The Sermon on the Mount is the backbone of the principles we are called to live by as Christians. This is the longest-running sermon recorded in the Bible, delivered by Jesus early in His ministry. He had been baptized by John the Baptist, was tempted in the wilderness, began drawing crowds by his preaching in Galilee, and started calling the men who would become His disciples. We see in Matthew 4:19 that these first four men (Simon called Peter, Andrew, James, and John), once fishermen by trade, would soon help Jesus fish for men and women instead. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Jesus healed the sick and proclaimed the good news of our Father. Word traveled throughout Syria, and people flocked to Jesus for healing and spiritual nourishment. People knew Jesus because of His words and His actions. It’s because of His outward display of love that people began to listen to Him. As He saw the multitudes, He went up to a mountainside and sat down, followed by His disciples, and began to teach. As His continual crowd, let’s listen together, paying attention to these 10 things to glean from this important sermon.
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1. What Do the Beatitudes Teach about God’s Blessing?
The Beatitudes reveal whom Jesus calls blessed and show that God’s kingdom welcomes those who recognize their need for Him. At the beginning of Jesus’ sermon, He reached out and grabbed the hearts of the people around Him. He was surrounded by everyday fishermen, people who were sick and hurting, and those hungry for something more than this world can offer. He reached out and spoke to the meek, the poor in spirit, those hungering for righteousness, and called them blessed. He knew anyone following Him would, like himself, face rejection. He reminded them that they will be blessed if people insult and persecute them because of Him, just as the prophets before them, since their reward in heaven will be great.
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2. Christians Are Called to Be Salt and Light
Jesus calls His followers the salt of the earth and light of the world, meaning our lives should visibly point others toward God. To make a difference in the world means to be different. Here, Jesus calls believers the salt of the Earth. Being careful not to lose our “saltiness” is a call to our everyday living. Lukewarm faith is equivalent to a bland meal. In the same vein, we are to be lights of Christ, not hidden or ashamed of our differences, but boldly standing for all to see the good works He does through us for His glory.
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3. Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law
Jesus did not abolish the Law and the Prophets; He fulfilled them and revealed the deeper righteousness of God’s kingdom. Jesus makes it clear that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Matthew 5:18 reminds us of this fact: “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” He reminds us of the importance of teaching and practicing the given commands, as well as of not swearing by an oath in making decisions. “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37).
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4. Jesus Addresses the Sins of the Heart
Jesus shows that righteousness involves not only outward actions but also the desires, anger, and motives of the heart. At this time, committing murder, adultery, and divorce was a physical act. It is at this point in the sermon that a radical change occurs. Not only are the physical acts forbidden, but Jesus teaches his listeners that the acts of the heart, mind, and eye are just as sinful. It’s here that the secret sins – things we think are innocent that no one would know – are uncovered and all are held accountable. Uncovering the silent sins of anger, resentment, judgment, and lust is a step in a direction that wasn’t common, and still to this day, is harder to control than we would like. This reminds us all that the condition of the heart and soul is more important than outward appearances of sanctified living.
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5. Jesus Called Us to Love Our Enemies
Jesus calls His followers to reject personal retaliation, love their enemies, and pray for those who persecute them. I’d say that this verse is one of the most popular: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:39) What a lesson there. If someone mistreats you, instead of wanting revenge or running away in anger, we are to love, be available to them, and forgive them. Matthew 5:46 emphasizes the importance of loving the “unlovable”: “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?”
I can imagine an audible gasp as Jesus was teaching these precious words. Little did his listeners know that, in time, Jesus himself would be the ultimate example of loving enemies, taking the slap, and loving us sinners who can never repay such a sacrifice. His request of us? Love others. Pray for them. Strive to be as our Father in Heaven is. It’s the least we can do.
