What Is The Sermon On The Mount?
Jesus began his ministry in 26 A.D. Soon after Pentecost (June 1) of the next year, He noted a large crowd on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee. He climbed up the hill and, soon, his disciples gathered for Him there, as well. As they settled in, Jesus began to preach and teach to all.
Although many scholars believe the various parts of that teaching may have been actually delivered at different times and places, all the lessons are presented in the Bible as being presented at one time.
The "Sermon On The Mount" consisted of major theological ideas, delivered at a place of great beauty to both the disciples of our Lord and the crowd gathered there.
View of the Sea of Galilee from a neighboring hillside.
Why Is The Sermon On The Mount So Important?
It's almost impossible to overstate the importance of the teachings delivered at what is now called the "Mount of Beatitudes." The combination of messages in one place in scripture outlines many of the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Here's a closer look at two of these supremely important messages.
Sermon On The Mount Beatitudes
The Beatitudes are the teachings of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5:3-12. They are a set of eight blessings that describe the character of those who have put their faith in God and live their lives according to His will. These teachings represent the idea that righteousness and reward come through following God’s commandments and living a life of love, peace, mercy, loyalty and humility rather than material wealth or status. The Beatitudes provide an example for those striving to live godly lives and provide encouragement to the poor, persecuted and humble.
Sermon On The Mount - Lord's Prayer
The teaching of the Lord's Prayer in the Sermon on the Mount is one of Jesus' most famous teachings. In it, Jesus outlines how his followers should approach prayer. He begins by telling them to not be like the hypocrites who "love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners" (Matthew 6:5). Instead, he tells them to go into their inner room and pray to their Father in secret (Matthew 6:6). He then explains that when they pray, they should begin by praising God and thanking Him for all His blessings. Next, they should ask for His will to be done and their own needs to be met. Finally, they should forgive those who have wronged them (Matthew 6:12-15). This teaching reflects Jesus' desire that prayer be a sincere expression of faith instead of empty words said for show.
Location Of Sermon On The Mount
The Sermon on the Mount was delivered by Jesus Christ atop a mountain in Galilee, near the Sea of Galilee in modern-day northern Israel. It has been impossible for any scholar to definitively determine the absolute exact location where Jesus stood to deliver these crucial messages, most researchers have narrowed the search for the actual location to a fairly discrete area.
In order to easily share this area with you, it's important to explain a few things about the geography of the area.
Where Is The Sea Of Galilee?
The Sea is located in northeastern Israel, near the borders with Jordan and Syria.
It's very important to understand that nothing in the Holy Land during the time of Jesus was very far from any other place. Although most of Jesus' ministry occurred near or around this body of water, it's not very big. I'm not sure anyone today would name this body of water a "sea."
According to Politico,
- "It’s the largest freshwater lake in Israel — 64 square miles, nearly the size of Washington, D.C.
- The Sea is known by many names and is referred to by Israelis as the “Kinneret,” which is Hebrew for “violin,” considered to be the shape resembled by the lake.
- Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, one of his best-known discourses, is believed to have been delivered on a small hill on the lake’s north-western shore.
- It is Israel’s largest source of fresh drinking water, supplying about one-third of the nation’s annual water requirement."
Sermon On The Mount Location Map
Aerial map showing the size of the Sea of Galilee with distance indicators to other important locations. Map credit: NASA (USA), annotations by the author.
Where Did The Sermon On The Mount Take Place?
The Mount of Beatitudes (marked with a red dot on the map above), is thought to be the place where Jesus gave his renowned Sermon on the Mount. It is a tranquil and picturesque site in the Holy Land. It overlooks the north-western side of the Sea of Galilee and one can get an astonishing view of the lake's northern part and the Golan Heights located on its opposite side.
Moreover, this sacred spot has witnessed many events from Jesus' ministry in Galilee including Capernaum which is situated 3km away and was His home. It's still uncertain exactly where Jesus preached his sermon (Matthew 5:1-7:28); however pilgrims commemorate the event at Church of Beatitudes located on the slope of this mount.
Sermon On The Mount Beatitudes
The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of teachings of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Matthew. It contains some of the most well-known and beloved passages in the New Testament. In it, Jesus outlines eight blessings that will be given to those who live according to His teachings. These blessings, known as the Beatitudes, are a source of inspiration and guidance for many Christians.
