On a beautiful hill, with a wonderful view over the country, a large crowd gathered one day to listen to Jesus. They came from many different villages and cities to hear His words of wisdom, for Jesus spoke with love and true goodness.
Jesus sat down on the hill and began to speak. The people listened intently, because Jesus wanted to tell them something very special about life with God. This wonderful speech was later called the “Sermon on the Mount”.
Jesus said to the people, “Happy are those who know that they need God, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This meant that all who yearn for God are blessed by Him.
Then Jesus continued, “Happy are the sorrowful, for they shall be comforted.” Jesus wanted people to know that God is close to them, even when they are sad.
He also said, “Happy are the meek, for they will possess the earth.” To be gentle is to be kind and patient, just as Jesus was.
Jesus went on to say, “Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” That is, God will help those who long for justice and love in the world.
He said, “Happy are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.” Jesus taught that we should be kind and forgiving to one another, just as God forgives us.
“Happy are the pure in heart, for they will see God,” Jesus added. This means that those who are honest and good will experience God in their lives.
“Happy are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” Jesus continued. Those who bring peace are very special in God’s eyes.
At the end, Jesus said: “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what is right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Even though it is hard to do the right thing, God promises to be with us.
All these things that Jesus said were new and different for the people. They realized that Jesus was teaching not only how to live a good life, but also how God blesses and loves them. The words of Jesus gave people hope and a new view of life.
Message of history
God blesses those who seek Him, are kind, and bring peace. He loves us and wants us to live as Jesus taught us.
The Sermon on the Mount is one of Jesus’ best-known teachings and can be found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5 to 7. Here are some key verses from the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, also known as the Beatitudes, in Matthew 5:1-12 (Schlachter 2000):
“But when he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and when he had sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted! Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land! Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy! Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God! Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God! Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they reproach you and persecute you, and falsely speak every evil word against you for my sake. Rejoice and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
