The Sermon on the Mount
This is the first of five long teachings...
This is the first of five long teachings in Matthew (see also 9:35–11:1; 13:1–53; 18:1–19:2; 23:1–26:1). The Sermon on the Mount focuses on the Messiah's call for people to become righteousness. Paul considered righteousness to be God's saving actions and a person's status before God. Jesus uses the term to mean moral behavior that obeys God's will, like the apostle James. Righteousness means doing God's will as Jesus reveals it. This "revelation of righteousness" connects the whole sermon.
1When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, 2and He began to teach them, saying:
The Beatitudes
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.5Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the earth.†6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.7Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.8Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.9Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called sons of God.
The first followers of Jesus were persecuted by...
The first followers of Jesus were persecuted by Jewish leaders who were offended by the new teaching of Jesus, which revealed God’s truth with authority (see Matthew 10:17–23; 11:2–6; 12:1–8; 15:1–20; 23:34–36). Since then, following Jesus and his teachings has often led to persecution (10:24–25; 2 Timothy 3:12).
11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
Salt and Light
(Mark 9:49–50; Luke 14:34–35; Philippians 2:12–18)
The good actions of the disciples will positively...
The good actions of the disciples will positively impact the world, bringing glory to God. Jesus warns them not to do anything that could harm this positive influence.
13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill† cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Anger and Reconciliation
You have heard … But I tell you:...
You have heard … But I tell you: Jesus contrasts his teachings to six misunderstandings of the law. Each example shows the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals God's will, which contrasts with human traditions.
21You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’† and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother† will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’† will be subject to the Sanhedrin.† But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.†
Jesus provides two examples of making peace in...
Jesus provides two examples of making peace in communities and society.
23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
25Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.†
Adultery
The righteousness of Jesus exposes sin beyond only...
The righteousness of Jesus exposes sin beyond only outward actions. He shows the true purpose of the law.
27You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’† 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye causes you to sin,...
If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away: These vivid images demand a complete rejection of sin. But even extreme actions like self-harm cannot stop a lustful mind. Jesus calls for a greater righteousness that only he can provide.
29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.† 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.
Divorce
(Deuteronomy 24:1–5; Luke 16:18)
Jesus challenges how people misuse the Old Testament...
Jesus challenges how people misuse the Old Testament rules about divorce (see Deuteronomy 24:1–4; compare Matthew 19:3–9). Only following the rules does not make divorce right. Jesus permits divorce only for sexual infidelity and bans casual divorce (see also 1 Corinthians 7:10–11).
31It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’† 32But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her.† And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Oaths and Vows
Jesus explains the Old Testament's teachings on oaths...
Jesus explains the Old Testament's teachings on oaths (Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2–4; Deuteronomy 23:21–23; Psalm 50:14; Zechariah 8:17).
The Pharisees had different levels of commitment for oaths. For example, oaths not mentioning God were less serious. Jesus teaches that everything connects to God. This includes heaven, earth, Jerusalem, my head (see also Matthew 23:16–22). So, breaking any oath disobeys God's command (see Exodus 20:7).
The main idea is to always be truthful. The teachings of Jesus make a disciple's simple "yes or no" as serious as an oath. Honest people do not need oaths (James 5:12).
33Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’† 34But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.†
Love Your Enemies
(Leviticus 24:17–23; Luke 6:27–36)
The Old Testament allowed fair retribution (payback) (Exodus...
The Old Testament allowed fair retribution (payback) (Exodus 21:24–25; Deuteronomy 19:16–21) to keep punishments from being too severe. Yet, Jesus does not allow personal revenge for his disciples. Instead, Jesus teaches finding victory through suffering and the cross (1 Peter 2:23).
Some consider this teaching as a guide for all aspects of life, including politics. Others consider it to apply to personal willingness to give up rights and forgive as God forgives (see Matt 5:48; 18:23–35). Like the servant in Isaiah 50:4–9 and 53:7 (see also Matthew 12:15–21), the followers of Jesus should apply this virtue to honor, possessions, time, or property. True righteousness does not demand its own way.
38You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’† 39But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; 41and if someone forces you to go one mile,† go with him two miles.† 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Hate your enemy: Jesus is not rejecting the...
Hate your enemy: Jesus is not rejecting the Old Testament. Instead, he is correcting a traditional interpretation that was mistaken (see Exodus 23:4–5). The Old Testament never commands people to “hate your enemy.” The closest verses are in Psalm 139:21–22, where hatred is expressed toward God’s enemies.
43You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’† and ‘Hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,† 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?
48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.