Beatitutes And The Sermon On The Mount
Blessing #1: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven;
This phrase is a reminder of how blessed we are to live a humble life, free from the distractions and temptations of the world. By being "poor in spirit", we open ourselves up to the riches of God's kingdom, which is far greater than any worldly possessions or material wealth. It means that those who forsake materialism and seek first the kingdom of heaven will be rewarded with an even greater spiritual abundance on earth and in eternity. The kingdom of heaven is open to everybody, regardless of their background or wealth, but those who renounce the illusion of earthly riches will find true, lasting joy and peace.
Blessing #2: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted;
Jesus is telling us that those who are sorrowful and grieving will eventually be comforted. That God will provide solace to those who are mourning and suffering. When we are at our lowest points, God is there to provide us with comfort and hope. We can also find comfort in each other, in friends and family, in prayers and support. So even though we may feel anguish and despair, we should be thankful for the moments of comfort among the darkness. When we are bereaved we must not turn away from our feelings of sadness, but instead allow ourselves to be comforted by the love and support of those around us.
Blessing #3: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth;
The biblical phrase “blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” is one of the most inspirational and powerful statements in the Bible. It implies that no matter what struggles one may face, faith and humility will help one attain victory. This has been interpreted in many ways over the centuries. To some, it means that those who practice spiritual patience and kindness will receive divinely-given rewards. Others interpret “inheriting the earth” as acceptance of human nature and its imperfections and a contentment with earthly possessions. Ultimately, the phrase conveys that wisdom often brings about betterment, and that those who seek to be humble will be rewarded, whether it be in this world or the next. By recognizing that faith and forbearance can reap great rewards, we can strive to create a society where all are honored and respected.
Blessing #4: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled;
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." These profound words from the Sermon on the Mount echo the universal yearning for justice and moral integrity. They inspire a pursuit of a higher ethical standard, urging individuals to seek righteousness with a fervent appetite. The promise of being filled serves as both a motivation and a testament to the transformative power of moral conviction. In a world often fraught with injustice, this call to hunger for righteousness becomes a guiding light, propelling individuals towards actions that bring about positive change, fostering a society marked by fairness and compassion.
Blessing #5: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy;
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." This timeless wisdom, spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, encapsulates the profound reciprocity of compassion. It transcends religious boundaries, resonating as a universal truth. The act of extending mercy becomes a catalyst for a reciprocal grace, fostering a cycle of empathy and understanding. In a world often marred by strife and discord, embracing mercy becomes a transformative force, fostering unity and healing. It invites individuals to rise above judgment, acknowledging the shared humanity that binds us. Thus, the call to mercy emerges not only as a virtue but as a powerful instrument for creating a compassionate and interconnected world.
Blessing #6: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God;
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This ageless wisdom speaks to the transformative power of inner purity. Beyond mere actions, purity of heart encompasses genuine intentions and untainted motivations. It invites us to cleanse our emotional landscape, fostering kindness and compassion. In this state, one gains a profound clarity, allowing the recognition of the divine in every facet of existence. To see God is not a literal vision, but a spiritual awakening that unfolds when our hearts radiate authenticity and goodness. The blessing lies not just in the destination but in the metamorphosis of the heart along the sacred journey.
Blessing #7: blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God;
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This profound statement from the Sermon on the Mount highlights the divine nature of those who actively cultivate harmony. Peacemakers not only resolve conflicts but embody a spiritual kinship with the divine source of peace. Their actions transcend self-interest, fostering unity and understanding. In a world often marred by discord, these individuals become beacons of hope, drawing others together. The title "children of God" is a recognition of their role in manifesting the universal desire for peace, emphasizing that those who sow tranquility in the tapestry of humanity are truly aligned with a higher, harmonious purpose.
Blessing #8: and blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This powerful proclamation echoes through the ages, acknowledging the resilience of those who face adversity in the pursuit of justice. Persecution for righteousness signifies a commitment to moral integrity despite opposition. The blessing lies not in the suffering itself but in the recognition that such individuals contribute to a higher, more just order. Their steadfastness in the face of hardship becomes a beacon, symbolizing the endurance required for transformative change. The promise of the kingdom of heaven reaffirms the ultimate triumph of righteousness, transcending earthly struggles.
The Beatitudes provide a foundation for living a life of faith and demonstrate the importance of humility, mercy, and peacemaking. They also remind us of the rewards that await those who live according to God's will. As we strive to live according to these teachings, we can be assured of the Lord's blessing and grace.
There are other important messages in this sermon. We will write about those in a future post.
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The Blessing
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
Now, You Can Have A Visual Reminder of The Lesson Of This Blog Post
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