Matthew | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

MATTHEW 5

JESUS SHARES THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Up on a mountain with His disciples, Jesus shares a message that contains His most well-known teachings and principles, commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus starts His mountain message by sharing a list of blessings, called “beatitudes” (derived from the Latin word “beatus,” meaning “blessed”).

The blessings of Jesus highlight the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, reversing the roles established on earth. Jesus shares that those who are poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven, those who mourn will be comforted, and the pure in heart will see God.

Jesus teaches that His followers are to be the salt of the Earth, a substance typically used for preserving foods and keeping them fresh. Jesus also calls His people to be like a light on a lampstand, giving glory to God in heaven for all to see. Jesus’s followers are called to preserve righteousness and bring honor to God.

Jesus clarifies that He has not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill the Law. Jesus does not lower the standard for righteousness, but instead serves as a way for people to have a relationship with God despite their unrighteousness.

Jesus teaches against kindling anger and holding grudges, comparing them to murder of the heart. Similarly, Jesus teaches against lust, comparing lustful intent to adultery of the heart. These two illustrations show that Jesus cares about both actions and intentions.

Jesus warns against divorce, except in cases of unfaithfulness. Continuing His teaching on faithfulness, Jesus also advises against making careless oaths and vows, emphasizing the importance of truthful speech.

In His teaching, Jesus references Leviticus 24 and the idea of equal consequences, or “an eye for an eye.” Although this law appears fair, Jesus calls for His followers to resist retaliation and instead turn the other cheek or go the extra mile. Jesus operates from an economy of abundance, showing generosity and grace to those who do not deserve it.

Jesus encourages His disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Much later, when Jesus is on the cross, He lives out this message by asking God to forgive those who persecuted Him and caused His cruel death (Luke 23:34).

In the last verse of the chapter, Jesus says that “you must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” God requires perfection, but because Jesus was the perfect, sinless sacrifice, His followers have access to God and have been made righteous before God.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Which of Jesus’ “Blessed are...” statements stand out to you (Matthew 5:2-11)? Do any of them surprise you?

What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world?

According to Matthew 5:17-20, what was Jesus’ relationship to the law?