The Sermon on the Mountain, recorded in the book of Matthew in the New Testament, is one of the most well-known and influential teachings of Jesus Christ. It presents a revolutionary vision of what it means to follow God and live a life that is pleasing to him. The sermon covers a range of topics, including ethics, morality, and spirituality, and provides a comprehensive picture of the kind of life that Jesus calls his followers to live.

One of the central themes of the sermon is the idea of righteousness. Jesus argues that the kind of righteousness that God requires is not just external obedience to the law, but a righteousness that comes from within and is expressed through love, compassion, and a concern for others. This kind of righteousness, Jesus says, is what makes a person truly great in the eyes of God.

Another important aspect of the sermon is its emphasis on the inner life of a person. Jesus teaches that it is not just what a person does, but what they think and feel that determines their relationship with God. He warns against hypocritical behaviour, saying that even if a person appears to be doing the right thing, if their heart is not in the right place, they are not truly following God.

The Sermon also addresses some of the key moral and ethical issues of the day. Jesus calls on his followers (us) to love their enemies, to turn the other cheek when they are wronged, and to forgive those who have wronged them. He challenges the conventional wisdom of his day by teaching that God loves and values all people, regardless of their social status or religious background.

One of the most significant aspects of the Sermon on the Mountain is its focus on the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is not just a future reality, but is available to those who follow him in the present. He calls on his followers to seek first the Kingdom of God, and to trust that all their other needs will be taken care of as a result.

Finally, the Sermon on the Mountain provides a comprehensive picture of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Jesus teaches that his followers are to be salt and light to the world, influencing the people around them for good and shining as an example of what it means to follow God. He calls on his followers to be perfect, just as God is perfect, and to follow his teachings and example in all things.

In conclusion, the Sermon on the Mountain is a rich and powerful teaching that provides a vision of what it means to follow God and live a life that is pleasing to him. It challenges conventional wisdom and provides a comprehensive picture of the kind of life that Jesus calls his followers to live. Whether we are reading it for the first time or have studied it for many years, the Sermon on the Mountain continues to inspire and challenge Christians of all ages to live lives that are truly pleasing to God.