yes be yes and their no be no. He says, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37 NKJV). This teaching emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships.

Teachings on Judgment

Judging Others

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of not judging others. He says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:1-2 NKJV).

Jesus emphasizes that we should not be quick to judge others, as we will be judged by the same standard.

False Teachers

Jesus warns his disciples about false teachers who may try to lead them astray. He says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15 NKJV).

He encourages his followers to be discerning and to test the teachings of those who claim to be prophets.

Abolish the Law

Jesus also teaches his disciples about the importance of following the law. He says, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17 NKJV). He explains that he has come to uphold the law and to teach his followers to do the same.

Blessed are the Meek

Jesus teaches that those who are meek will inherit the earth. He says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 NKJV). He encourages his followers to be humble and to trust in God’s provision.

Treasures in Heaven

Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

He says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20 NKJV).

Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus teaches that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. He says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21 NKJV).

He emphasizes the importance of following God’s will and not just paying lip service.

Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Jesus teaches that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. He says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6 NKJV). He encourages his followers to seek after righteousness and to trust in God’s provision.

Looks at a Woman Lustfully

Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of purity. He says, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 NKJV). He encourages his followers to guard their hearts and to resist temptation.

Resist an Evil Person

Jesus teaches that his followers should resist evil. He says, “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matthew 5:39 NKJV). He encourages his disciples to respond to evil with love and forgiveness.

In summary, the Sermon on the Mount contains many teachings on judgment, purity, and righteousness. Jesus encourages his followers to be discerning, to follow the law, and to seek after God’s will.

He emphasizes the importance of purity, humility, and love, and warns against false teachers and the dangers of judging others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sermon on the Mount is a powerful message from Jesus that teaches us how to live a life pleasing to God. Through this sermon, Jesus emphasizes the importance of good deeds, reminding us that our actions should reflect our faith.

As it is written in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Furthermore, the Sermon on the Mount teaches us about our relationship with our Father in Heaven. Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer, fasting, and giving, as well as the importance of forgiveness.

As it is written in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

The Sermon on the Mount also highlights the importance of the Old Testament. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, as it is written in Matthew 5:17. He teaches us that the law is not just about external actions, but also about the state of our hearts.

Moreover, the Sermon on the Mount addresses the issue of worry. Jesus reminds us that we should not worry about our lives, but instead trust in God’s provision. As it is written in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Finally, the Sermon on the Mount teaches us that we are children of God. As it is written in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Jesus reminds us that we are called to be different from the world and to live a life that reflects our identity as children of God.

Overall, the Sermon on the Mount is a powerful message that teaches us how to live a life pleasing to God. It emphasizes the importance of good deeds, our relationship with our Father in Heaven, the Old Testament, worry, and our identity as children of God.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.