Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

This sermon introduces the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus’ declaration of what life in His kingdom should look like—an invitation to live a radically different, Christ-centered life. It emphasizes that the Sermon is not merely a list of moral ideals, but a call to transformation that reflects the character and values of Jesus Himself. Like the laws given by Moses, Jesus gives His followers the law of the Kingdom, revealing what repentance and true discipleship entail: a life of inward holiness, countercultural living, and spiritual devotion. However, the sermon also acknowledges the overwhelming challenge of living up to this standard, pointing out that it is only possible through the grace of God and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Christians are called not just to admire Christ’s teaching, but to depend on Him daily in prayer, committing to be transformed into the person He saved them to become distinct, Christlike people.