Sermon of the Mount

 The Sermon on the Mount

A Reflection on Matthew 5–7

Blessed are the poor in spirit—for theirs the kingdom's door.

Blessed are those who mourn—they shall be comforted evermore.

Blessed are the meek—the earth shall be their own.

Blessed are the hungry—with righteousness they'll be known.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

You are the salt of the earth—preserve, don't lose your taste.

You are the light of the world—a city on a hill can't be erased.

Let your good deeds shine before all men,

That they may glorify your Father, then and again.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14)

Do not think I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets—no,

But to fulfill them, every jot, to make the spirit grow.

Unless your righteousness surpasses that of scribe and Pharisee,

You cannot enter heaven's kingdom—so look deep inside and see.

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20)

You have heard it said, "Do not murder," "Do not commit adultery,"

But I say: anger in the heart is murder's seed already.

A lustful look is adultery in the soul.

Be radical in cutting off what makes you lose control.

Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you—

That you may be children of your Father, faithful and true.

For He sends rain on just and unjust, sun on evil and good.

If you love only those who love you, where's the reward? Understood?

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)

When you give to the needy, don't sound a trumpet loud.

When you pray, go into your room, shut the door, away from crowd.

Do not heap up empty phrases like the pagans do—

Your Father knows your needs before you ask Him, yes He knew.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. (Matthew 6:6)

Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name."

Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, just the same.

Give us today our daily bread, forgive us our debts as we forgive.

Lead us not into temptation, but from evil help us live.

Do not store up treasures here—moth and rust destroy.

Store up treasures in heaven, where no thief can ever employ.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The eye is the lamp of the body—keep it bright, don't let it grow low.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

No one can serve two masters—God and money cannot share.

Therefore do not worry about your life, what you'll eat or wear.

Look at the birds of the air, the lilies of the field arrayed.

Your heavenly Father knows your needs; seek His kingdom, don't be afraid.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Do not judge, or you too will be judged—the measure you use will be measured back.

First take the plank from your own eye, then see clearly to help your brother's track.

Ask, and it will be given; seek, and you will find;

Knock, and the door will open for the seeking heart and mind.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

Enter through the narrow gate—wide is the road to destruction's lair.

Beware of false prophets in sheep's clothing, wolves tearing with care.

By their fruit you will recognize them—grapes from thorns, figs from thistles? No.

Every good tree bears good fruit; a bad tree's fruit will show.

Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven.

Only those who do the will of My Father, to them My word is given.

Many will say, "Did we not prophesy in Your name?"

And I will declare, "I never knew you; depart, you who practiced shame."

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:24)

The rain came down, the streams rose, the winds blew and beat on that house;

It did not fall, because it had its foundation on the Rock, not on the mouse.

But everyone who hears My words and does not put them into practice

Is like a foolish man who built on sand—disaster his axis.

So when Jesus had finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at His teaching.

For He taught as one having authority, not as their scribes preaching.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Matthew 7:28-29)

Amen.