Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ extended teaching in Matthew 5–7, where He explains the righteousness, character, and kingdom life expected of His disciples.
At a Glance
The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ extended teaching in Matthew 5–7, where He explains the righteousness, character, and kingdom life expected of His disciples.
Description
The Sermon on the Mount is the name commonly given to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5–7. It opens with the Beatitudes and continues with instruction on the law, anger, lust, marriage, truthfulness, retaliation, love for enemies, giving, prayer, fasting, material possessions, anxiety, discernment, and wholehearted obedience. Conservative interpreters generally agree that this sermon reveals the true intent of God’s righteous standard and calls Jesus’ followers to sincere obedience flowing from the heart rather than mere outward religion. Orthodox Christians have understood some aspects of its application differently—especially in relation to the kingdom, the church, and questions of literal or situational practice—but the sermon is plainly a foundational summary of discipleship under the authority of Christ.