Sermon on the Mount
- Cornerstone Church
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
This week’s readings cover Jesus’ authoritative teaching on God’s Kingdom. This is commonly referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus expounds upon the Law to help us understand that the Law deals with more than external behavior. The Law applies also to our hearts, minds, and motivations. Jesus peels back how even our best actions outwardly are often motivated out of a sinful heart. That heart, despite how moral we look on the outside, is in rebellion towards God. Jesus sets the standard so high that no responsible person could believe they could meet the standard. However, Jesus then makes an even more radical statement, saying that he came to fulfill the law, and that’s the Big Picture. We will finish the Sermon on the Mount next week. Remember that each Gospel writer had their own style and focus on Christ. Two helpful points about Matthew’s Gospel: He wrote it by topic instead of chronological, which is why Matthew jumps around. Secondly, his main focus was on God’s Kingdom and Jesus being the Promised King.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Reading Plan - Week 12
Daily Prayer Plan – Week 12
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:14. What was Jesus’ central message? How is the ‘good news’ or gospel connected to the Kingdom?
Read Matthew 6:25, 31. What is Jesus’ command in these verses? Read Matthew 6:26, 30. How is thinking related to not worrying? Read Matthew 6:33. What are you to be seeking instead of your own security or comfort?
Read Matthew 6:1-18. What are some of the hypocritical religious activities that could look genuine on the outside?
Read Matthew 5:17-20. How does Jesus affirm the Old Testament's importance and its completion?
Read Matthew 5:20. What righteousness did the Pharisees have that was not good enough to get into God’s Kingdom? How does the need for a more perfect righteousness point us to Jesus?
SHARE IT.
Read Matthew 5:44-45, 48. Who do you feel is your greatest enemy right now? How does this verse challenge you?
Read Matthew 6:27. Have you ever or have you known someone to be held captive by worry? How does reflecting on God’s love for you help you today?
Read Matthew 5:14-16. When are the times you are most courageous to ‘let your light shine’ before others? When are times you are fearful to ‘let your light shine?’
Read Matthew 6:9-14. How does the Lord’s prayer encourage you? How does it challenge your prayer life or practice?
What was the most challenging example to you personally in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-48)?
FINAL THOUGHT
Jesus preached that the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 4:17), and He also stated that He did not come to “abolish the Law but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). From this point, Jesus goes on to show that no person could possibly consider themselves righteous when reflecting on the motives and secret thoughts of the heart. Only God in the flesh could fulfill the Law and also become a perfect substitute for your and my sin. God showed glorious mercy and grace to sinners. God goes a step further in grace to make His people co-heirs with the perfect Son to rule and reign with Him for all eternity. Jesus became poor to come to give hope to the poor so they might have the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
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