Sermon On The Mount Series - An Introduction
- Grant Watts
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Welcome to the Kingdom Life
An Overview of the Sermon on the Mount
We're embarking on a journey, over the next couple of months, into what is arguably the most famous and foundational teaching of Jesus: The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.
Imagine the scene: Jesus, having begun His public ministry and called His first disciples, He is being followed by crowds of people from all over the region who have heard of his miracles and want to know more and see more, He sits down on a mountainside, and specifically calls His disciples to himself with the crowds surrounding Him as well. From this elevated position, He begins to unveil a vision for life that turned the world's wisdom upside down, a vision of how the Kingdom will look and function.
What comes to mind when you hear the Sermon on the Mount?
In many ways this is Jesus’ manifesto, do you have a manifesto? (See the definition at the end of the study.)
More than just a sermon, it's a comprehensive blueprint for what it means to truly live as a citizen of God's Kingdom. It describes:
The Character of Kingdom Citizens (Matthew 5): Starting with the profound blessings of the Beatitudes, Jesus lays out the internal attitudes and dispositions that define His followers. He then challenges the superficial understanding of the Old Testament Law, revealing its deeper, heart-level demands.
The Practices of Kingdom Citizens (Matthew 6): Here, Jesus addresses our outward expressions of faith – how we give, pray, and fast – warning against hypocrisy and emphasizing sincerity in our devotion to God. He also tackles the pervasive issue of materialism and worry, calling us to radical trust in God's provision.
The Discernment and Decision of Kingdom Citizens (Matthew 7): The sermon concludes with warnings about judging others, false teachers, and the critical importance of hearing and obeying Jesus' words, likening it to building one's life on a solid, unshakeable foundation.
Why is this Sermon so significant?
It's Jesus' Ethical Core: This isn't just one of many teachings; it's the very heart of Jesus' ethical instruction for His disciples. How is it possible to live up to what Jesus is saying here?
A Radical Contrast: It presents a stark contrast to both the legalism of the religious leaders of the day and the prevailing worldly values. It's an invitation to a counter-cultural way of life. How different is this description to our current culture here in Australia?
More Than Rules: Jesus doesn't abolish the Law, but fulfills it, showing that true righteousness goes far beyond mere external obedience. It demands a transformation of the heart. Can we live up to the standards Jesus calls us to here?
For Discipleship: While heard by crowds, the Sermon is primarily directed at those who desire to follow Jesus deeply. It's a call to serious, committed discipleship.
Does the idea that this sermon is directed at Jesus followers rather than the crowd change how you understand the sermon?
Over the next couple of months we will cover each section in more detail
1. A manifesto is a declaration of an idea, belief, or mission. Sometimes it’s all three.
See Video from Bible Project on The Inrtroduction to the Sermon On The Mount: