Can Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount Commands Be Practised Today?

Can Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount Commands Be Practised Today?

Bro. Nicolas Tan | 9 November 2025 | Matthew 5:14–16

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:14-16

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings — counter-intuitive, counter-cultural, and completely opposite to the logic of the world. Society tells us: “Look out for yourself.” Jesus says: “Deny yourself.” The world teaches: “Love those who love you.” Jesus commands: “Love your enemies.” The world says: “Stand your ground.” Jesus says: “Turn the other cheek.” These are not suggestions but the very essence of Christian living — a call to be light in darkness.

Counter-Intuitive but God’s Way

Jesus’ commands go completely against our natural instincts.  He said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:43–44

Our first reaction when someone hurts or insults us is to hit back, to defend ourselves, or to get even. But Jesus challenges that instinct. He teaches,

“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
— Matthew 5:39

This teaching feels unnatural because it is counter-intuitive. The world says, “Follow your feelings—do what feels right.” But Jesus tells us, “Stop asking what feels right. Ask instead: what is right in God’s eyes?”

We are not to be guided by emotion or self-interest, but by divine truth.  The world says to protect our own glory, but Jesus teaches us to reflect God’s glory.  The urge for revenge is strong — we may not always act on it outwardly, but we often hold it inside.  Yet Jesus introduces a new way: forgiveness that is stronger than revenge.

He calls us to renew our minds, to see life as God sees it.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2

Without this transformation, we cannot live out the Sermon on the Mount.  Only when our hearts are reshaped and our thinking renewed can we choose forgiveness over retaliation, humility over pride, and mercy over anger.  That is the Christlike way — the way of light in a dark world.

The Strength of Self-Sacrifice

Jesus’ commands are not about weakness; they are about strength under control. “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1).  

To love our enemies means giving up pride, comfort, and even safety. Jesus Himself modelled this — mocked, spat upon, crucified — yet He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

The world may see forgiveness as weakness, but in heaven’s eyes it is true power.  The one who restrains anger and chooses mercy is stronger than the one who strikes back.

Love Without Strings Attached

Jesus asked, “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matthew 5:46).

The world’s love is transactional — giving only when something is returned.  But God’s love is unconditional.  When you greet someone and they ignore you, the natural reaction is to withdraw.  Jesus teaches us to continue showing kindness anyway.  Love because your Father loves — not for praise, not for recognition.  “Let your light so shine before men… that they may glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

Following Jesus Will Draw Critics

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” (Matthew 5:11).

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. (Matthew 5: 10).

When you choose forgiveness over revenge, mercy over anger, people may call you naïve or weak.  But your quiet obedience shines brighter than argument.  In a world obsessed with power and pride, the humble Christian who forgives and endures persecution becomes the light that exposes darkness.

The Alternative Path

There is another path — the world’s path — but “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12).

The world’s logic may feel satisfying for a moment, but it leads to destruction. Jesus teaches that true strength and peace come from reflecting God’s heart: “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good.” (Matthew 5:45).

True Discipleship — The Narrow Way

The Christian walk is not the easy road. “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14). Like athletes who train differently to achieve excellence, disciples of Christ live differently to obtain an eternal crown. Living the Sermon on the Mount may make you look foolish to the world, but in God’s eyes, it is greatness.

The Call to Transformation

The question remains: Is our mind conformed to the world, or transformed by Christ?  The Sermon on the Mount is not just about behaviour; it is about character — about being the light that cannot be hidden.  It is a call to think as God thinks, to love as God loves, and to live as Christ lived.

Jesus’ invitation remains open: “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24). “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3). “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32). And “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” (Acts 2:38).

Conclusion

To live by the Sermon on the Mount is to live a counter-intuitive, counter-cultural life — a life that reflects the light of Christ. The world says, “Protect yourself.” Jesus says, “Give yourself.” The world says, “Get even.” Jesus says, “Forgive.”

When we walk in Christ’s way, the world may not understand us — but heaven does.  Every act of kindness, every moment of restraint, every choice to forgive instead of retaliate is a testimony of His light within us.  Let your life shine so brightly that others find their way to the God because of you.