Matthew Chapter 5: The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew Chapter 5 marks the beginning of Jesus' renowned Sermon on the Mount, a foundational passage in the New Testament that outlines Christian behavior, attitudes, and ethics. This chapter introduces the Beatitudes and covers essential teachings on humility, mercy, purity, forgiveness, and the role of believers as salt and light in the world. The sermon takes place on a hillside near Capernaum, where Jesus sits to instruct His disciples and a gathered crowd, presenting a radical message that emphasizes internal righteousness over mere external observance of religious law.

by Quinton Tate

Historical and Cultural Context
The Sermon on the Mount occurs during Jesus' early ministry in Galilee, around 27-30 AD. This teaching style, with Jesus seated, was typical for rabbis and signified official instruction. The audience consisted primarily of His disciples, but also included large crowds from various regions. Jesus' teachings were revolutionary compared to prevalent ideas of the time, focusing on heart-level obedience rather than just outward compliance with religious laws.
This chapter sets the foundation for understanding God's Kingdom values, which Jesus would later exemplify through His sacrifice. The teachings in Matthew 5 point towards the need for salvation, ultimately fulfilled through Jesus' death and resurrection.

1

Early Galilean Ministry
Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee, attracting followers and performing miracles.

2

Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivers His foundational teachings, including the Beatitudes and interpretations of the Law.

3

Continued Ministry
Jesus expands His teachings and performs miracles, leading to His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection.
Key Figures in Matthew Chapter 5
The primary figure in Matthew 5 is Jesus Christ, who delivers the Sermon on the Mount with divine authority. His teachings contrast sharply with those of the scribes and Pharisees, as Jesus reinterprets and fulfills the Law. The disciples form His primary audience, learning what it means to follow Him and be citizens of His Kingdom. These teachings would shape them into leaders who would carry forward Jesus' message after His ascension.
A large crowd also gathers to hear Jesus, comprising people from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. Their diverse backgrounds highlight the wide-ranging appeal of Jesus' message.
Jesus Christ
The central figure, delivering the Sermon on the Mount with divine authority.
Disciples
Jesus' primary audience, learning to be citizens of His Kingdom.
The Crowd
A diverse group from various regions, drawn by Jesus' teachings and miracles.
The Beatitudes: Introduction
The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:3-12, form the opening of the Sermon on the Mount. These statements of blessing outline the characteristics of those who are part of God's Kingdom. Each Beatitude begins with "Blessed are..." and describes a spiritual attribute or action, followed by a corresponding promise or reward. The Beatitudes present a counter-cultural view of blessing, emphasizing spiritual richness over material wealth, and inner character over outward success.
These teachings lay the foundation for the rest of the sermon, introducing the radical nature of Jesus' message and the upside-down values of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Counter-Cultural
The Beatitudes challenge worldly definitions of success and happiness.
Kingdom Values
They outline the characteristics of those who belong to God's Kingdom.
Spiritual Promises
Each Beatitude includes a promise or reward for those who embody these traits.
Foundation
The Beatitudes set the stage for Jesus' further teachings in the sermon.
The Poor in Spirit
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This first Beatitude emphasizes spiritual humility and dependence on God. To be "poor in spirit" means recognizing one's spiritual bankruptcy apart from God. It's an acknowledgment of our need for divine grace and guidance. This attitude stands in stark contrast to spiritual pride or self-sufficiency.
The promise attached to this Beatitude is significant: "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Those who humble themselves before God are granted citizenship in His kingdom, both in the present and in the future eternal state.
Meaning
Recognizing spiritual need and dependence on God
Contrast
Opposes spiritual pride and self-sufficiency
Promise
Citizenship in the kingdom of heaven
Those Who Mourn
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). This Beatitude speaks to those who experience sorrow, particularly over sin and its effects in the world. It encompasses both personal grief over one's own sins and a broader lament over the brokenness of creation. Jesus promises comfort to those who mourn, indicating God's compassion and the ultimate hope of redemption.
This teaching challenges the worldly notion that happiness is found in avoiding pain or sorrow. Instead, it suggests that facing and processing grief, especially in relation to sin, leads to true comfort and blessing from God.

1

Recognition
Acknowledging the reality of sin and brokenness in the world and in oneself.

2

Mourning
Experiencing genuine sorrow over sin and its effects.

3

Comfort
Receiving God's compassion and the hope of ultimate redemption.
The Meek
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, actually refers to strength under control. It involves humility, gentleness, and patience, particularly in the face of adversity or injustice. The meek person trusts in God's timing and justice rather than asserting their own rights forcefully.
The promise of inheriting the earth may seem paradoxical, as the meek often appear to lose out in worldly terms. However, this Beatitude points to God's ultimate plan of redemption, where those who embody Christ-like meekness will share in His rule over a renewed creation.

1

True Strength
Meekness is power under control, not weakness or passivity.

2

Trust in God
The meek rely on God's justice and timing rather than forceful self-assertion.

