The Sermon on the Mount
The first discourse in Matthew is the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7. It is considered one of Jesus’ most famous teachings and includes the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and teachings on righteousness and living a God-centered life.
The Beatitudes: Jesus lists eight blessings for those who are poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
Righteousness: Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness goes beyond following the letter of the law and involves inner attitudes and motives.
Fulfilling the Law: Jesus teaches that the law should be followed not just externally but also internally, and that it should be obeyed not just for fear of punishment but out of love for God.
Judging others: Jesus warns against judgmental attitudes and encourages forgiveness and mercy.
Trust in God: Jesus teaches the importance of relying on God and not on material possessions.
The Lord’s Prayer: Jesus teaches his disciples a model prayer to follow.
The Beatitudes
| Blessed Are: | For: |
|---|---|
| Poor in Spirit | Theirs is the kingdom of heaven |
| Those who mourn | They will be comforted |
| The Meek | They will inherit the earth |
| Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness | They will be filled |
| The Merciful | They will receive mercy |
| The pure in heart | They will see God |
| The peacemakers | They will be called children of God |
| Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake | Theirs is the kingdom of heaven |
| You when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kids of evil falsely | Your reward is great in heaven |
Righteousness
| The Law | But I Say |
|---|---|
| You shall not murder | If you are angry […] you will be liable for judgement |
| You shall not commit adultery | Everyone who looks with lust has already committed adultery |
| Divorce is allowed | If you divorce, except unchastity, you cause adultery // whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery |
| Do not swear falsely | Do not swear at all |
| Eye for an eye | Turn the other cheek |
| Love neighbor and hate your enemy | Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you |
Lords Prayer
