Sermon on the Mount

Definition

The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of teachings by Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7, which emphasizes moral and ethical conduct. This sermon is one of the most important and well-known sections of the New Testament, shaping Christian beliefs and practices. It covers a wide range of topics including love, humility, and righteousness, providing foundational principles for Christian ethics and morality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sermon on the Mount includes the Lord's Prayer, which serves as a model for how to pray and communicate with God.
2. Jesus challenges conventional interpretations of the law by emphasizing inner righteousness over mere outward compliance.
3. The sermon addresses a variety of social issues, including anger, lust, divorce, and retaliation, providing a radical rethinking of these topics for his audience.
4. The teachings in the Sermon on the Mount have influenced Christian thought throughout history, impacting theological discussions about ethics and morality.
5. Many scholars believe that the Sermon on the Mount reflects Jesus' vision for a new community based on love, justice, and mercy.

Review Questions

• How does the Sermon on the Mount reflect the teachings of Jesus regarding moral conduct?
  • The Sermon on the Mount emphasizes inner virtue and ethical behavior rather than just external compliance with laws. Jesus teaches that true righteousness comes from the heart, challenging his followers to embody qualities like love, mercy, and humility. By addressing issues like anger and lust in more profound ways, he sets a standard for moral conduct that goes beyond mere rule-following.
• Discuss how the Beatitudes serve as a foundation for Christian ethics within the context of the Sermon on the Mount.
  • The Beatitudes serve as foundational elements of Christian ethics by presenting a radical set of values that turn conventional wisdom upside down. Each blessing emphasizes qualities such as meekness, mercy, and peacemaking, portraying those who embody these traits as favored by God. This sets a tone for ethical living that values compassion and selflessness over power and privilege.
• Evaluate the impact of the Golden Rule from the Sermon on the Mount on contemporary ethical discussions in society.
  • The Golden Rule has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical discussions by promoting empathy and mutual respect among individuals. Its simplicity makes it accessible across cultures and religions, encouraging people to consider others' perspectives in their actions. In today's diverse society, this principle can serve as a unifying guideline for moral behavior and conflict resolution, reflecting core human values that transcend specific religious teachings.

Related terms

Beatitudes: A series of blessings pronounced by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the values of humility, mercy, and peacemaking.

Golden Rule: A principle taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount that states, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,' emphasizing mutual respect and kindness.

Parables: Simple stories used by Jesus to convey moral and spiritual lessons, many of which reflect themes found in the Sermon on the Mount.