Sermon on the Mount

  • PER084 The gathering of the disciples and the crowd

    The article addresses the gathering of the disciples and the crowd in Galilee, where Jesus delivers his Sermon on the Mount after choosing the twelve apostles. The crowd is drawn mainly by miraculous healings, but this moment is also essential for teaching Jesus' message. Luke and Matthew offer two complementary perspectives on this event.

    Luke 6.17-19 (King James Version) :
    And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER085 The Sermon on the Mount (1): the Beatitudes

    The article analyses the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting differences between Matthew's and Luke's versions. It explains how these teachings of Jesus, addressed mainly to the disciples, were often repeated and compiled. Particular emphasis is placed on the Beatitudes and their spiritual significance.

    Luke 6.20-26 (King James Version) :
    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 the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER086 The Sermon on the Mount (2): the woes recorded by Luke

    This article focuses on the woes Jesus pronounces in the Sermon on the Mount according to Luke's Gospel. By denouncing attachment to material things and the pursuit of human approval, these warnings highlight the essential values to follow as a true disciple.

    Matthew 23.13-31 (King James Version) :
    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER087 The Sermon on the Mount (3): the salt of the earth

    The article examines the ‘salt of the earth’ in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, analysed in Matthew 5:13 with connections to Mark's and Luke's Gospels. Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate the disciples' role as bearers of wisdom and protection against corruption, warning against losing their spiritual influence.

    Luke 14.34-35 (King James Version) :
    Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER088 The Sermon on the Mount (4): the light of the World

    This article explores how, in the Sermon on the Mount, the image of the ‘light of the world’ teaches disciples to live their faith visibly, illustrated through Matthew 5:14–16, Mark 4:21–22 and Luke 8:16/11:33–35. These allegories encourage them to be examples of integrity, reflecting God's light to inspire others to celebrate him.

    John 8.12 (King James Version) :
    Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER089 The Sermon on the Mount (5), the Messiah Jesus' relationship with the law

    The fifth part of the Sermon on the Mount, this article analyses Jesus' relationship with Mosaic law on the basis of Matthew 5:17–20. Jesus states that he came to fulfil the law fully according to God's original purpose rather than abolish it. He distinguishes Moses' authentic law from the religious traditions added by scribes and Pharisees and warns that their institutionalised righteousness does not lead to the kingdom of heaven.

    Luke 24.44 (King James Version) :
    And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER090 The Sermon on the Mount (6), murder, offerings, and forgiveness

    The sixth part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21–26), this pericope examines Jesus' teaching on murder, offering and forgiveness. Jesus deepens the fifth commandment by showing that anger and contempt towards one's brother are spiritually as serious as murder itself. He contrasts the letter of Pharisaic law with God's original spirit and affirms that sincere forgiveness alone, rather than an offering, restores a normal relationship. The warning is eschatological: without reconciliation, there is Gehenna.

    Matthew 5.22 (King James Version) :
    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.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER091 The Sermon on the Mount (7), adultery and divorce

    Pericope 91 explores the seventh part of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on adultery and divorce (Matthew 5:27–32; Luke 16:18). Jesus goes beyond Mosaic law by condemning not only the act but also thoughts in which one indulges. He addresses divorce in relation to the schools of Hillel and Shammai, setting radical demands. The metaphors of the eye and hand emphasise the need for an inward transformation of the heart to avoid sin.

    Mark 10.37 (King James Version) :
    They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER092 The Sermon on the Mount (8): perjury

    In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about perjury (Matthew 5:33–37). Against the contemporary practice of conditional oaths, he requires simple, honest speech: let ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and ‘no’ be ‘no’. Matthew is the only Gospel writer to report this teaching, as Luke addresses non-Jews less concerned with this practice. James 5:12 repeats this precept in the apostolic tradition.

