The Sermon on the Mount (Part 1) - Matthew in Twelve Weeks
A Bible Study Covering chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew - Leader Guide and Handout
The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5-7, is one of the most profound and influential teachings of Jesus Christ. In this first part, we explore Matthew 5:1-48, which introduces us to the revolutionary nature of God's Kingdom through the Beatitudes, Jesus' teachings on being salt and light, His fulfillment of the Law, and His radical interpretations of anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, and love for enemies. As we delve into these teachings, we'll discover how Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness that transforms both heart and action.
The Beatitudes: A New Kingdom Ethic (Matthew 5:1-12)
Ask study participants to read Matthew 5:1-12 aloud, taking turns with each blessing. After reading, discuss: How do these blessings differ from what the world typically values?
Jesus begins His sermon with a series of blessings known as the Beatitudes. These statements turn worldly values upside down, blessing those who are often overlooked or marginalized. The Beatitudes paint a picture of the citizens of God's Kingdom, characterized by humility, mercy, purity, and a hunger for righteousness.
The Beatitudes are not merely a list of virtues to strive for, but a description of how the Kingdom of Heaven invades and transforms our earthly existence. They challenge us to reevaluate our priorities and align our hearts with God's values.
Part of what is so compelling about the beatitudes is the fact that, while contrasting with the values of the world, they promote a better way of living in the world. By living out the beatitudes, Christians proclaim the values of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.
Salt and Light: Kingdom Influence (Matthew 5:13-16)
Ask for a study participant to read Matthew 5:13-16. After discussing the passage, invite participants to share clear examples of others being “salt” and “light” that they have witnessed in their day-to-day lives.
Jesus uses two powerful metaphors to describe the impact His followers should have on the world: salt and light. These images speak to the preserving, flavoring, and illuminating influence Christians are called to have in society.
Salt, in a world of blandness, brings out the God-given flavors of creation and preserves what is good. Light, in a world of darkness, reveals truth and guides the way. Jesus calls us not to retreat from the world, but to engage it in a way that distinctly reflects His Kingdom.
Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)
Ask for a study participant to read Matthew 5:17-20, and then discuss the passage. Especially consider: What does it mean for Jesus to "fulfill" the Law and the Prophets?
Jesus makes the bold claim that He came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them. This statement is crucial for understanding Jesus' relationship to the Old Testament and His role in salvation history. By fulfilling the Law, Jesus completes its purpose. He embodies its true intent, perfectly obeying its precepts and revealing why God revealed His law in the first place. Jesus’ fulfillment goes beyond mere obedience; it brings the Law to its intended goal in Himself.
Jesus' fulfillment of the law is multifaceted and profound, a frequently explored topic in the rest of the New Testament. Here are seven highlights:
As the promised Messiah, Jesus brings salvation not through mere obedience to the law, but through faith in Him (Romans 3:21-22).
He is the perfect embodiment of God's will, revealing the Father's heart not in part as the law did, but fully and completely (John 1:18, Colossians 1:15).
Jesus fulfills the law by perfectly obeying it (Matthew 3:15), something no human could ever do, thereby becoming our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Jesus fulfills the sacrificial system by becoming the ultimate sacrifice, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
Jesus internalizes the law's demands, moving them from external compliance to matters of the heart (Matthew 5:21-48).
By inaugurating the New Covenant (Luke 22:20), Jesus fulfills and will fully complete the Abrahamic covenant, blessing all nations through His redemptive work (Galatians 3:14).
Ultimately, Jesus doesn't abolish the law but brings it to its intended goal, establishing a new way of righteousness based on faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:3-4).
Jesus' Radical Interpretations (Matthew 5:21-48)
Throughout this section, maintain a sensitive and thoughtful discussion about how Jesus’ teachings challenge our preconceptions of morality. Take turns reading section by section and discuss the felt difficulty in obeying Jesus’ teachings.
Alternatively: Divide the group into pairs or small groups. Assign each a portion of Matthew 5:21-48 to study. Ask them to identify: 1) What was the traditional understanding? 2) How does Jesus reinterpret it? 3) What's the principle behind Jesus' teaching? After allowing time for discussion, have groups share their insights with everyone.
In this section, Jesus takes several Old Testament laws and radically reinterprets them, getting to the heart of God's intent behind each command. He addresses anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies, each time pushing His listeners beyond external compliance to internal transformation. Jesus’ purpose here, as convicting as his teaching may be, is to point to the fact that keeping the law perfectly is not possible. Ultimately, Jesus’ teaching begins like this to emphasize the felt need for a Savior; the Messiah must provide a way to righteousness not by works, but by faith.
Anger and Reconciliation (5:21-26)
Jesus equates anger with murder, emphasizing the seriousness of harboring resentment and the importance of swift reconciliation.
Adultery and Lust (5:27-30)
By equating lust with adultery, Jesus calls for purity of heart and mind, not just outward behavior.
Divorce (5:31-32)
Jesus' teaching on divorce underscores the sanctity and permanence of marriage, challenging His followers to a higher standard of commitment.
Oaths and Integrity (5:33-37)
Jesus calls for such integrity in speech that oaths become unnecessary, as every word should be trustworthy.
Retaliation and Enemy Love (5:38-48)
Perhaps the most challenging section, Jesus calls His followers to respond to evil with good, to love enemies, and to pray for persecutors. This radical non-retaliation and active love for enemies reflects the very heart of God.
Conversation Starters
Time permitting, engage the study group with the following questions, or use them to discuss and review this session in the future.
How do the Beatitudes challenge our understanding of success and happiness?
In what ways might embodying the beatitudes lead to living as salt and light, living as testimonies to the goodness of the the Kingdom of Heaven?
Jesus calls us to be "perfect" as our heavenly Father is perfect (5:48). How do we reconcile this seemingly impossible standard with our human limitations? What might Jesus be trying to communicate through this command?
Jesus' teachings on non-retaliation and loving enemies seem to conflict with our natural sense of justice. How might this relate to Jesus being the fulfillment of the law? What might it look like to "turn the other cheek" in today's world?
In what ways does Jesus' fulfillment of the Law change how we approach and apply Old Testament commands today?
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