Sermon on the Mount Bible Study
Study the Bible with Me | Kim Howard
Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13, 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Personal Translation: You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It becomes useless and is thrown out and trodden upon by people.
Today salt is primarily used to enhance the flavor of our food. Which was also true in the 1st century world. But in Jesus’ day, salt did much more that that. In a world without refrigerators salt was the primary way in which food was preserved or purified.
Salt is good, it enhances the flavor of food, food is bland or awful without it. Same goes for followers of Christ - when we are salty we enhance (or influence others) by our life. But, after Jesus says, “you are the salt of the earth” he then reveals a problem. Salt cannot lose its flavor, but it can become diluted or defiled, then it is cast out, good for nothing, trodden upon.
When salt is mixed with something else it can no longer be used for its intended purpose. It’s useless. And the same is true for Christians. When we become mixed with the things of this world we lose our influence, our flavor, among unbelievers. Jesus’ message is “stay salty”. Don’t dilute what God has for you. If you are the salt of the earth, you can influence or enhance the lives of others, you can help preserve your family, friends, and others from a sinful world. Stay salty!
Matthew 5:14-16, 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.
Personal Translation: You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. People don’t light a lamp and then put it under a basket; they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so they can see your good works that glorify your Father in heaven.
Many Judean cities were founded on the summits or sides of mountains, and travelers could see them from far away. Perhaps Jesus pointed to such a city, telling His disciples that they were like it. The city built on an important location can be seen by many eyes over a wide area, representing a disciple’s far-ranging and widespread exposure to others.
Jesus’ illustration of a shining light illuminating the home suggests a disciple’s more intimate influence. A Christian’s actions cannot be hidden from the eyes of either our families or the world at large. This being the case, one should live a righteous, holy, humble, and pure life, letting “your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Be a light that shines brightly!
Jesus Fulfilled the Law
Matthew 5:17-18, 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Personal Translation: Don’t think that I came to do away with the Law or the Prophets. I didn’t come to do away with them, but to fulfill them. For truly I say unto you: until heaven and earth pass away, not even the smallest letter or the tiniest stroke will disappear from the Law until everything is fulfilled (finished).”
With these words, Jesus honored the Law as God’s Holy Word and declared the Law to be perfect, non-negotiable, and a true prediction of God’s work in the future. Fulfil means “to make complete, to render perfect, to carry through to the end, to finish”.
It is important to remember to whom Jesus was speaking to in the Sermon on the Mount, namely, Jews in Israel who were still under the dispensation of the Law. At the time of Jesus’ sermon to the multitudes, the Law was in full effect, the temple was standing, the sacrifices were being offered, and the veil was intact. When we make the application of Jesus’ words to the church today, we need to distinguish between the moral laws that God gave and the ceremonial and civil laws. When Jesus cried, “It is finished!” from the cross, some laws, such as those regulating sacrifice and worship, were obviously fulfilled because Jesus Christ was the final and complete sacrifice. Other commands, such as the command not to murder or lie, are still as valid as ever. In case there is any doubt, the moral laws are repeated in the New Testament epistles, whereas the other laws (concerning diet, observation of days, etc...) are not repeated for the church. The fulfillment of the Law is found in Jesus Christ Himself and His finished work of redemption on the cross. Jesus blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took them out of the way, and nailed them to His cross (Colossians 2:14).
It is noteworthy that Jesus boldly makes the assertion on His own authority that there is a certainty that everything written within the Law and the Prophets will happen. All of it. Not the smallest jot or title will go unfulfilled.
Jesus came that every promise might be fulfilled, every failure of Israel vindicated, every hope that was once deferred would be actualized, and that every enemy would be defeated. All righteousness in the Law, every glimpse of glory in the prophets, every joy and every sorrow in the scriptures would all be fulfilled in Christ.
Jesus fulfilled the Law because we couldn’t.
Matthew 5:19-20, 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Personal Translation: Anyone who breaks even the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But anyone who obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, unless your righteousness is greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus is teaching that God’s commandments are not to be treated lightly, adjusted for convenience, or explained away to fit human preference. When He speaks of “relaxing” even the least commandment, He is addressing the tendency to minimize obedience—either by personally disregarding God’s instruction or by teaching others that full obedience is unnecessary. Jesus is emphasizing that life in God’s Kingdom values faithfulness, not selective obedience.