    Matthew 5.33-37 (King James Version) :
    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 God’s throne: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.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER093 The Sermon on the Mount (9): Vengeance

    PER093 examines Jesus' teaching on vengeance in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38–42). Jesus reinterprets the law of retaliation (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21) by calling his disciples to non-violence, forgiveness and love of enemies. This teaching, unique to Matthew, advocates a peaceful response transcending the logic of vengeance rather than total passivity, in keeping with Romans 12:17 and 1 Peter 3:9.

    Matthew 19.8 (King James Version) :
    He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER094 The Sermon on the Mount (10): loving one's enemies

    The tenth section of the Sermon on the Mount concerns love of enemies (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:27–36). Jesus goes beyond Pharisaic interpretation by inviting his disciples to love even Gentiles, following God, who loves all people. The ‘Golden Rule’ (Matthew 7:12) complements this teaching. The ultimate aim is divine perfection: ‘Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

    Luke 6.27-36 (King James Version) :
    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.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER095 The Sermon on the Mount (11): Giving

    This article explores Jesus' teaching on giving in the Sermon on the Mount. By insisting on a personal relationship with God, it criticises the Pharisees' ostentatious practices. The setting is Galilee shortly after Passover in AD 31, highlighting a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry.

    Matthew 6.16 (King James Version) :
    Moreover 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.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER098 The Sermon on the Mount (14): fasting

    The article analyses the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus criticises the Pharisees' religious formalism. It stresses the importance of sincere and discreet motives when practising fasting and other religious acts.

    Mark 2.18-20 (King James Version) :
    And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER099 The Sermon on the Mount (15): treasure in heaven

    This article analyses a passage of the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus Christ discusses the importance of choosing between earthly and spiritual riches, emphasising that true treasure is in God's kingdom. Jesus highlights the incompatibility of serving both God and money, advocating priority for spiritual values.

    Luke 18.25 (King James Version) :
    For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER100 The Sermon on the Mount (16), cares and worries

    The article explores Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasising faith over material concerns through teachings drawn mainly from Matthew and Luke, and explaining how Jesus urged his disciples to trust God.

    Matthew 6.25-34 (King James Version) :
    Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body 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 one cubit unto his stature?And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER102 The Sermon on the Mount (18), encouragement to pray

    The article explores how Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, encourages persistent prayer, emphasizing that God answers those who ask insistently. It illustrates this concept with fatherly analogies and highlights God’s goodness.

    Luke 6.20 (King James Version) :
    And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER104 The Sermon on the Mount (20), the two paths

    The article discusses the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus explains the importance of spiritual choices, symbolized by two paths. This recurring theme emphasizes Jesus’ call to his disciples to choose the difficult way leading to eternal life.

    Matthew 19.26 (King James Version) :
    But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER105 The Sermon on the Mount (21), false prophets

    This article discusses Jesus’ warning against false prophets in the Sermon on the Mount. The fruits of their teaching make it possible to distinguish truth from falsehood. Three main criteria are considered: motivations, alignment with Jesus, and behavior.

    Matthew 24.24 (King James Version) :
    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER106 The Sermon on the Mount (22), those who call me Lord

    The article explores the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus speaks of supposed disciples whom he does not recognize. Comparing the evangelists Matthew and Luke, it discusses the authentic faith needed to enter the Kingdom of God, beyond ethnic identity and miraculous deeds.

    Matthew 3.9 (King James Version) :
    And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER107 The Sermon on the Mount (23), the two houses

    This article analyzes the parable of the two houses, illustrating the importance of solid spiritual foundations in the face of deceptive appearances and emphasizing the distinction between true and false disciples.

    Matthew 7.24-27 (King James Version) :
    Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.And 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 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.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER108 The results of the Sermon on the Mount

    PER108 concludes the Sermon on the Mount according to Matthew 7.28-29. The crowd and the disciples are struck by Jesus’ unique authority, so different from that of the Pharisees. Through 23 points, Jesus has outlined the portrait of a true disciple, an ideal impossible to attain without profound transformation. The crowd glimpses the Messiah in him and longs for the new life he offers.

    John 6.68 (King James Version) :
    Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate