The Sermon on the Mount: A Study Guide

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is the most famous teaching in human history. In three chapters, Jesus lays out the character, ethics, and priorities of the Kingdom of God. It is demanding, revolutionary, and deeply challenging — and it begins not with commands but with blessings.

Overview

Matthew 5:1–12 — The Beatitudes

Jesus opens with a series of paradoxical blessings: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit... blessed are those who mourn... blessed are the meek.' The Kingdom belongs to those the world overlooks.

Matthew 5:13–16 — Salt and Light

Followers of Jesus are called to be preserving salt and illuminating light in the world — not hidden, but visible.

Matthew 5:17–48 — A Higher Righteousness

Jesus repeatedly says 'You have heard it said... but I say to you,' raising the standard beyond external behavior to the heart. Murder begins with anger; adultery begins with lust. The goal: 'Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'

Matthew 6:1–18 — Giving, Prayer, and Fasting

These three practices are the pillars of Jewish piety. Jesus does not abolish them — He purifies the motivation. Do them for God, not for human approval.

Matthew 6:19–34 — Treasure, Worry, and Priorities

The famous passage on not worrying is here. Jesus diagnoses worry as a divided heart (serving two masters) and calls us to single-minded trust in God: 'Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.'

Matthew 7:1–29 — Judgment, Asking, and Building

The sermon closes with warnings about judging others, the invitation to ask God for what we need, the narrow and wide gates, and the parable of wise and foolish builders. The only safe foundation is Jesus' words — put into practice.

Study Questions

1. Which Beatitude challenges you most? Why?
2. In Matthew 5:21–48, Jesus intensifies six Old Testament commands. What is He revealing about the nature of sin?
3. How does Matthew 6:19–24 describe the problem of money and possessions?
4. What does Jesus mean by 'seek first the kingdom of God' (6:33)?
5. The sermon ends with a test: hearing these words and doing them. What is one thing you can put into practice this week?

Memory Verses

• Matthew 5:3 — 'Blessed are the poor in spirit'
• Matthew 6:9–13 — The Lord's Prayer
• Matthew 6:33 — 'Seek first the kingdom'
• Matthew 7:7 — 'Ask, and it will be given to you'