BibleProject | Sermon on the MountSample

Introduction

Welcome to the 10-day Sermon on the Mount reading plan! Over the course of this plan, we’ll read all of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) in 10 short sections. And each day, we’ll explore a related video from our Sermon on the Mount video series, along with some reflection questions.

On this first day, we’ll consider important details about Jesus’ cultural context that form the background of his sermon. First, let’s watch episode 1, Intro to the Sermon on the Mount.

Video Reflection Questions:

1. Jesus opens his sermon with descriptions of people who are already experiencing the good life of God's Kingdom. What might this tell us about God's definition of goodness?
2. Rather than speaking from the temple to the most powerful Israelites in Jerusalem, Jesus heads into rural Galilee to speak with oppressed, powerless people. Why might he have chosen this location and these people?
3. Take some time to reflect on any other themes or ideas that stood out to you from the video.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is no average Sunday sermon; it’s his announcement that the Kingdom of God is beginning in him. To get some more context and prepare us for Jesus’ words, let’s read Matthew 3-4, where we see Jesus’ mysterious baptism, his intense testing in the wilderness, and the start of his public ministry.

At Jesus’ baptism, God declares from the skies that Jesus is his beloved Son. Then, in the wilderness, Jesus passes three tests of faith, showing himself to be the long-awaited leader of Israel and the world. And in Galilee, he begins to teach, “Repent!” which means “turn around” or “change direction,” “For the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” He’s letting everyone know that it’s time to turn away from mainstream, popular assumptions about life and goodness. But how? By learning, trusting, and following the wisdom of God.

Crowds from the surrounding region flock to Jesus, bringing sick people and those oppressed by evil spirits. Jesus heals them all, showing that God’s Kingdom will not come through violence against enemies, but through healing all that is broken (instead of merely throwing it away). With this message, anticipation and excitement grows around this young rabbi from Nazareth.