3

Future Inheritance
God promises the meek a share in His renewed creation.

4

Christ-like Character
Meekness reflects Jesus' own character and approach to power.
Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This Beatitude speaks of an intense desire for righteousness - both personal holiness and justice in the world. The metaphor of hunger and thirst emphasizes the depth and urgency of this longing. It's not a casual interest, but a driving force in one's life.
The promise of being filled suggests that God will satisfy this deep spiritual craving. This fulfillment begins in the present as believers grow in Christ-likeness, but will be fully realized in God's coming kingdom where perfect righteousness will reign.
1
Intense Desire
A deep longing for personal holiness and social justice.
2
Active Pursuit
Actively seeking righteousness in all aspects of life.
3
Progressive Fulfillment
Growing in Christ-likeness and seeing glimpses of justice.
4
Ultimate Satisfaction
Complete fulfillment in God's coming righteous kingdom.
The Merciful
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This Beatitude emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and forgiveness to others. Mercy goes beyond justice, offering kindness and help to those in need, even when they may not deserve it. It reflects God's own character of grace and compassion towards humanity.
The promise attached to this Beatitude suggests a reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving mercy. Those who extend mercy to others will themselves experience God's mercy. This teaching encourages believers to break cycles of vengeance and retaliation, instead fostering a culture of forgiveness and compassion.
Extending Mercy
Offering compassion and forgiveness to others, even when undeserved.
Receiving Mercy
Experiencing God's forgiveness and compassion in return.
Breaking Cycles
Mercy disrupts patterns of retaliation, fostering a culture of forgiveness.
The Pure in Heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). This Beatitude speaks to the importance of inner purity and sincerity. To be pure in heart means to have undivided devotion to God, free from hypocrisy and deceit. It involves integrity, where one's inner thoughts and motivations align with their outward actions.
The promise of seeing God is profound, suggesting both a spiritual perception of God's presence and character in this life, and the ultimate promise of beholding God face to face in eternity. This Beatitude emphasizes that true spirituality is not about outward appearances, but about the condition of one's heart before God.
Inner Purity
Undivided devotion to God, free from hypocrisy.
Integrity
Alignment of inner thoughts with outward actions.
Spiritual Perception
Growing awareness of God's presence and character.
Ultimate Promise
The hope of seeing God face to face in eternity.
The Peacemakers
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). This Beatitude commends those who actively work to bring about peace and reconciliation. Peacemaking goes beyond merely avoiding conflict; it involves taking initiative to heal relationships, promote understanding, and establish justice. This reflects God's own character as the ultimate peacemaker, reconciling humanity to Himself through Christ.
The promise of being called children of God indicates that peacemakers bear a family resemblance to their heavenly Father. By engaging in the work of reconciliation, they demonstrate their spiritual lineage and participate in God's ongoing work of restoration in the world.

1

Conflict
Recognizing areas of discord and division.

2

Initiative
Taking active steps to promote understanding and reconciliation.

3

Restoration
Working towards healing relationships and establishing justice.

4

Peace
Achieving harmony and reflecting God's reconciling nature.
Those Persecuted for Righteousness
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). This Beatitude addresses the reality that following Christ and pursuing righteousness may lead to opposition and suffering. It assures believers that such persecution, far from being a sign of God's absence, is actually accompanied by His blessing.
The promise of the kingdom of heaven, mirroring the first Beatitude, forms a bookend to this section. It reminds the persecuted that they are citizens of God's kingdom, even when facing hostility in the world. This teaching prepares disciples for the challenges they may face and assures them of their ultimate vindication and reward.
Cause of Persecution
Suffering for the sake of righteousness and faithfulness to Christ.
Nature of Blessing
God's presence and approval amid suffering.
Promise
Citizenship and inheritance in God's kingdom.
Salt of the Earth
"You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13). Jesus uses this metaphor to describe the role and influence of His followers in the world. Salt in ancient times was valuable for its preservative properties and its ability to enhance flavor. Similarly, believers are called to have a preserving and flavoring effect on society, counteracting moral decay and adding the "taste" of God's kingdom to the world around them.
The warning about salt losing its saltiness emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual vitality and distinctiveness. Disciples who lose their "saltiness" - their Christ-like character and influence - become ineffective in their mission to impact the world for God's kingdom.
Preservation
Counteracting moral and spiritual decay in society.
Flavor
Adding the distinctive "taste" of God's kingdom to the world.
Warning
Maintaining spiritual vitality to remain effective.
Light of the World
"You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16). This metaphor complements the salt analogy, emphasizing the visible impact believers should have. Light illuminates darkness, provides guidance, and reveals truth. Jesus calls His followers to shine brightly, not hiding their faith but allowing it to be seen clearly by others.
The instruction to let your light shine "before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" highlights the purpose of this visibility. The goal is not self-promotion, but to draw attention to God's goodness and grace, ultimately leading others to glorify Him.
1
Illumination
Dispelling spiritual and moral darkness in society.
2
Guidance
Providing direction and hope to those around.
3
Visibility
Living out faith openly and authentically.
4
Glory to God
Pointing others to God through good deeds and character.
Fulfillment of the Law
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). Jesus addresses potential misunderstandings about His relationship to the Old Testament law. He affirms the enduring validity of God's law while also claiming the authority to fulfill and interpret it.
This fulfillment involves both Jesus' perfect obedience to the law and His completion of its prophetic elements. It also includes His authoritative interpretation of the law's true intent, which He expounds in the following verses. This teaching establishes continuity between the Old and New Testaments while also highlighting Jesus' unique role in bringing God's redemptive plan to its climax.
The Enduring Nature of God's Word
"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" (Matthew 5:18). Jesus emphasizes the enduring nature and authority of God's Word. Even the smallest details of Scripture (represented by the "smallest letter" or "least stroke of a pen") are significant and will remain until God's purposes are fully accomplished.
This teaching underscores the importance of taking Scripture seriously and seeking to understand and apply it faithfully. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's Word in Christ and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
Permanence
God's Word endures beyond temporal changes.
Detail
Even smallest parts of Scripture are significant.
Authority
God's Word remains authoritative for believers.
Fulfillment
Scripture points to and finds completion in Christ.
The Importance of Obedience
"Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:19). Jesus stresses the importance of both obeying and teaching God's commands. He warns against disregarding even seemingly minor commandments or encouraging others to do so.
This teaching emphasizes the holistic nature of discipleship, where belief and practice are inseparable. It also suggests that one's attitude towards God's commands impacts their status in the kingdom of heaven, encouraging a wholehearted commitment to God's will.

