1660 Sermon on the Mount

A collection of Jesus Christ’s teaching on the theme of discipleship. It deals with the righteousness required of disciples, the way they are to perform their religious duties, and the blessing and persecution they will know as followers of Christ. It can be seen as a manifesto setting out the nature of life in the kingdom of God.

The setting of the Sermon on the Mount

Mt 5:1; Lk 6:17 Either Jesus Christ taught similar material in two different locations, as is common in preaching, or else Luke more specifically identifies that he taught on a level place or plateau on the mountainside.

The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount

The blessings of being in the kingdom See also Mt 5:3-12 pp Lk 6:20-23

Jesus Christ’s disciples are to have a positive influence on the world Mt 5:13-16

The relationship between Jesus Christ’s message and the law Mt 5:17-21

Jesus Christ’s disciples are to exhibit a new depth of righteousness Mt 5:20 See also Mt 5:48

The righteousness required of Jesus Christ disciples Not only murder but also anger and broken relationships are wrong: Mt 5:21-24; Ex 20:13; Mt 5:25-26 pp Lk 12:58-59 Not only adultery but also lust is wrong: Mt 5:27-30; Ex 20:14
Mt 5:31-32 faithfulness in marriage is called for; Mt 5:33-37 faithfulness in speech is called for; Mt 5:38-48 Retaliation must be abandoned, and enemies as well as neighbours must be loved.

Jesus Christ’s disciples are to seek only God’s approval in their religious duties Mt 6:1

How religious duties are to be performed See also Mt 6:2-4 Giving to the poor is to be done secretly; Mt 6:5-8 Prayer is not to become a public display; Mt 6:16-18 Fasting is to be done without show.

The kingdom is to be valued above material possessions Mt 6:19-21 See also Mt 6:24-34 pp Lk 12:22-31

Jesus Christ’s disciples are to avoid being judgmental Mt 7:1-2 See also Mt 7:3-5 pp Lk 6:41-42

Jesus Christ’s disciples should pray, confident of an answer Mt 7:7-8 pp Lk 11:9-10 See also Mt 7:9-12 pp Lk 11:11-13

A pattern for prayer Mt 6:9-15 pp Lk 11:2-4

True disciples will obey Jesus Christ teaching Mt 7:21 See also Mt 7:15-20,24-27 pp Lk 6:47-49

Characteristics of Jesus Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount

Mt 7:28-29

See also