I spent the last few days reading through the Sermon on the Mount. And I am embarrassed to say in all the times I have read this sermon I never realized how long it was. I always thought it was part of Matthew 5, not realizing it spanned through chapter 7. In the past I assumed these passages were all part of Jesus’ continual teachings, but in reality it was all in one sitting and it probably spanned over the course of a few days. One of the things that strikes me about the Sermon on the Mount is how comprehensive it is. This should not surprise me, it is Jesus after all, but it did when I took it all in as a whole. Jesus leaves no stone unturned. The Beatitudes gives a glimpse of what the sermon would cover:

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus leaves no one missing and he prepares his sermon to guide those who would dare to listen, understand, and obey. If you ever have a chance, take the time to read and absorb His words in the Sermon on the Mount. It alone can be life transforming if allowed to penetrate our heart and mind.