Matthew 5:2

Opened his mouth. Luke notes Jesus “lifted up his eyes” (Luke 6:20) as He began to speak. Despite differences in Matthew and Luke’s accounts, they refer to the same occasion. The sermon was longer than recorded; each writer includes what the Holy Spirit impressed upon them. The reports complement each other, providing a fuller picture.

Matthew’s report is about three times longer than Luke’s, reflecting Matthew’s focus on Jesus’ teachings, while Luke emphasizes historical narrative. Many sermon sections in Matthew appear scattered in Luke, likely because Jesus repeated these teachings on various occasions.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ discussed the nature of His kingdom and refuted false ideas about the Messiah’s kingdom inculcated by Jewish leaders. The sermon contrasts Christianity’s character with that of Judaism of the day.

To appreciate the sermon fully, one must understand each principle individually and their relationship to the whole. The discourse has an inherent unity not apparent to casual readers.