1

Understanding
Grasping the true intent of God's commands.

2

Obedience
Putting God's commands into practice in daily life.

3

Teaching
Instructing others in the proper understanding and application of God's commands.
Surpassing Righteousness
"For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20). This statement sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teachings on the true intent of the law. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to religious rules, yet Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness.
This surpassing righteousness is not about more rigorous rule-keeping, but about a heart transformed by God's grace, leading to genuine love for God and others. It points to the need for internal transformation, not just external conformity, and ultimately to the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.
Pharisaic Righteousness
External conformity to religious rules
Surpassing Righteousness
Heart-level transformation leading to genuine love and obedience
Ultimate Source
Righteousness through faith in Christ
Anger and Reconciliation
"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22). Jesus expands the commandment against murder to address the root issue of anger. He shows that God is concerned not just with outward actions, but with the heart attitudes that lead to those actions.
Jesus goes on to emphasize the importance of reconciliation, even prioritizing it over religious duties (5:23-26). This teaching challenges believers to take their relationships seriously and to actively pursue peace and reconciliation with others.
1
Heart Attitude
Recognizing and addressing anger in one's heart.
2
Reconciliation
Taking initiative to resolve conflicts and restore relationships.
3
Priority
Valuing reconciliation even above religious observances.
4
Peace
Cultivating a lifestyle of peacemaking and harmony.
Adultery and Lust
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus again addresses the heart behind the action, showing that the commandment against adultery extends to lustful thoughts. This teaching emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional purity, not just physical fidelity.
The subsequent verses (5:29-30) use hyperbole to stress the seriousness of this issue, urging disciples to take drastic measures to avoid sin. While not meant to be taken literally, these statements underscore the importance of guarding one's heart and mind against impurity.
Heart Purity
Maintaining mental and emotional faithfulness.
Thought Life
Recognizing the significance of one's inner thoughts.
Radical Action
Taking serious measures to avoid temptation.
Holistic Fidelity
Cultivating faithfulness in thought, word, and deed.
Divorce
"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery" (Matthew 5:31-32). Jesus addresses the issue of divorce, tightening the interpretation of Mosaic law. He emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage, allowing divorce only in cases of sexual immorality.
This teaching highlights the seriousness with which God views marriage and the potential consequences of divorce. It challenges believers to prioritize the health and integrity of their marriages, seeking reconciliation and faithfulness rather than easy dissolution.
Marriage Sanctity
Upholding the sacred and permanent nature of marriage.
Limited Exception
Recognizing sexual immorality as grounds for divorce.
Reconciliation
Encouraging efforts to maintain and restore marital relationships.
Theological Implications on Repentance
Humility and Sorrow
Repentance involves recognizing our shortcomings and experiencing sorrow for our sins. It's a humbling realization that we need God's grace.
Turning Away and Seeking Change
Repentance is about turning away from sin and embracing a new life in Christ. This journey involves a genuine desire for change and a commitment to living according to God's teachings.
God's Grace and Forgiveness
Repentance opens the door to God's grace and forgiveness. This transformative experience leads to spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with Christ.
Conclusion
The Sermon on the Mount lays out a profound vision of a life lived in faithful obedience to God. Jesus' teaching challenges us to move beyond outward compliance with the law and instead cultivate purity of heart, mind, and action.