Matthew Chapter 5 | Best devotional materials, including: introduction, background, main content, Bible reading and prayer video, Scripture, and post-reading prayer to help you gain a deeper understanding of biblical truth.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to our One Chapter per day Bible reading time.

By God’s grace, today we will read Matthew chapter 5.

In this chapter, we enter one of the most beautiful and powerful teachings of Jesus — the Sermon on the Mount. Here, our Lord reveals the values of God’s kingdom: the Beatitudes, the call to be the salt of the earth and light of the world, and the true meaning of God’s law that goes beyond outward actions to the intentions of the heart. Jesus teaches us about humility, mercy, purity, forgiveness, and love — qualities that reflect the heart of God.

Let us listen with open hearts and allow the words of Jesus to shape our lives according to His will. 

Matthew Chapter 5 Introduction:

Matthew chapter 5 marks the beginning of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, one of the most profound and transformative teachings in the entire Bible. In this chapter, Jesus reveals the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven — a life shaped not by outward religion, but by inward righteousness and a heart transformed by God. Through the Beatitudes, teachings on the Law, and guidance on godly living, Jesus shows what it truly means to follow Him and live as citizens of His Kingdom.

Main Content of Matthew Chapter 5:
The Beatitudes (verses 1–12)
Jesus begins His sermon by describing the attitudes and character of those who are truly blessed in God’s eyes. The poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake—all are called blessed. These verses overturn worldly definitions of happiness, showing that true joy and fulfillment come from a humble, obedient, and faithful heart before God.

Salt and Light of the World (verses 13–16)
Jesus then calls His followers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Salt preserves and adds flavor, symbolizing the believer’s moral influence and purity. Light represents truth and witness—believers are to shine God’s light before others through good works, leading people to glorify the Father in heaven.

Jesus Fulfills the Law (verses 17–20)
Jesus declares that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. He reveals that true righteousness goes beyond external obedience—it is a matter of the heart. The righteousness of His followers must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, meaning it must be sincere, Spirit-led, and grounded in love for God and others.

Deepening the Commandments (verses 21–48)
Jesus then reinterprets familiar commandments to reveal their deeper moral and spiritual intent. He teaches that anger equals murder in the heart, lust equals adultery, and love must extend even to enemies. These teachings call believers to holiness that flows from inner transformation, not mere rule-keeping. Jesus concludes this section with a call to perfection—“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”—urging His followers to live in complete love and integrity.

Spiritual Significance of Matthew Chapter 5:
Matthew 5 reveals the heart of God’s Kingdom—one that values humility, purity, mercy, and love over power or status. It reminds us that holiness is not about appearances, but about becoming more like Christ in heart and action. The Beatitudes invite us to find blessing in surrender, peace in persecution, and joy in living for God’s glory. Jesus’ teaching challenges every believer to live out a faith that transforms both character and conduct.

Through Matthew chapter 5, we learn that the Kingdom of Heaven begins in the heart. Jesus invites us to live a life of humility, compassion, and holiness, reflecting the Father’s love in everything we do. As we meditate on this chapter, may our hearts be shaped by His truth, and our lives shine as light in the world.

Matthew Chapter 5 YouTube Bible Reading and Prayer Video:

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 

Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.

5 

Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.

6 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.

7 

Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.

8 

Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.

9 

Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.

10 

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Fulfillment of the Law

17 “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. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Adultery

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Divorce

31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’[f] 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Oaths

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.