Understanding Scripture

What Is the Sermon on the Mount About?

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, presents Jesus's core teaching on kingdom character, contrasting outward religious performance with genuine inward transformation of heart and motive.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Biblical explanation

Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, blessing qualities the world often overlooks, such as humility, mourning, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness (). He then addresses anger, lust, honesty, retaliation, and love for enemies, repeatedly showing that God's law reaches beyond external behavior into the heart's intentions (). The sermon also teaches about prayer, giving the model known as the Lord's Prayer (), and warns against anxious striving for material security, urging listeners to “seek ye first the kingdom of God” (). It closes with the parable of two builders, showing that hearing Jesus's words is not enough; true wisdom is shown by putting them into practice ().

In brief

Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, blessing qualities the world often overlooks, such as humility, mourning, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness ().

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.