Jesus explains that life in God’s Kingdom is marked by faithful obedience that flows from the heart, not by outward rule-keeping alone. He warns against treating any of God’s commands as unimportant or teaching others to do so, because true greatness in the Kingdom is found in both living out God’s will and guiding others by example.
Then He makes a striking statement: unless one’s righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, entrance into the Kingdom of heaven is impossible. This was shocking, because the Pharisees were known for their strict devotion to the law. Jesus is not calling for more rules or stricter performance, but for a deeper, truer righteousness—one rooted in an inward transformation rather than external conformity. He reveals that God desires obedience that comes from a changed heart, shaped by faith and devotion, where actions reflect genuine submission to God rather than a pursuit of religious appearance.
Immediately after speaking of those who are least in the kingdom of heaven, the Lord Jesus indirectly condemns the Pharisees and religious teachers for their misconduct concerning the Law. The Pharisees were examples of those who “set aside” some of the commandments for their rituals and traditions (Mark 7:7-9). Not only did their actions diminish some parts of the Law, but they had no true righteousness because they rejected Christ.
The Pharisees were full of self-righteousness, and Jesus said unless our righteousness went beyond that of the Pharisees we would not by any means enter into the kingdom of heaven. We should always seek God’s righteousness not our own (2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 4:22-24, Philippians 3:9, 1 John 2:29, Romans 1:17; 3:21-26).
This righteousness comes from a right relationship with God, not self-effort.
The New Law
Anger and Murder
Matthew 5:21-22, 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 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.
Personal Translation: You have heard that it was said of those in old times (Old Testament), ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother without good reason is also in danger of the judgment. And anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca’ (an insult meaning ‘worthless’) will be in danger of the council. But anyone who says, ‘You fool,’ is in danger of hell fire.
Jesus said, “You have heard it said, but I say unto you...”
God is not merely concerned with external obedience, but on internal holiness. He is comparing what was said in old times (OT), and fulfilling (completing) the Law with matters of the heart.
In the scriptures above, Jesus gives two quotations. One is Scriptural law, “You shall not murder,” and the other a Jewish custom, “whosoever insults his brother will be in danger of the council.”
The first he follows up with “whosoever is angry with this brother will be in danger of the judgment,” and the second he amplifies with “whosoever says, ‘you fool’ will be in danger of hell fire. Both of these point to the attitudes of the heart.
Jesus raises the standard by saying that unjust anger, contempt, and demeaning speech toward others already place a person under God’s judgment. By naming anger, insults, and words of scorn, Jesus reveals that murder begins internally—in the heart—long before it ever becomes an outward act.
“DANGER” -- WATCH OUT! The implication of this teaching is simple; Jesus wants us to pay attention to the attitudes of our heart. The heart is the seedbed of action. If the seed of hatred is removed, we will never commit murder. If words of bitterness are never spoken, neither will we speak words of hatred.
Jesus wants our hearts to be clean.
Matthew 5:23-24, 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Personal Translation: If you are bringing (GOD) your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there at the altar. Go first and make things right with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift.
The message here - be reconciled. Jesus is teaching that reconciling with your brother, which is another believer, is more important than bringing your offering to God. We should never think that our acts of worship or service is more important to God than following the second greatest commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).
Again, Jesus wants our hearts to be clean. When we come before God in worship, we are forced to recognize that we stand before Him as righteous and acceptable to Him only because of His forgiveness, mercy, and grace. How can we expect to worship God with forgiveness, mercy, and grace when we are not in a good place with our brothers and sisters? There is consistency throughout Scripture about God wanting us to be right with each other if we are going to be right with Him.
Jesus teaches that reconciliation matters more to God than religious ritual. If a person is preparing to worship and remembers that someone has something against them, Jesus says they should pause their offering and first seek peace. The point is that genuine worship cannot be separated from right relationships. God desires hearts that pursue humility, repentance, and reconciliation, because love for God is inseparable from love for others.
Matthew 5:25-26, 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Personal Translation: Settle matters quickly with your opponent before you go to court. Otherwise your opponent may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid every last penny
Reconciliation is important not just for your brother and sisters in the Lord, but also for someone with whom you have a dispute. Settling a wrong quickly avoids consequences that are more severe.
