Is the Sermon on the Mount Still Relevant Today?

Nearly 2,000 years ago on a mountainside, Jesus taught how His followers are to live. The Sermon on the Mount remains important for Christians today.

It’s probably the most famous moral teaching ever given. Jesus Christ’s words recorded in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7 are often called the Sermon on the Mount. Why? Because Jesus “went up on a mountain” (Matthew 5:1) to deliver this message.

The Sermon on the Mount is the most concentrated and extensive record of Jesus’ direct teaching in the entire New Testament. Its contents explain and elaborate on the most important and foundational elements of genuine Christianity.

According to John R.W. Stott, “The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed” (The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, 1973, p. 15).

The most relevant sermon ever Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount so that it would be relevant to anyone in any era of human history. Its practicality makes it so extraordinary and important. Since this sermon expounds on the most foundational teachings of true Christianity, we believe its teachings and message are vitally needed in our world today. If its most basic teachings were applied by everyone, some of our world’s biggest problems would be solved.

Within its contents are the keys to ending war and violence, reconciling relationships, experiencing true happiness and developing a close relationship with our Creator.

The world at large will likely continue to ignore Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount—but you don’t have to make that same mistake.

You can read, understand and apply it—and reap its benefits and blessings in your personal life today. By applying its many practical principles of living, you can reduce strife and tension in your life, contribute to healing relationships, grow in true happiness and, most importantly, develop a deeper relationship with God.

Recorded by Matthew and Luke

An abbreviated account of Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount is found in Luke 6:20-49. You’ll notice slight differences between the two accounts—each Gospel author was inspired by God to focus on different aspects of Christ’s life and teachings. Together, these two complementary passages provide an excellent overview of the subjects Jesus addressed during His earthly ministry. Because Matthew’s account is more extensive than the one in Luke, we’ll use it to identify key messages that Jesus delivered for His audience in the first century and for us today.

Overview of the Sermon on the Mount

This booklet will explore each section of the Sermon on the Mount. Here are the main topics covered in the sermon and questions to consider as we begin our study:

• The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2-12). A description of attributes that will lead to blessings and happiness. How can you apply the Beatitudes in your life?

• How to be a Christian (Matthew 5:13-16). Jesus compares Christians to salt and light. What did these metaphors mean?

• God’s law and the Christian (Matthew 5:17-20). Are the 10 Commandments and the Old Testament still relevant for New Covenant Christians?

• How to apply the spirit of the Old Testament laws today (Matthew 5:21-48). How can we go beyond the letter and apply the spirit of the laws God gave?

• How a Christian should approach good deeds (Matthew 6:1-4). Should giving to others be a show or something much deeper?

• The proper approach to prayer and fasting (Matthew 6:5-18). To whom and how should a Christian pray? What is the proper approach to fasting?

• The proper approach to physical versus spiritual treasures (Matthew 6:19-24). Where must a Christian’s heart be in order to truly serve God?

• The key to overcoming worry and anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34). How can trusting God and properly prioritizing His Kingdom free us from debilitating worry?

• The proper approach to judging others (Matthew 7:1-6). What must we do in our own lives to prevent us from being a harsh and critical judge of others?

• The proper approach to seeking God and living by the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:7-12). How can we properly communicate our wants and needs to God? How can we apply the Golden Rule?

• How to distinguish God’s way from everything else (Matthew 7:13-23). What are some keys to discerning the differences between the paths and fruits of true Christianity and false Christianity?

• The foundation on which a Christian must build his or her life (Matthew 7:24-27). How can you build a foundation that will remain strong throughout the storms of life?

Let’s now explore the Sermon on the Mount to learn what Jesus said and how we can apply His words to our lives today.