The Sermon on the Mount

Topic: Attitude
Passage: Matthew 5:1–16

February 6, 2020

Commentary

Jesus’ disciples gathered around Him, and he taught them (vv. 1-2). This passage of Scripture is known as the Sermon on the Mount. It is one of the most misunderstood messages that Jesus ever gave. It does not tell a person how to be saved as some people say but instead it tells us what it is like to be saved. Jesus gave this message to individual believers and not to the unsaved world. He says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6). This means to long for the real God, not a false deity of their own imagination. Those who find Him will be filled. The Pharisees taught that righteousness was an external thing, a matter of obeying rules and regulations. They thought that righteousness could be measured by praying, giving, fasting etc. They were concerned about the minor details of conduct but neglected the major matter of character. Attitude shapes our character. The Beatitudes describes the following attitudes we need to have in our lives as Christians:

  1. Our attitude toward ourselves (v. 3). “Poor in Spirit” means to be humble.
  2. Our attitude toward our sin (vv. 4-6). Mourn over sin, despise it, and in meekness submit to God.
  3. Our attitude towards God (vv. 7-9). Share His mercy with others, keep our hearts pure, and become peacemakers.
  4. Our attitude towards the world (vv. 10-12). Expect persecution if you are living for God.

Before refrigeration, salt was used to preserve meat. It also added flavor and was part of a healthy diet (v. 13). People should be drawn towards Christ followers just as they desire salt and light in a dark, bland world (vv. 14-15).

Application

Of the character qualities listed in this passage which two do I want the most in my life? What steps can I take to produce these in my life?

Matthew 5:1– 16 (NET)

1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them by saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people! 14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.