Matthew 5–7 is the Sermon on the Mount, the longest block of the Savior’s teaching in the Gospels. Luke 6:17–49 gives a shorter sermon delivered “in the plain,” just after Jesus “continued all night in prayer to God” and chose the Twelve (Luke 6:12–16). Matthew 5 moves in clear sections: the Beatitudes (5:3–12), salt and light (5:13–16), fulfilling the law (5:17–20), six contrasts that begin “Ye have heard that it was said… But I say unto you” (5:21–47), and the call to “be ye therefore perfect” (5:48). Luke pairs four blessings with four woes (Luke 6:20–26) and ends with the house built on a rock (6:46–49).
The Restoration adds light. The risen Savior taught this sermon again at the temple in Bountiful (3 Nephi 12–14), with meaningful differences: “blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me” (3 Nephi 12:3); those who hunger and thirst after righteousness “shall be filled with the Holy Ghost” (12:6); the phrase “without a cause” is absent from the verse on anger (12:22); and He says, “I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect” (12:48). The footnote to Matthew 5:48 notes that the Greek word translated “perfect” means complete, finished, fully developed.
Each “But I say unto you” moves a commandment from the hands to the heart: not only no murder, but no contempt; not only no adultery, but no lust; not only fair retaliation, but turning the other cheek and going the second mile. In Jesus’s day Roman soldiers could compel a civilian to carry their gear a set distance; He says to carry it twice as far. The chapter’s highest command is to love enemies and pray for those who mistreat us, “that ye may be the children of your Father” who sends sun and rain on the just and the unjust (5:44–45). Luke says the same thing in one line: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36).
Twenty-five minutes goes fast, so choose. This lesson centers on the Beatitudes and on loving and showing mercy as the Father does. Handle Matthew 5:27–32 gently: some in your room have been divorced or remarried, and the verses on divorce shouldn’t become a discussion topic. Watch for perfectionism too. Many faithful adults hear “Be ye therefore perfect” as an accusation; the Savior meant it as an invitation He helps us fulfill.
