5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. Matthew 5 New International Version
Devotional 2026
February 14 2026
Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is one of Jesus’ most profound and life-shaping teachings because it doesn’t stop at outward behavior—it goes straight to the heart. In these words, Christ shows what life looks like in God’s Kingdom: a righteousness that is not performance, but a transformed inner life expressed in mercy, truth, and obedience.
Here’s the contrast: the world often says it’s enough to “not do wrong.” But Jesus calls us higher: not only to avoid evil, but to do what is right—actively, intentionally, in love. That’s why He summarizes this Kingdom posture with a line that captures the whole spirit of His teaching:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12, NIV).
The Sermon on the Mount forms what matters most: the disciple’s identity, the call to love, a real life of prayer, trust in the Father, and obedience that becomes practice—not just knowledge.
Key verses from the Sermon on the Mount (NIV):
- Identity and purpose: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others…” (Matthew 5:14, 16, NIV).
- Active love: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NIV).
- Prayer: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven…’” (Matthew 6:9, NIV).
- Kingdom first: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33, NIV).
- Putting it into practice: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice…” (Matthew 7:24, NIV).
Bible reading (full passage): Matthew 5–7 (NIV).