Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5-7 is one of the most powerful, counter-cultural, and defining pieces of literature. It is either a single sermon of Jesus or a collection of multiple sermons. The entire sermon contrasts a Christian and two groups of people, the religious and the secular.

The Sermon on the Mount answers the question: What is the character of a disciple of Jesus?

Here is a general outline of the Sermon. There are numerous such outlines, this is just one of them.

Outline of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

1. Character and Influence of a Disciple

1.1 The blessed state of a believer 5:2-12

1.2 The transformative influence of a believer 5:13-16 (Salt and light)

2. Contrast with the Secular

2.1 Prayers (6:7–13)

2.2 Worry (6:25–34)

3. Contrast with the Religious

3.1 Christian Morals vs. legalistic actions (5:21–48)

Anger, lust, divorce, oaths, revenge, love

3.2 Christian Devotion vs hypocritical piety (6:1–18)

Giving, prayer, fasting

Antithesis of the Sermon on the Mount

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly contrasts the traditional interpretation of the Law with his teachings, using a distinctive pattern: “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you…” These comparisons are often called the “antitheses” in Matthew 5:17–48. Here is a list of the main instances where Jesus compares the old teaching with his new teaching:

Key Comparisons in the Sermon on the Mount

Murder vs. Anger (Matthew 5:21–26)

Old Teaching: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’”

New Teaching (Jesus): “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”

Adultery vs. Lust (Matthew 5:27–30)

Old Teaching: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’”

New Teaching (Jesus): “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Divorce (Matthew 5:31–32)

Old Teaching: “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’”

New Teaching (Jesus): “But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Oaths (Matthew 5:33–37)

Old Teaching: “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’”

New Teaching (Jesus): “But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all… Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”

Retaliation (Matthew 5:38–42)

Old Teaching: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’”

New Teaching (Jesus): “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:43–48)

Old Teaching: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’”

New Teaching (Jesus): “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

These six comparisons are the core instances where Jesus explicitly contrasts the old teachings with his new instructions in the Sermon on the Mount. He does not simply repeat or abolish the old law but deepens and internalizes its meaning, calling for righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees.

Related Sermon: A Disciple's Disposition