THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: A KINGDOM MANIFESTO
“You say you want a Revolution. Well, you know, We all wanna change the world.”
The Sermon on the Mount is a manifesto. A sweeping declaration of what the Kingdom of God is like—a public declaration of its principles, values, and way of life. In it, Jesus articulates a vision of the Kingdom that is radically different from the world’s systems of power, wealth, and status. It is a Kingdom that flips expectations, challenges the status quo, and invites those who are willing to embrace its surprising and subversive ways.
As we end our sermon series together, let’s take a closer look at some of the key themes Jesus highlights in the Sermon on the Mount, and how they help us understand the nature of God’s Kingdom. It’s our hope that we lean into the truths we’ve learned, and strive to live life as citizens of Jesus’s Kingdom.
1. The Kingdom is Found in Surprising Places
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) declare blessings on the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. These aren’t the typical qualities that the world praises or even notices. Instead, the Kingdom is found where we least expect it—among the humble, the broken, and the vulnerable. This Kingdom isn’t a place of privilege or power; it’s found in the very places and people the world tends to overlook.
2. The Kingdom is a Public Truth and a Public Blessing
Jesus makes it clear that the Kingdom is not a private, hidden thing—it is meant to be a public reality. The “salt of the earth,” the “light of the world.” In Matthew 5, he urges his followers to let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good works and glorify God. The Kingdom is not just for personal transformation; it is meant to be a blessing to the world. It calls us to live authentically, in a way that makes the truth of God’s reign visible and undeniable to everyone around us.
3. The Kingdom is the Fulfillment of the Story
This Kingdom is not something new or disconnected from the history of Israel–it is the fulfillment of the ancient promises that God made to his people. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) The Kingdom is not a break from the past, but the culmination of God’s ongoing work in the world. God’s story began long before Jesus walked the earth and continues to unfold today. As we live out our Kingdom lives, we are living into our calling and meaning–and that will always leave us fulfilled.
4. The Kingdom Runs Deeper than You Think
The Kingdom of God isn't just about outward actions or appearances. Jesus repeatedly calls for a transformation of the heart. Where the Ten Commandments call us to a way of living that confronts our actions that are not in line with the lives God calls his children to to live, Jesus calls us to not only confront the action, but confront the source and emotion behind it (Matthew 5:21-30). Where things grow, they fester, and the Kingdom provides a better way of life.
5. The Kingdom Avoids Retaliation and Loves Enemies
One of the most radical aspects of the Kingdom is its stance on retaliation and violence. Jesus instructs his followers in Matthew 5:38-44 not to "resist an evil person" but to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." In a world where revenge and retribution are often seen as justifiable responses to harm, the Kingdom of God challenges us to a higher standard—one of grace, forgiveness, and non-violence. The Kingdom doesn't seek to repay evil with evil; rather, it overcomes evil with love. When we don’t respond in kind to injustices, it highlights the injustice and humiliates the abuser. Allowing space for conviction to come, and God to move.
6. The Kingdom is a Wholehearted Life Before God
Jesus calls for a life of integrity, for our inner devotion and outer actions align. He challenges his followers to pray, fast, and give not for the praise of others, but for God’s attention (Matthew 6:1-18). The Kingdom is not about external displays of righteousness, but about a heart that is fully devoted to God–it’s a call to live with sincerity, humility, and a desire to honor God in all things, and above all things.
7. The Kingdom is a Risk-Free Investment Strategy
The Kingdom offers a radically different view of wealth and security. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth, encouraging his followers to "store up treasures in heaven." The Kingdom of God is the ultimate risk-free investment, because there are always returns, and they are eternal. It calls us to prioritize things that have lasting value—justice, mercy, and love—rather than the fleeting riches of this world. In the Kingdom, our true wealth is found in relationships with God and others, not in material possessions.
8. The Kingdom is Abundant
The Kingdom is a place of abundance–a different kind of abundance than what the world offers. Jesus assures us that God will provide for our needs when we as (Matthew 7:7-11). Unlike the world’s systems, where wealth and resources are often hoarded by the few, the Kingdom operates on a principle of generosity. There is always more than enough in God’s economy, and those who are part of the Kingdom are called to share that abundance with others. A primary way God provides for “you” is through “them”--the church. Be patient, wait, and pray when you need something. Allow time and space for God to show up.
9. The Kingdom Way is Self-Reflective and Gracious
In Matthew 7:1-5, he warns against judging others while ignoring our own faults. The Kingdom of God is not about pointing fingers or casting blame, but about a humble, self-reflective approach to life. We are called to extend grace to others, just as God has extended grace to us. The Kingdom way is one of humility, where we recognize our own need for forgiveness and offer the same to others. If we are a community focused on working on ourselves, we will not be a judgemental one.
10. The Kingdom Provides What You Require to Live it
Jesus doesn’t call us to live the Kingdom life in our own strength. In Matthew 7:7-11, he assures us that when we ask God for what we need, He will give it. God provides everything we need to live the Kingdom life, from the grace to forgive to the strength to love our enemies. The Kingdom is not a demand without supply—the Spirit will give us the strength we need to live this life, whatever comes our way.
11. The Kingdom is Particular and Hidden
While the Kingdom of God is meant to be a public blessing, it is also a mystery that can’t be fully grasped or understood by everyone. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom as something that is revealed to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see (Matthew 13:11-17). It’s not a flashy or easily accessible thing, and it is hidden in plain sight, understood by those whose hearts are open to it. The Kingdom invites us to seek and find, to ask and knock, trusting that God will reveal more as we pursue him. The way is Jesus, and there are no other ways.
12. The Kingdom is Known by the Fruit It Produces
And finally, Jesus tells us that we will know the Kingdom by the fruit it produces. He compares the Kingdom to a tree that produces good fruit (Matthew 7:16-20). It’s not enough to simply claim to be part of the Kingdom—there must be a visible transformation in the way we live, love, and serve. The Kingdom is a living reality that bears fruit, and that fruit is the mark of its authenticity.
Conclusion: The Kingdom’s Call to Action
“True wisdom consists in doing, not in knowing only. It is not enough to hear Christ’s sayings, but we must do them, and that will evidence us to be wise builders.”
The Sermon on the Mount is not just a collection of nice ideas or abstract spiritual principles; it is a call to action. The Kingdom is not about what you think, say, or do–it is about how you are and who you say Jesus is.
It challenges us to live in a way that reflects the values of God’s Kingdom, to embody its principles in our daily lives.
As we reflect on the Sermon on the Mount, may we be inspired to live as citizens of this Kingdom, letting its truth and blessing shine in our world, and bearing fruit that points to the God who is making all things new.
May we be amazed by Jesus.
May we recognize His authority in all things.
And may we strive to hear Him daily.