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The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapters 5 – 7) is the title commonly given to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It can be said that this particular discourse of Christ is the best-known in the Gospel of Matthew.  Countless books have been written on it. 

There is a somewhat parallel portion in Luke 6: 20-49.  The latter is often called, “The Sermon on the Plain”:  “And  He came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of His disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases;  And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.   And the whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all.   And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God” (Lk. 6: 17-20).

There are many internal evidences to argue for and against the idea whether they are one and the same sermon.  Some commentators are of the opinion that the accounts are two different perspectives of the same sermon.  Others go to the extent of examining whether Jesus taught on the plain or up on the mountain. 

The sermon recorded in Luke is shorter - consisting of only 30 verses.  Matthew’s account is much longer - totalling 107 verses.  Both begin with “The Beatitudes” and end with “The Parable of the two housebuilders.”  Each includes materials absent in the other though there are many similarities as well. 

The Sermon is addressed primarily to disciples.  “Yet at the close of each account (Matt. 7: 28-29; Lk. 7: 1) we learn of the presence of others.  The solution seems to be that the  crowd was there and heard Jesus as He taught, but that the discourse itself was directed primarily to the circle of disciples” – The New Bible Dictionary.  This may explain Jesus’ use of the second person in sayings like, “Ye are the salt of the earth”; “Ye are the light of the world”;  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” (Matt. 5: 13, 14, 16).

The following is an overview of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7):
 
1. The Beatitudes (5: 3-12)

Given here are the eight distinguishing marks of a true disciple.  Our Lord promises blessings upon those whose character and conduct are according to His divine mandate.

2.    The Effective Witness (5: 13-16)

The disciple is likened to salt and light.  Both salt and light exert a permeating influence upon their environment.  Let us be as salt and light in this world of darkness and sin. 

3.    The Obedient Christian (5: 17-48)

He is one who conforms to the laws of God, not in the way of dead religious adherence but in the true spirit of the Lord’s commandments.  Christ teaches the real meaning of righteousness.

4.    The Practice of Holiness (6: 1-18)

Jesus speaks sharply against the hypocritical practices of the Scribes and Pharisees.  Mere outward form stands in stark contrast to the inward sincerity of the heart.  This section contains the Lord’s Prayer.

5.    The Christian Focus (6: 19-34)

Jesus cautions against laying up treasures in Heaven.  We should not look upon any thing on earth as our treasure, because it is liable to loss and decay.  Do not be anxious, for God will meet our needs.  This section answers the critical question: What is the true believer’s focus in life?  Let not worldliness and care crowd God out of our lives: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6: 33).

6.    The Christian Relationship (7: 1-20)

How should a Christian relate with those around him?  The Lord warns against a critical spirit.  It draws attention to the observance of the “Golden Rule” : “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them …” (Matt. 7: 12).

7.    The Christian Foundation (7: 21-29)

Our Saviour closes His discourse by a beautiful comparison, illustrating the benefit of attending to His words.   It is not enough to hear them; they must be obeyed.  He compares the man who heard and obeyed to “a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”  How real is our faith?  Is our faith built on firm foundation (rock) or on shaky foundation (sand)?  A faith which manifests itself in obedience is the only faith which can save the soul:  “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (Jas. 1: 22).

From the above, we learn that the Sermon on the Mount is attuned to every aspect of discipleship.  The Lord has given us a comprehensive guide to a life of obedience and blessing.  May the Lord grant us grace to live according to His Word.  Amen.

- Pastor