Matthew 5-7

The Sermon on the Mount


Jesus spoke to His disciples on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee.

Note: This important speech was given by Jesus to his disciples. It can be divided into four sections:


The blessings of being a true disciple (Matthew 5:1-16).

Comparisons between the traditions of the scribes and Pharisees and the doctrine of Jesus (Matthew 5:17-48).

Comparisons between the actions of hypocrites and the actions of a true disciple Matthew 6:1-7:12).

Principles that illustrate the difference between good and evil (Matthew 7:13-29)

Blessings to True Disciples

Have students read Matthew 5:14. Ask them how doing the things listed in Matthew 5:1-12 would help them become “the light of the world.”

Old Ways vs. Jesus’ Ways

Jesus gave five examples to show how His doctrine was different from the traditions of the scribes and Pharisees. Read and compare the tradition with Jesus’ way.

Murder
The tradition (Matthew 5:21)
Jesus’ Way (Matthew 5:22-26)

Adultery
The Tradition (Matthew 5:27)
Jesus’ Way (Matthew 5:28-32)

Making Promises
The Tradition (Matthew 5:33)
Jesus’ Way (Matthew 5:34-37)

Revenge
The Tradition (Matthew 5:38)
Jesus’ Way (Matthew 5:39-42)

Love
The Tradition (Matthew 5:43)
Jesus’ Way (Matthew 5:44-48)
Invite students to summarize how Jesus’ Way is different from The Tradition. How can following Jesus’ Way help us be a light to the world?

Hypocrites vs. True Disciples

Compare what Jesus said about hypocrites and true disciples in the four examples he gave.

Giving to the Poor
Hypocrites (Matthew 6:1-2)
True Disciples (Matthew 6:3-4)

Prayer
Hypocrites (Matthew 6:5)
True Disciples (Matthew 6:6-15)

Fasting
Hypocrites (Matthew 6:16)
True Disciples (Matthew 6:17-18)

Priorities in Life
Hypocrites (Matthew 6:19)
True Disciples (Matthew 6:20-34)

Good vs. Evil

Jesus gave four examples of ways people could tell the difference between good and evil. Have students read each one and explain in their own words how their lives will be better if they judge people the way Jesus taught.

Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-5)

Being Kind to Others (Matthew 7:6-12)

Judging Prophets (Matthew 7:15-20)

Judging Disciples (Matthew 7:21-29)