Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 3: Jesus Begins His Ministry
3.6 — The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount: Jesus teaches what it means to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom.
3.6 — The Sermon on the Mount
Living as Citizens of God’s Kingdom
As Jesus’ ministry grew, large crowds began following Him.
People came to hear His teaching.
They came seeking healing, hope, answers, and direction.
One day, Jesus went up on a mountainside and began teaching His disciples and the crowds.
What followed became one of the most famous teachings in all of Scripture.
This message is commonly called the Sermon on the Mount.
In it, Jesus explained what life in God’s Kingdom looks like.
He challenged many assumptions people held about religion, righteousness, power, success, and faithfulness.
Jesus taught that God’s Kingdom begins in the heart and transforms the way people live, think, speak, serve, forgive, pray, and love.
The Sermon on the Mount remains one of the clearest pictures of Christian discipleship and daily faith.
Scripture References
Matthew 5–7
Luke 6:17–49
Isaiah 61:1–3
Micah 6:8
Psalm 15
The Story
As crowds gathered around Him, Jesus sat down and began teaching.
His disciples came near to listen.
Jesus spoke about blessings, righteousness, mercy, humility, prayer, forgiveness, generosity, worry, judging others, and trusting God.
He taught what are commonly called the Beatitudes:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit…”
“Blessed are those who mourn…”
“Blessed are the meek…”
“Blessed are the peacemakers…”
These blessings described the character of people living under God’s rule.
Jesus also taught:
“You are the salt of the earth.”
“You are the light of the world.”
He explained that His mission was not to abolish God’s Law but to fulfill it.
Throughout the sermon, Jesus moved beyond outward actions and focused on the condition of the heart.
He taught that anger, hatred, pride, lust, hypocrisy, greed, and unforgiveness were spiritual issues requiring transformation.
Jesus taught His followers how to pray, including what became known as the Lord’s Prayer.
He instructed people to trust God rather than live in constant worry.
Near the end of the sermon, Jesus compared two builders.
One built on rock.
The other built on sand.
The difference was not hearing God’s Word.
The difference was obeying it.
The crowds were amazed because Jesus taught with authority unlike other teachers they had heard.
Understanding the Story
What Is the Sermon on the Mount?
The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ longest recorded teaching in the Gospel of Matthew.
It serves as an introduction to life in God’s Kingdom and explains what discipleship looks like.
What Are the Beatitudes?
The Beatitudes are a series of blessings that describe qualities God values.
They reveal that God’s Kingdom often operates differently from worldly ideas about success, power, and status.
Why Did Jesus Focus on the Heart?
Many religious leaders focused primarily on outward behavior.
Jesus taught that true righteousness begins inside a person and affects every area of life.
Why Were People Amazed?
Jesus taught with authority.
Rather than merely quoting other teachers, He spoke as one who understood and revealed God’s truth directly.
Understanding Jesus
Rabbis and Teaching
Jewish rabbis often taught disciples by explaining Scripture and helping people apply God’s Word to daily life. Jesus taught as a rabbi, but many people noticed that His authority seemed different. He frequently said, “You have heard… but I say to you,” revealing a unique authority.
Mountains in the Bible
Important moments often occurred on mountains throughout Scripture. Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai. Elijah encountered God on a mountain. Jesus teaching on a mountainside reminds readers of God’s ongoing revelation and instruction.
Salt and Light
Salt was used for preserving food, enhancing flavor, and preventing decay. Light helped people find direction and avoid danger. Jesus used familiar everyday examples to teach spiritual truths.
Prayer in the Time of Jesus
Prayer was an important part of Jewish life. Jesus taught His followers not to pray merely to impress others. Instead, prayer should be sincere, personal, and centered on God.
Connections can also be made to:
Prayer and Worship Preparation
The Lord’s Prayer
Worship Practices
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Old Testament Connections
The Sermon on the Mount connects deeply to the Law, the Prophets, and God’s covenant with Israel.
Jesus repeatedly referred to Old Testament teachings while revealing their deeper meaning.
Many readers see parallels between:
Moses receiving God’s Law on Mount Sinai
and
Jesus teaching God’s Kingdom on a mountain.
Jesus did not reject God’s Law.
He fulfilled it and revealed its true purpose.
Missing Context Check
Is Jesus Teaching Salvation by Good Works?
No.
Jesus is not teaching that people earn salvation through perfect behavior.
Instead, He is describing how people who belong to God’s Kingdom live and respond to God.
Why Does Jesus Raise the Standard So High?
Jesus moves beyond outward actions to the condition of the heart.
His teaching reveals humanity’s need for God’s grace and transformation.
Was This Teaching Only for the Disciples?
Jesus was speaking primarily to His disciples, but crowds were listening as well.
The teachings continue to guide Christians today.
Key Themes
God’s Kingdom Begins in the Heart
True righteousness flows from inward transformation.
Discipleship Affects Daily Life
Faith influences attitudes, relationships, choices, priorities, and actions.
God’s Values Differ from the World’s
Jesus challenges common ideas about power, success, and greatness.
Obedience Matters
Hearing God’s Word is not enough.
Jesus calls people to live it out.
Why This Lesson Matters
The Sermon on the Mount remains one of the most practical teachings in Scripture.
It addresses everyday concerns such as:
anger,
forgiveness,
relationships,
prayer,
money,
worry,
judgment,
trust,
and obedience.
Jesus teaches that following God is not simply about religious activity.
It is about a transformed life.
The sermon challenges believers to align their hearts and actions with God’s Kingdom.
Connecting to Jesus
The Sermon on the Mount reveals Jesus as:
Teacher,
Rabbi,
Messiah,
and King.
He does more than explain God’s Kingdom.
He invites people to enter it.
Christians believe Jesus perfectly lived the truths He taught and enables believers to follow Him through God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Living the Message
This week:
Read one section of Matthew 5–7 each day.
Pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly and thoughtfully.
Look for opportunities to be a peacemaker.
Reflect on areas where God may be shaping your attitudes and actions.
Choose one teaching from the Sermon on the Mount and intentionally practice it this week.
Reflection Questions
Why are the Beatitudes important?
Possible answers:
They describe the character and values of people living in God’s Kingdom.
What does Jesus mean by being salt and light?
Possible answers:
Believers are called to influence the world positively and reflect God’s truth and love.
Why does Jesus focus on the heart?
Possible answers:
Because true righteousness begins internally and affects outward actions.
What does the Lord’s Prayer teach?
Possible answers:
Prayer should focus on God, trust, forgiveness, daily dependence, and spiritual growth.
What is the difference between the wise and foolish builders?
Possible answers:
Both heard God’s Word, but only the wise builder obeyed it.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus taught what life in God’s Kingdom looks like.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus reveals God’s truth and calls people into transformed living.
Obedience in Action
Practice one teaching from the Sermon on the Mount this week.
Walk It Out
Read Matthew 5–7 and ask God to shape your heart and actions according to His Kingdom.
Related Pages
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Jesus Begins His Ministry:3.7:Jesus Heals the Sick
Jesus Begins His Ministry: 3.5:Jesus Performs His First Miracles
The crowds came looking for answers.
Jesus offered something deeper.
He showed what life in God’s Kingdom truly looks like.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
