Sermon on the Mount

Illustration of Sermon on the Mount
Era
Life of Christ
Date
c. AD 27-30 โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Matthew 5:1-16
On a hillside in Galilee, Jesus redefined everything His listeners thought they knew about God, law, and life.

The Sermon on the Mount took place early in Jesus' ministry near the Sea of Galilee, as recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, where he taught a large crowd of disciples and followers from a hillside. In this address, Jesus presented the Beatitudes as blessings for the humble and persecuted, instructed on prayer through the model known as the Lord's Prayer, and expounded on topics including anger, lust, love for enemies, and trust in God rather than material wealth. This event matters because it outlines the ethical standards and values of God's kingdom, contrasting external religious observance with inner righteousness. Its significance in Scripture lies in establishing Jesus as the authoritative interpreter of the Law and providing a foundational framework for Christian discipleship and moral living.

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Did You Know?

1

This event matters because it outlines the ethical standards and values of God's kingdom, contrasting external religious observance with inner righteousness.

2

Its significance in Scripture lies in establishing Jesus as the authoritative interpreter of the Law and providing a foundational framework for Christian discipleship and moral living..

3

This event is dated to approximately c. AD 27-30 in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Capernaum.

Key Passage

Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:1-16

A1nd seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousnessโ€™ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 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. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Read full chapter: Matthew 5 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

The Roman Empire is at its peak under Augustus and Tiberius (Pax Romana). Rome controls the entire Mediterranean world. Roads, common language (Greek), and peace make travel and communication easy - the 'fullness of time.' Herod the Great rules Judea as a client king.

When: c. 5 BC - AD 33

Key Civilizations: Roman Empire (Pax Romana)

Biblical Parallels: Matthew 1-28 , Mark 1-16 , Luke 1-24 , John 1-21

Explore Related

Characters 2

Jesus Jesus is portrayed in the Bible as the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah whose coming fulfilled Oldโ€ฆ Peter Peter, originally a fisherman named Simon, was called by Jesus along the Sea of Galilee to become one ofโ€ฆ

Places 1

Capernaum Capernaum was a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee that became Jesus' primary baseโ€ฆ