Jesus shares a second example of earthly relationships. But instead of in the church, he shifts the setting to a legal courtroom. The four people in this scenario is you, your adversary (opponent at law), the presiding judge, and the office of the court. This example does not state guilt, but Jesus makes one thing clear. He says to make friends quickly with your adversary, and do so quickly, right now, before going before the judge. Today we would call this scene “settling out of court.”
Jesus presents two options: We can make friends with our opponent and reconcile with him by making right the wrongs we’ve done. The alternative is to choose not to make amends with our adversary and go to trial. When the judge finds us guilty he will hand us over to the officer, and we will be thrown into prison.
If we are thrown into what is apparently a debtor’s prison, we will not come out of there until we have paid every last cent we owe.
Jesus urges urgency in making things right. He teaches that unresolved conflict only grows more serious if it is ignored, leading to harsher consequences later. The message is that reconciliation and humility should happen as soon as possible, because delaying repentance or refusing peace hardens the heart and brings greater cost.
This teaching could also apply to the Day of Judgment. There is another trial we are all on the way to attending. That is the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), where we will give account for the things we have done, said, or harbored within our hearts. It seems clear there will be a price to pay for the known wrongs we have done. The things we remember and do not act upon. If we confess our sins now, we will avoid a negative consequence from the Judge. It seems clear it is better to seek restitution now and avoid answering for our offense rather than when we stand trial before God (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).
Lust, Marriage, and Divorce
Matthew 5:27-32, 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not commit adultery: 28but I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31 It hath been said, whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32but I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Personal Translation: You have heard that it was said of them of old times (Old Testament), ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye causes you to sin, remove it and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife - except for sexual immorality - causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Jesus said, “You have heard it said, but I say unto you...”
Moses permitted a written divorce that allowed a man to put away his wife due to a hardness of heart (refusal to obey), but even from the beginning it was not meant to be that way. So, in other words, it was never in God’s plan of creation for husband and wife to divorce.
Jesus then summarizes the law with an exception clause: “except it be for fornication”. The word that he uses is the Greek word porneia. The term was used for all kinds of lewd and immoral acts, such as prostitution, homosexuality, public indecency, adultery, and the like. So, Jesus is making the ruling in Moses more specific; he agrees with Moses that divorce is permitted because of the hardness of heart, but he affirms that it may only be granted on the grounds of sexual sins.
Thus, Jesus is very clear here: there is no divorce permitted if the grounds for the divorce are extended beyond what the law allowed, divorce based on sexual violation of the marriage. In such cases if there was no chance of repentance and change, divorce was permitted.
This is why Jesus explains that the repercussions are severe: anyone who divorces his wife (for anything other than fornication) and marries another commits adultery. And if anyone marries the person put away commits adultery.
Jesus uses two graphic metaphors -- it is better for you to pluck out your right eye and cut off your right hand -- as a way to memorably express an important truth. God takes sin seriously because sin is what initially broke the relationship between God and mankind. If we find something in our lives (such as adultery) tempting our hearts and causing us to sin, we should treat it seriously. Just as seriously as plucking out an eye or cutting off a hand! Jesus is making an important point about how dangerous our thoughts and desires can be. Being led by our urges, rather than keeping our desires under control, is a path to destruction -- to hell.
Jesus is saying that, whatever is causing you to sin, take drastic measures to get it out of your mind and life. True righteousness seeks to avoid not only adulterous or immoral acts but also adulterous and immoral thoughts.
Making Oaths or Swearing
Matthew 5:33-37, 33 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: 34 but I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 35nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, yea, yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Personal Translation: You have heard that it was said by them of old times (Old Testament), ‘Do not break your oaths, but keep the promises you make to the Lord.’ But I tell you, do not swear at all - neither by heaven, because it is God’s throne, nor by the earth, because it is His footstool, nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your own head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. Instead, let your words be simply ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Anything more than this comes from evil.
Jesus said, “Again, you have heard it said, but I say unto you...”
God’s throne is in heaven, the earth is His footstool, and the city of the great King, Jesus Christ, is Jerusalem. We are told not to swear by these things, but it goes beyond that, the message is...
Don't swear at all! Mean what you say!
As children of God, the truth is ensured by our character, we should not have to swear to ensure our word! Jesus is teaching that the truthfulness of your speech should be the standard mode in which you live (every day). Just simply saying, “Yes, I will, or No, I won't,” should be enough. Having to prove your word with swearing is considered evil.
