Matthew 5:1–16

The Sermon on the Mount

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, ²and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

³“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

⁴God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

⁵God blesses those who are humble,

for they will inherit the whole earth.

⁶God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

for they will be satisfied.

⁷God blesses those who are merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

⁸God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

for they will see God.

⁹God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God.

¹⁰God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

¹¹“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. ¹²Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Teaching about Salt and Light

¹³“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

¹⁴“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.