Sermon on the Mount (01): Getting Ready for Life in God’s Kingdom
This blog begins a new series on the Sermon on the Mount, which is the longest single collection of Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels. What Jesus teaches here is not easy. It challenges everyone who reads it and takes it seriously. Jesus talks about the kind of people we should be and how we should act, and it can feel overwhelming. But if we are followers of Jesus, we must pay close attention to how He wants us to live. This series will explore what He taught and what it means for our lives.
When Jesus went up on the mountain to teach, He wasn’t just sharing random wise sayings. He was giving a bold message about how to live under God’s rule—a message that describes the values of God’s Kingdom. This part of Scripture is not just a historical note; it is a powerful introduction to a life-changing teaching.
Matthew 5:1–2 sets the scene. Jesus sees the large crowds and goes up a mountainside. This action is meaningful. Jesus often stepped away from the crowds, not because He didn’t care about them, but because He didn’t want to be limited by their expectations. By withdrawing, He shows that depth is more important than popularity. He sits down—the common teaching position for a Jewish rabbi—and begins to speak. His disciples come to Him, which tells us that this teaching is meant for those who are serious about following Him.
This mountain setting reminds us of Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai. But while Moses delivered God’s law, Jesus goes further. He doesn’t just explain the Law; He fulfills and reinterprets it with His own authority. Throughout the sermon, Jesus will often say things like, “You have heard it said… but I say to you.” These words show us that Jesus speaks with the full authority of God Himself.
Some people think the Sermon on the Mount is just a random collection of Jesus’ sayings. But it is more than that. It is a carefully arranged summary of the main things Jesus taught during His ministry. Though it might not have been one long speech given all at once, it brings together key ideas in a powerful and meaningful way. The title “Sermon on the Mount” was first used by the early church leader Augustine, but it might better be called the “Teaching on the Hill” because it is full of moral and spiritual wisdom.
Jesus starts with the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12). These describe the kind of heart that belongs to someone in God’s Kingdom. It’s no accident that Jesus begins with character. Before we talk about actions, we must understand who we are. These blessings are not earned; they are given to those who have the right heart: those who are humble, who mourn over sin, who are gentle, who hunger for what is right, who show mercy, who are pure in heart, who make peace, and who suffer for doing what is right.
Character shapes behavior. In verses 13–16, Jesus calls His followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves and adds flavor; light helps us see and find our way. But if salt loses its flavor and light is hidden, they don’t help anyone. In the same way, our ability to influence the world depends on our character. If our hearts are not shaped by Christ, we won’t be able to represent Him well.
Next, Jesus explains His relationship to the Law. He says He did not come to get rid of the Law, but to fulfill it. The Law is good and holy, but it cannot save us. It shows us our sin and leads us to grace. Paul says in Galatians 3:24 that the Law is like a tutor that leads us to Christ. Jesus is the only one who perfectly kept the Law, and through faith in Him, His righteousness becomes ours.
This great exchange—our sin for His righteousness—is the amazing truth of the gospel. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This truth isn’t just a doctrine to believe—it’s a truth that changes us from the inside out. The cross shows both God’s justice and His mercy in a single, powerful moment.
Jesus ends this part of the sermon with a striking command: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). This isn’t an exaggeration. It is a call to give our whole hearts to God. On our own, we cannot do this. But with God’s Spirit living in us, we can grow to live this kind of life. The Sermon on the Mount is not just about good behavior. It is about living a new kind of life through Jesus Christ.
In summary, the Sermon on the Mount is not just an impossible dream. It is the clearest picture of the life God wants for those who follow Jesus. It shows us how much we need Him and invites us to trust the Holy Spirit to make us into the people God created us to be.
To explore the Sermon on the Mount more deeply and discover how to thoughtfully answer the questions below, subscribe to Ken Boa Reflections on Substack.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does the Sermon on the Mount challenge our cultural assumptions about righteousness and religious devotion?
- How does the metaphor of salt and light help you understand your role and influence as a follower of Christ in today’s world?
- Why is character foundational in Jesus’ teaching, and how can you cultivate the Beatitudes in your own life?
- How does understanding Christ’s fulfillment of the Law affect your view of grace, righteousness, and justification?