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6. Practice Faith Without Seeking Attention
Jesus teaches that giving, prayer, and fasting should honor God rather than gain admiration from others. So much of what we do now is documented somewhere – whether it’s on a blog, a text message, in an Instagram story, or a Facebook post. Funny how none of that was on the radar back when Jesus spoke these words…But I dare say they are more relevant now than ever. Matthew 6:1 confirms Jesus’ view on our motives, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Of course, showing someone what you’ve been able to do in a service project or praying for a group of friends aloud is not bad in any means, but what really matters here is our motive. Are we using lofty words to appear closer to God, or are we documenting service projects to let people know how “giving” we are? Who are we really trying to glorify? If our aim is to hear a “good job” from people, well, that’ll be the only one we hear. So if you have the thought (as I know we all feel from time to time) that if you don’t post it, it won't really matter, remember this, “…then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
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7. Store Your Treasure in Heaven
Jesus teaches us to invest in eternal treasure because the location of our treasure reveals the allegiance of our hearts. So much of what we strive for in our labor is to receive payment. Paychecks equal housing, food, clothes, vacations, etc. It is not wrong to desire these things in and of themselves. It’s when they become idols in our minds that we can be in trouble. Do you crave “more” or are you content with what you have? Do you feel that the next best car or pair of shoes will give you fulfillment to last a lifetime? Truth is, Jesus knew then that our human hearts would always seek immediate gratification, but those things are not lasting like our reward and treasures in heaven.
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20). Where do you focus your energy? In relationships, acknowledgment, raises, certificates, and new homes? Our hearts can be easily swayed. Focus your heart’s joy on heaven, and you will begin recognizing heaven here on earth.
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8. Trust God Instead of Living in Worry
Jesus calls us to trust our Father with today’s needs rather than allowing anxiety about tomorrow to control us. This one is a hard one. It’s important to note that Jesus is not telling us there won’t be hard times or hardships. As He says in Matthew 6:34, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He knew that hard times would come, but worrying about them in our minds would not change anything. We are reminded that God takes care of His children just as He takes care of His creation. What we don’t have is something He knows we don't need…for today. Worrying about whether we will get what we desire has more to do with making sure our desires align with His ultimate will for us than with what we can do to get it.
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9. Examine Yourself Before Judging Others
Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment by telling us to examine our own sin before confronting someone else. It’s amazing how big someone else’s flaws can look to us, and yet, we just don’t see ourselves exemplifying the same behavior (or choosing not to). Do you judge people’s motives, their hearts, their actions, or their looks? Would you like someone to do the same to you? “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2). We are all guilty of this, but constantly remembering to love the other person and letting God be the ultimate judge will save us a lot of hypocrisy…and painful eye doctor visits.
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10. Choose the Narrow Path That Leads to Life
Jesus presents the narrow path as the difficult but life-giving way of hearing His words and putting them into practice. It’s easy to love those who love us. Just so, judging, or wanting to "get even," comes naturally to us as well. But what Jesus teaches us in this sermon runs counter to the grain. Love our enemies, look at ourselves before judging someone else, and "turning the other cheek." We are called to treat others as we would want them to treat us, even when they don’t reciprocate…especially then. Ask God what you should do. Seek His face, knock at His door, and He will answer. The authority and power of Christ’s words stand true to this day. Will you take the narrow path with me? He has already paved the way.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sermon on the Mount
- Where is the Sermon on the Mount found in the Bible?
The Sermon on the Mount is recorded in Matthew 5–7. It begins with the Beatitudes and concludes with Jesus’ illustration of the wise and foolish builders. - What is the main message of the Sermon on the Mount?
The Sermon on the Mount explains what life in God’s kingdom looks like. Jesus calls His followers to a righteousness that transforms their hearts, motives, relationships, priorities, and daily actions. - What are the Beatitudes?
The Beatitudes are the blessings Jesus pronounces in Matthew 5:3–12. They describe people who recognize their spiritual need, mourn, practice meekness and mercy, pursue righteousness and peace, and remain faithful through persecution. - Does the Sermon on the Mount teach salvation through good works?
No. The Sermon on the Mount is not a checklist for earning salvation. It describes the life that flows from trusting and following Jesus, while also revealing how deeply every person needs God’s grace.
For Further Reading
- Finding Peace Through the Beatitudes
- What Does It Mean to Be the "Salt of the Earth"?
- What Is the Lord's Prayer, and How Does It Guide Our Prayers?
- How Can You Still Love Your Enemies When They've Used Up Your Patience and Joy?
- How We Are Called to ‘Judge Not Lest We Be Judged’
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Originally published Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
