The teachings of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17–49) contain some of the most well-known and foundational principles of the Christian life. While they share many similarities in content, they are distinct in setting, emphasis, and audience. Scholars debate whether these two sermons represent separate occasions in Jesus’ ministry or different accounts of the same event. However, significant differences in structure, focus, and delivery suggest that these are two distinct sermons, adapted to different audiences for different theological purposes.
This essay will explore the location, context, audience, and theological emphases of each sermon. We will also compare their similarities and differences, breaking down key distinctions point by point and analyzing their implications in the context of dispensational theology.
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1. The Location and Context of Each Sermon
A. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)
- Location in Scripture: Matthew 5:1–7:29
- Setting: A mountainside in Galilee (Matthew 5:1: “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.”)
- Audience: Primarily Jewish disciples, though a crowd also listened.
- Emphasis: The righteousness required for the kingdom of heaven, revealing the true moral and spiritual demands of God’s law.
Matthew’s Gospel presents Jesus as the Messianic King, and the Sermon on the Mount serves as His authoritative proclamation of kingdom principles. Jesus contrasts external religiosity with true righteousness, exposing the insufficiency of mere legalism and pointing toward the need for inner transformation.
B. The Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17–49)
- Location in Scripture: Luke 6:17–49
- Setting: A level place after descending from a mountain (Luke 6:17: “He went down with them and stood on a level place.”)
- Audience: A larger, more diverse crowd, including Jews and Gentiles.
- Emphasis: Social and ethical aspects of kingdom living, with a focus on practical mercy, love, and justice.
Luke’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the Savior of all people, particularly the poor, marginalized, and Gentiles. His account of Jesus’ sermon aligns with Luke’s theme of salvation for all and presents a more concise, socially focused discourse.
2. Why These Sermons Are Distinct Events
While some scholars believe the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain are two versions of the same discourse, key differences indicate they are separate events:
- Geographical Setting
- The Sermon on the Mount takes place on a mountain, emphasizing Jesus as the new Moses delivering divine instruction (cf. Exodus 19).
- The Sermon on the Plain is given on a level place, reinforcing Luke’s theme of Jesus’ accessibility to all people.
- Audience Composition
- Matthew highlights disciples who are committed followers of Jesus (Matthew 5:1).
- Luke describes a broader crowd, including those seeking healing and Gentiles (Luke 6:17–19).
- Sermon Length and Structure
- Matthew records an extended discourse (111 verses), covering topics like prayer, fasting, and the Law’s fulfillment.
- Luke provides a shorter sermon (30 verses), focusing on blessings and woes, love for enemies, and mercy.
- Different Thematic Emphases
- Matthew emphasizes the kingdom’s moral righteousness and contrasts internal righteousness with external legalism.
- Luke emphasizes the kingdom’s social and ethical demands, with a focus on justice and mercy toward the poor and oppressed.
These distinctions suggest that Jesus gave similar teachings on multiple occasions, adapting His message to different audiences.
3. Key Differences Between the Sermons
While there are many similarities, let’s break down some of the major differences between the two sermons point by point:
A. The Beatitudes: Different Emphases
- Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
- Luke 6:20: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
Difference:
- Matthew speaks of spiritual poverty (“poor in spirit”), emphasizing humility before God.
- Luke speaks of material poverty, aligning with his Gospel’s concern for the physically oppressed.
B. The Inclusion of Woes in Luke
- Luke 6:24: “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”
- Matthew’s Sermon lacks these woes, while Luke’s sermon contrasts blessings with judgments on the wealthy and self-satisfied.
Difference:
- Luke adds warnings for the rich, those who are well-fed, and those who laugh now—pointing to future reversals in God’s kingdom.
C. Love for Enemies: Different Wording
- Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Luke 6:27–28: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Difference:
- Matthew focuses on praying for persecutors.
- Luke adds practical instructions on doing good and blessing enemies.
D. The Lord’s Prayer
- The Lord’s Prayer is included in Matthew (6:9–13), emphasizing personal piety.
- Luke does not include it in the Sermon on the Plain but provides a shorter version in Luke 11:2–4.
Difference:
- Matthew places the Lord’s Prayer centrally as part of Jesus’ teaching on personal devotion.
- Luke presents it separately, reinforcing his practical, public-focused emphasis.
E. The Emphasis on Reward
- Matthew 6:1: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.”
- Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you.”
Difference:
- Matthew emphasizes doing good deeds in secret before God.
- Luke highlights the generosity principle—what one gives will be returned in kind.
4. Theological and Dispensational Significance
From a dispensational perspective, these differences reflect Jesus’ distinct messages to different groups:
- Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount presents kingdom ethics intended primarily for Israel, highlighting God’s righteousness and the need for heart transformation.
- Luke’s Sermon on the Plain presents ethical living principles that extend beyond Israel, emphasizing practical love and social justice.
Dispensational scholars such as John Walvoord affirm that these teachings reveal kingdom principles, but they do not describe the Church Age directly. Walvoord writes:
“The Sermon on the Mount is a declaration of the righteousness required in the millennial kingdom, but the Sermon on the Plain highlights practical Christian ethics applicable to all, emphasizing social concern and love as the supreme law of the kingdom.” (Matthew: Thy Kingdom Come)
While both sermons contain timeless truths, believers today live under the Law of Christ, not under the kingdom law presented in Matthew. However, Jesus’ ethical teachings provide a moral compass that naturally aligns with New Testament grace living.
Conclusion
The Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain are similar but distinct teachings of Jesus, given at different times and places, with different emphases. While both proclaim kingdom righteousness, Matthew focuses on internal transformation, while Luke emphasizes social responsibility.
For believers today, these sermons remind us that God’s kingdom calls for radical love, humility, and righteousness. Though we are not under Mosaic Law, we follow the Law of Christ, living out these principles through the Spirit’s power.
“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
For Further Reference: A Detailed Study on the Entire Sermon on the Mount
