Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7)

Beatitudes

A series of blessings describing the qualities God honors and the rewards given to such people.

Poor in spirit

Those who recognize their spiritual neediness; promised the kingdom of heaven.

Those who mourn

People grieving over sin and brokenness; assured of divine comfort.

Meek

Gentle, humble individuals who will inherit the earth.

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

People passionately desiring justice and holiness; they will be satisfied.

Merciful

Those who show compassion; they will receive mercy in return.

Pure in heart

Internally clean and sincere individuals; they will see God.

Peacemakers

People who foster reconciliation; they will be called children of God.

Salt of the earth

Metaphor for disciples’ preserving and flavor-adding influence; warns against losing distinctiveness.

Light of the world

Metaphor for disciples’ visible witness whose good works point others to God.

Fulfill the Law

Jesus’ mission to complete and perfect the Mosaic Law, not abolish it.

Righteousness exceeding scribes and Pharisees

A deeper, inner obedience required to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder in the heart

Teaching that anger and insults are morally equivalent to murder and liable to judgment.

Reconciliation

Settling conflicts before worship or court to avoid judgment and honor God.