The Sermon on the Mount, a detailed outline

This outline of the Sermon on the Mount emphasises its links to the Ten Commandments, which are particularly clear in the latter part (for alternative outlines see below). The sections marked * have fuller background notes available.

Matthew 5:1-12 - The Beatitudes (rewards for adhering to the Way of Righteousness, i.e. the benefits of embracing the first three commandments)
- Matthew 5:1-2 - Jesus goes up the mount and begins to teach *
- Matthew 5:3-10 - The Beatitudes *
- Matthew 5:11-12 - Observations on persecution *
The fourth commandment, to observe the Sabbath by not working on it, is deliberately not addressed by Jesus, as God obliges His servants to work on the Sabbath.
Matthew 5:13-20 - Honouring the Father’s wisdom (i.e. the fifth commandment)
- Matthew 5:13 - The salt of the world *
- Matthew 5:14-16 - The light of the world *
- Matthew 5:17-18 - Not to abolish the law but to fulfil it*
- Matthew 5:19-20 - Keep and teach the commandments *
Matthew 5:21-7:12 - Interpreting the law - the last five of the Ten Commandments
- Matthew 5:21-26 - The sixth commandment (do not commit murder)
  - Matthew 5:21-22 - Anger equates to murder *
  - Matthew 5:23-26 - Animosity at the altar (echoes of Cain murdering Abel) *
- Matthew 5:27-32 - The seventh commandment (do not commit adultery)
  - Matthew 5:27-28 - Adultery in the heart *
  - Matthew 5:29-30 - Stumbling because of eyes and hands *
  - Matthew 5:31-32 - Divorce creates adulterers
- Matthew 5:33-37 The eighth commandment (do not steal)
  - Matthew 5:33-37 - Honest oaths (perjury as theft)
- Matthew 5:38-6:18 - The ninth commandment (do not bear false witness)
  - Matthew 5:38-42 - Eye for eye (harmful misrepresentation)
  - Matthew 5:43-48 - Love your enemies (bear a true likeness of your Father)
  - Matthew 6:1 - Righteousness and reward
  - Matthew 6:2-4 - Hypocritical charity
  - Matthew 6:5-6 - Hypocritical prayer
  - Matthew 6:7-8 - Avoiding empty words
  - Matthew 6:9-15 - The Lord’s Prayer (the honest way to pray) *
  - Matthew 6:16-18 - Hypocritical fasting
- Matthew 6:19-7:11 - The tenth commandment (do not covet your neighbour's possessions)
  - Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying up treasure (where moth, rust and thieves can destroy)
  - Matthew 6:22-23 - Sound and evil eyes (looking with generosity or greed)
  - Matthew 6:24 - Serving two masters (acquisition or God)
  - Matthew 6:25-27 - Consider the birds (accepting what God provides)
  - Matthew 6:28-30 -Consider the lilies (the transitory splendour of wealth)
  - Matthew 6:31-34 - Anxiety about material things
  - Matthew 7:1-5 - Hypocrites with planks in their eyes (coveting change in others)
  - Matthew 7:6 - Casting pearls before swine (using wealth wisely)
  - Matthew 7:7-11 - Seeking good gifts (what you can covet)
- Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule sums up the Law
Matthew 7:13-7:29 - Advice on choosing well
- Matthew 7:13-14 - The narrow and broad ways
- Matthew 7:15 - Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing
- Matthew 7:16-20 - Judge a prophet by their fruit
- Matthew 7:21-23 - Crying ‘Lord, Lord’ is not enough
- Matthew 7:24-27 - Building on the right foundation
- Matthew 7:28-29 - The crowd’s reaction

Alternative outlines

A traditional outline, with the emphasis on style of delivery, is preferred by many, but, in the opinion of the site’s author, such an outline tends to obscure the thematic grouping of material within the Sermon. There is also an outline suggested by Luz that appears to complement the one given above.