Introduction: A New Beginning

Today marks the start of an exciting journey as we begin a new sermon series on one of the most profound sections of Scripture—the Sermon on the Mount. As a preacher, moments like this are exhilarating because they provide an opportunity to delve into the depths of God’s Word and witness how it shapes us as followers of Jesus.

This sermon series doesn’t need a fancy title because the content speaks for itself. We’re simply diving into “The Sermon on the Mount,” and over the next few weeks, we’ll be unpacking this revolutionary message delivered by Jesus.

Understanding the Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew chapters 5-7 and, although short, it contains the essence of Jesus’ teaching. Scot McKnight describes it as “the moral portrait of Jesus’ own people.” Rich Villodas calls it, humorously, “the most amazing TED Talk ever recorded.”

But why is this sermon so significant? Jesus wasn’t just giving a lecture on morality; He was painting a picture of the Kingdom of God, a vision that sparked both joy and fear because of the divine authority with which He spoke.

Historical Context: First Century Israel Under Roman Rule

To fully appreciate the Sermon on the Mount, it’s essential to understand its historical context. Jesus preached in first-century Israel, a land occupied by the Romans. The Jewish people lived under oppression, reduced to laborers on their ancestral land, heavily taxed by the Roman empire. Poverty was rampant, and Roman soldiers could force any Jew into slave-like tasks at any moment. This was the daily reality in which Jesus taught, and it’s what makes His words about loving enemies, being the salt of the earth, and not judging so radical. They were spoken in the midst of intense hardship and oppression.

Discipleship: More Than Following, Becoming Like the Rabbi

The Sermon on the Mount is all about discipleship, but what does it mean to be a disciple? In first-century Jewish culture, being a disciple wasn’t just about learning information. Disciples didn’t merely want to know what the rabbi knew; they wanted to be like the rabbi.

This helps us understand Peter’s reaction when Jesus walked on water in Matthew 14:22-33. When Peter saw his rabbi walking on water, his immediate response was to step out of the boat. Why? Because Peter, as a disciple, wanted to do what Jesus did.

This story highlights what it means to be a disciple today. Following Jesus isn’t about knowing the right things; it’s about orienting our entire lives to be like Him, to take on His “yoke” and live out His teachings.

The Narrow Path of Discipleship

As we begin this journey through the Sermon on the Mount, it’s crucial to approach it with the right mindset. Rich Villodas, in his book The Narrow Path, offers an important perspective: the Sermon is not an instruction manual for salvation but a demonstration of it. Jesus is calling us to resist cultural norms and to live according to the Kingdom of God.

The themes of the Sermon on the Mount are challenging:

• How can I forgive someone who hurt me?
• Am I serving God or money?
• Is trust or anxiety shaping my life?
• Do I bless those who curse me?

These counter-cultural teachings invite us to walk a narrow path. It’s a life of trust, where we believe that Jesus’ ways, though often at odds with our own assumptions, lead to true fulfillment.

Conclusion: A Call to Transformation

The Sermon on the Mount is an invitation to radical discipleship. As we embark on this series, let’s open our hearts to the transformative words of Jesus. His call is not easy, but it’s the path to life. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, God’s ways are higher than ours, and trusting in His wisdom, even when it conflicts with our culture, leads to true freedom.

May we begin this journey with open hearts, ready to be shaped by the teachings of our Rabbi, Jesus.