Your word should be your promise, simply say what you mean and stick by it.
Jesus Teaches on Retribution
Eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
Matthew 5:38-42, 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee the at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Personal Translation: You have heard that it has been said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek to them as well. If someone sues you for your coat, let them have your cloak too. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to anyone who asks, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Jesus said, “You have heard it said, but I say unto you...”
The concept of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is part of the Mosaic Law used in the Israelites’ justice system. The principle was that the punishment must fit the crime and there should be just penalty for evil actions. Beside Exodus 21, the law of “an eye for an eye” is mentioned twice in the Old Testament (Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21). Each time, the phrase is used in the context of a case being judged before a civil authority such as a judge. “An eye for an eye” was thus intended to be a guiding principle for lawgivers and judges, it was never to be used to justify vigilantly actions or settling disputes and grievances personally.
It seems the Pharisees and scribes in Jesus’ day had taken the “eye for an eye” principle and applied it to everyday personal relationships. They taught that seeking personal revenge was acceptable. They ignored the judicial basis of the giving of that law.
In His sermon Jesus counters the common teaching of personal retaliation. Jesus is separating the responsibility of the government (to punish evildoers justly) from the responsibility we all have on a personal level before God to love our enemies. We should not seek retribution for personal slights or injury. We are to resist evil, ignore personal insults (turn the other cheek). Christians are to be willing to give more of their time, labor, and material goods than required. We should loan to those who want to borrow, love our enemies, and pray for those that persecute us.
Enforcing “an eye for an eye” is the court of law’s job, forgiving our enemies is ours.
Love Your Enemies
Matthew 5:43-47, 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?
Personal Translation: You have heard that it has been said, ‘You should love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies. Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you. Then you may be the children of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love only those who love you, what reward is there in that? Even tax collectors do the same. And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing that is any different? Even tax collectors do that.
Jesus said, “You have heard it said, but I say unto you...”
Jesus has been teaching on how to live different from the world. He has been clarifying for His hearers the true meaning behind some of the teachings of the Old Testament. Jesus has said repeatedly, “You have heard it said... but I say...” He wants to be sure that we know what it means to follow God faithfully and fully.
Jesus said you have heard it has been said, “Love thy neighbor.” The teachers of the Law had driven this saying to the point where they interpreted this idea of loving our neighbors as only loving those that love you, only loving your friends, and family, and those who are kind to you. The irony of such a command is that no one needs to tell us to love those who love us. That comes pretty easy! The people had lost sight of what God originally meant by the command. In fact, the phrase “hate thine enemy,” is not even in the Old Testament Law. The experts in the Law had changed the teaching of the Law until it got to the point that it was not what it had originally meant. So, the people had not only missed the full meaning of God’s command, they had actually distorted it.
Jesus sought to bring clarity to what God meant and show the fuller meaning and heart of the commandment. He said, “But I tell you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those that despitefully use and hurt you.” Loving one’s enemies and praying for those that persecute us does not make one a child of God, only rebirth does that. However, choosing to love your enemies and pray for your persecutors shows your family resemblance to the heavenly Father, and thus serves as a sign to your true identity. Jesus goes into detail how God shows love to all, he makes the sun to rise on the evil and good, He sends rain to the just and unjust. Jesus is saying that God shows love to all, and if we want to be like Him we should as well.
Matthew 5:48 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Jesus is calling for a deeper inner obedience. In this sermon, He covers a lot of ground and examples of a deeper obedience that comes from the heart: Murder, anger, lust, adultery, divorce, oath-taking, retaliation, loving your enemies, and praying for those that hate you; and then concludes this portion of His sermon with the admonition, “Be perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”. The word that is translated “perfect” literally means “to be complete.”
Since the fall of mankind, God has planned a way that fallen man could be made perfect; a plan that had ultimate fulfillment in Christ, for our righteousness is in Christ Jesus and we are perfected in Him; “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). In Christ, we are to become mature, complete, lacking in nothing, we are to complete the work that God has prepared for us to do (James 1:4). We are to be perfect, in Christ (complete, mature). That’s what he has been teaching throughout Chapter 5.
How are we perfected in Christ? Jesus said he didn’t come to destroy the law but to fulfill it. He summed up the Law with one word - LOVE. We are to love as God loves. We can become perfect in love when we apply Jesus’ teachings to the way we live.
When we want what God wants, we follow after God’s heart!
