The Sermon on the Mount

In this opening section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sets the tone for the rest of his teaching by proclaiming eight blessings for those who are poor in spirit, mournful, meek, hungry and thirsty for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for righteousness' sake. These beatitudes are often seen as a reversal of the values of the world, where the lowly and marginalized are lifted up and given priority over the powerful and wealthy.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

The Salt of the Earth - Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50

In this section, Jesus teaches that his followers are to be the "salt of the earth", preserving and transforming the world around them. He also warns that if the salt has lost its flavor, it is good for nothing and can only be cast out.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

The Light of the World - Matthew 5:14-16, Luke 11:33

In this section, Jesus teaches that his followers are to be the "light of the world", shining brightly for all to see. He compares this to a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, saying, Do not manifest thyself: but rather let thy lights shine before men; that they may see thy good works, and glorify thy Father which is in heaven.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

Christ to Fulfil the Law - Matthew 5:17-20

In this section, Jesus teaches that He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Anger and Reconciliation - Matthew 5:21-26

In this section, Jesus teaches the importance of reconciling with others, especially in the face of anger and offense. He shows that even in the midst of conflict, we are called to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.

Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Adultery and Lust - Matthew 5:27-30

In this section, Jesus teaches that not only is adultery a serious sin, but also lust in one's heart. He commands his followers to not even look at another person with lustful intent.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Divorce - Matthew 5:31-32

In this section, Jesus teaches about divorce and remarriage, stating that it is not God's original intention for marriage to be dissolved. He teaches that a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and that a woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery as well.

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away committeth adultery.

The Swearing of Oaths - Matthew 5:33-37

In this section, Jesus teaches about the importance of honesty and integrity in one's words and actions. He prohibits His followers from swearing oaths or taking vows, as He teaches that a simple "yes" or "no" should be sufficient.

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is the throne of God: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Love Your Enemies - Matthew 5:38-48, Luke 6:27-36

In this passage, Jesus teaches about the importance of loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and compassion, even when they are hostile or unfair towards us. He commands His followers to love their enemies, do good to those who hate, bless those who curse, pray for those who mistreat (Luke 6:27-28).

Jesus also teaches that His followers should not resist an evil person, but instead turn the other cheek and love their enemies as themselves (Matthew 5:38-42). He emphasizes that this way of living is not natural or easy, but it is a demonstration of God's character and the way to true righteousness.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Almsgiving - Matthew 6:1-4

In this passage, Jesus teaches about the importance of giving alms, or charitable giving, to others. He warns His followers not to perform acts of charity in order to be seen by others, but rather to do so in secret and for the sake of God alone.

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Jesus emphasizes that God sees our actions, even when we think no one else is watching, and that it is our intention and motivation that matters most. He encourages His followers to give generously and privately, trusting that God will reward their efforts.

The Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:5-15, Mark 11:25-26, Luke 11:2-4

The Lord's Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is a prayer that Jesus taught His disciples on how to pray. It is a model of prayer that emphasizes the importance of seeking God's kingdom and His will above all else. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches His disciples to address God as "Our Father" and to acknowledge His greatness and holiness. The prayer then moves on to request God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Fasting - Matthew 6:16-18

In this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the right attitude to have when fasting. He warns against hypocrisy by saying that the Pharisees and other religious leaders only fast to be seen by others and to gain praise. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of having a pure motive for our actions. When we fast, we should do so for the right reasons - to draw closer to God, to seek His guidance and wisdom, and to humble ourselves before Him.

When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head and wash thy face, that thou appear not unto men to fast unto men, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Treasures in Heaven - Matthew 6:19-21

In this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the importance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He warns that earthly treasures can be corrupted by moths, rust, and thieves, whereas heavenly treasures are secure and protected. Jesus is emphasizing that our true treasure should be our relationship with God and the things of eternity, rather than material possessions. He also implies that our heart follows our treasure - if our treasure is in heaven, then our heart will be focused on God and eternal things.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The Eye - Matthew 6:22-23, Luke 11:34-36

In this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the importance of seeking God's kingdom and the deceitfulness of wealth. He warns that the eye is the lamp of the body, and if the eye is healthy, the whole body will be full of light. He also notes that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but rather what comes out of their mouth and eyes. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of having a heart that is pure and a focus on seeking God's kingdom.

