The Sermon on the Mount: A Profoundly New Message
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is one of Jesus’ most famous teachings. While it builds on Old Testament law, it presents a radically new vision of righteousness, the kingdom of God, and the nature of true discipleship.
⸻
What Makes Jesus’ Message Profoundly New?
1. A Shift from External Law to Internal Transformation
• Traditional Jewish teaching emphasized obedience to external laws. Jesus, however, calls for a heart-level transformation.
• Example:
• “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not murder’… But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22).
• Jesus moves beyond outward actions to address inner attitudes like anger and lust (5:21-30).
2. The Beatitudes: A Radical View of Blessing
• Traditional wisdom associated God’s blessing with power, wealth, and success.
• Jesus declares that the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who mourn are truly blessed (Matthew 5:3-12).
• This turns worldly values upside down: those who suffer for righteousness will inherit the kingdom.
3. The Call to Love and Forgiveness
• The Old Testament allowed for just retribution (“eye for an eye” – Exodus 21:24).
• Jesus, however, commands radical forgiveness and non-retaliation:
• “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
• This is a stunningly new command, going beyond justice to grace and love.
4. True Righteousness is about Relationship, Not Ritual
• The religious leaders emphasized public acts of righteousness (prayer, fasting, giving).
• Jesus warns against hypocrisy and urges private, sincere devotion:
• “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:6).
• The focus shifts from external religion to intimate relationship with God.
5. A New Way of Seeking the Kingdom
• The world seeks material security (food, clothing, wealth).
• Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
• Trust in God replaces anxiety about daily needs.
6. The Golden Rule as the Fulfillment of the Law
• Many ethical teachings existed before Jesus, but He summarized morality in a single principle:
• “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12).
• Unlike other moral codes, which focused on avoiding harm, Jesus’ command is active goodness.
Conclusion: A New Kingdom Ethic
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount redefines what it means to be righteous, challenging both legalism and worldly values. It introduces a new way of living - one based on love, humility, and trust in God. This message shocked His audience then, and it remains radically countercultural today.