Bible Reading Plan: Sermon on the Mount
What does it mean to live the good life? How should we respond when anger takes over? How do we love people we don't really like? How can I stop being so anxious all the time? Near the beginning of Matthew, Jesus tackles questions like these in one of his most famous teachings: the Sermon on the Mount. We invite you to read through these chapters with us, as we discover the truths of Scripture and how they shape our daily lives through daily videos, weekly emails, group guides, and a Wednesday night class. Packed with life-altering wisdom and timeless truths, these three chapters serve as a blueprint for life in God's kingdom.
How to Follow Along
Get Your Journal
This year, follow along using your own Bible, or however else you like to read Scripture. We've also created the Blueprint Journal, a field guide you can use for note-taking as you engage with the Bible Reading Plan and Sunday sermons. Pick up your copy of the Blueprint Journal at HPUMC or reach out to Alex Johnston at johnstona@hpumc.org
Sign Up For Weekly Emails
Sign up for the weekly emails featuring in-depth notes on the daily readings. The weekly email is sent out each Sunday afternoon.
Download the App
iPhone and Android users can follow the plan using their device of choice. Find out how to download the HPUMC app.
Get the Bookmark
Download a copy of the Sermon on the Mount bookmark here.
WEEK ONE
Key Thought/Summary
The good life is ___. How would you fill in that blank? Two thousand years ago, Jesus sat down on a hillside, surrounded by the poor, the sick, and the outcasts of society. He looked them in the eyes and said, “Life is good for you. Life is good for the powerless, the grieving, the peacemakers, and the persecuted.” This is upside-down compared to our definitions of what flourishing looks like! Yet, something new was happening that day through Jesus. The Kingdom of God was arriving, and this ragtag crowd was the first to receive Jesus’ invitation to come on in. As you read, consider: how does Jesus’ definition of the good life surprise and challenge you? And what does it mean to live right-side-up in his upside-down Kingdom?
WEEK TWO
Key Thought/Summary
What does righteousness look like? While it can feel like a churchy word, biblical righteousness is simply doing right by God and others. In his sermon, Jesus declares that he is here to embody righteousness and teach us the way that leads to flourishing. He gives six case studies drawn from ordinary circumstances and some of our most difficult struggles—like honesty, revenge, and lust. First, he examines a command that seems simple enough: “Do not murder.” But Jesus takes us beneath the surface, revealing that the problem isn’t only what we do to one another, but what often takes root in our hearts: anger, contempt, and a failure to recognize another person’s God-given worth.
WEEK THREE
Key Thought/Summary
It’s possible to follow the rules and still miss the point. In his next four case studies on what it looks like to love others, Jesus examines not just our outward behavior, but our hearts. He confronts the way we engage with desire and lust, teaching us to honor one another’s value as image bearers of God. He instructs us to take our commitments seriously, living with integrity and honesty. He even challenges us to resist the impulse to retaliate when we are wronged. This isn’t about giving us more rules to follow. Instead, Jesus is forming us to reflect God’s wisdom in the way we approach relationships. How might Jesus be inviting you to see the people around you differently? Is there anyone whose value you might be underestimating or overlooking?
WEEK FOUR
Key Thought/Summary
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This must be one of Jesus’ most provocative teachings! He calls his disciples to seek the well-being of others—even those who have hurt us, opposed us, or with whom we disagree. When we show love that is not limited to those who deserve it or return it, we reflect the Father’s radically generous love. Jesus also warns against giving to gain recognition. When we notice even a hint of desire to be praised for our good works, it’s wise to give in secret instead. After all, God sees what we do in secret, and our greatest reward is not the applause of others. It is becoming more united with Him and growing into the whole, mature humans He created us to be.