The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part of it dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of the candle doth give thee light.

Then said Jesus unto him, Let your eye be single, your whole body full of light. When thy eye is good, thy whole body also is full of light: but when thy eye is evil, thy whole body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which thou hast be not darkness.

Take No Thought (God and Mammon) - Matthew 6:24-34, Luke 12:22-32

In this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the impossibility of serving both God and mammon (wealth). He warns that no one can serve two masters, for either they will love one and hate the other, or they will be devoted to one and despise the other. Jesus is emphasizing that our hearts can only be divided between God and material possessions, and we must choose which one to prioritize. He also teaches that our life does not consist in what we possess, but in what we do for the kingdom of God.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; neither yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? For your life is more than meat, and your body is more than raiment. And seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more ye are better than the fowls? And which of you by taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? Since ye cannot do this thing that is least, why take ye thought for raiment? Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Judging Others Hypocritically - Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:37-42

In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of not judging others hypocritically. He warns that we should first remove the log from our own eye before trying to remove the speck from someone else's eye. Jesus emphasizes that we should not judge others, but rather love them and show compassion to those who are struggling.

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

Pearls Before Swine - Matthew 7:6

In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples about the futility of sharing valuable and precious things with those who do not appreciate or value them. He uses the analogy of casting pearls before swine, saying that if we do so, the swine will trample them and tear them to pieces, and the pearls will be lost. Jesus emphasizes that we should not waste our time and resources on those who are not worthy of them.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Ask, Seek, Knock - Matthew 7:7-11

In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of approaching God with a humble and persistent attitude. He encourages them to ask, seek, and knock on God's door, and promises that God will answer their prayers and provide what they need. Jesus emphasizes that God's goodness and love are available to all who seek Him.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, that for his son asketh bread, will he give him a stone? Or again, if any of them ask bread, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

The Golden Rule - Matthew 7:12

In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of treating others the way we want to be treated. He says that we should love our neighbors as ourselves, and do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This principle is often referred to as the Golden Rule.

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

The Strait Gate - Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:23-27

In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of seeking entrance into God's kingdom. He uses the metaphor of a narrow gate to emphasize that the path to salvation is not easy, but only those who are willing to take the narrow road will be able to enter the kingdom.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

In Luke, Jesus is responding to a group of people who are trying to justify themselves by saying they have been good enough to be saved. Jesus responds by warning them that many will try to enter the kingdom but will be rejected because they did not seek God's mercy and forgiveness.

And they said unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; but he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

A Tree is Known by its Fruit - Matthew 7:15-20, Luke 6:43-45

In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples that a person's true character can be known by their actions and the company they keep. He uses the metaphor of a tree to emphasize that just as a tree produces fruit that is consistent with its nature, so too do people produce fruit that is consistent with their character.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Jesus' teaching in these passages serves as a warning to be careful who we listen to and associate with, as well as a reminder to examine our own hearts and lives to ensure that we are producing fruit that is pleasing to God.

Do the Will of my Father - Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 6:46

In this passage, Jesus teaches that true obedience to Him is not just about external actions, but about doing the will of His Father. He warns that simply calling Him "Lord" or performing miracles does not guarantee salvation, but rather it is about doing what He commands.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that a true disciple is one who does the will of His Father in heaven. This phrase highlights the importance of obedience to God's will as a mark of true faith.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

House Built on a Rock - Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:47-49

In this parable, Jesus teaches that true faith is built on a foundation of obedience to His words and commands. He contrasts this with a superficial faith that is built on shifting sands.

Everyone then that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. But every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people did stare at him as it were thunderstruck.

In this parable, Jesus describes two builders who build houses during a storm. The first builder builds his house on sand, while the second builds his house on rock. The storm comes, and the house built on sand collapses, while the house built on rock stands firm. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the importance of building one's faith on a solid foundation of obedience to His words.

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

In Luke 6:47-49, Jesus uses this parable again to emphasize the importance of doing what He says. He describes a person who comes to Him, hears His words, and does them as being like a wise builder who lays the foundation of his house on rock. The result is a strong and stable life that can withstand the storms of life.