What Is the Sermon on the Mount?
What Is the Sermon on the Mount? The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus' most comprehensive teaching — covering kingdom ethics, prayer, worry, judging, and the radical standards of heart righteousness.
Key verse: Matthew 5:20 (KJV)
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus' most comprehensive teaching — covering kingdom ethics, prayer, worry, judging, and the radical standards of heart righteousness.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus' most comprehensive teaching — covering kingdom ethics, prayer, worry, judging, and the radical standards of heart righteousness.
"Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:20 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Delivered on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee, the Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' magna carta of the kingdom. It opens with the Beatitudes (5:3-12), describing the blessed character of kingdom citizens. Jesus raises the bar beyond external obedience to heart transformation: anger equals murder (5:21-22), lust equals adultery (5:27-28). He teaches enemy-love (5:44), secret prayer (6:5-6), the Lord's Prayer (6:9-13), fasting without show (6:16-18), storing treasures in heaven (6:19-21), freedom from worry (6:25-34), and the Golden Rule (7:12). He warns against judging (7:1-5), false prophets (7:15-20), and mere profession without obedience (7:21-23). He concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders — those who hear His words and do them versus those who hear but don't obey (7:24-27). The crowds were 'astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority' (7:28-29). The sermon reveals that true righteousness exceeds the scribes and Pharisees' external religion (5:20).
Key Scripture References
"Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
"Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock."
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Are the Beatitudes?
The Beatitudes are eight blessings Jesus pronounced at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, describing the character and rewards of kingdom citizens.
What Is the Lord's Prayer?
The Lord's Prayer is the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples — covering worship, submission, daily needs, forgiveness, and spiritual protection in a simple framework.
What Is the Golden Rule?
The Golden Rule — 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' — is Jesus' summary of ethical living, encapsulating the law and the prophets in one principle.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Matthew 5-7 • Kingdom Ethics
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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