Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When Jesus saw the crowds of people, he went up onto a mountain to teach them. His disciples came to him and sat down at his feet.

Jesus began by saying, "You are blessed when you realize how poor you are before God. Only then can you inherit his kingdom." He added, "You are blessed when you mourn, for you will be comforted." And he said, "You are blessed when you're humble and kind, for you'll get to live on earth as it's meant to be lived."

"You are blessed," Jesus said, "when you yearn for what is right and just, for then you'll receive it. You are blessed when you show mercy to others, for God will show mercy to you. And you are blessed when your heart is pure before God, for then you'll see him face-to-face."

"You are blessed," Jesus said, "when you work for peace and reconciliation, for then you'll be called a child of God. You are blessed when people persecute you because of what's right, for yours will be the kingdom of heaven." Jesus said, "Be glad and rejoice, for great is your reward in heaven! Remember how the prophets before you suffered persecution, but they were rewarded too."

"You are the salt of the earth," Jesus said. "But if you lose your flavor, what good are you? You're no longer useful to anyone except to be thrown away." He added, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can't be hidden." And he said, "Don't hide your light under a basket; put it on top where everyone can see it. That way, people will see your good deeds and praise God because of you."

Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to abolish it. He told his followers, "Not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is fulfilled." Whoever breaks just one of these laws will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be great in the kingdom.

Jesus said, "I'm telling you that unless your commitment to doing what's right exceeds the Pharisees', you'll never enter God's kingdom." He reminded his followers, "You've heard it said, 'Don't murder,' but I tell you this: whoever is angry with someone without a reason will be judged. And if you call someone an insulting name, you'll face judgment."

"If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that you have something against another believer," Jesus said, "leave your gift there in front of God's throne. Go first and make things right with them; then come back and offer your gift." He added, "If someone sues you for what they claim is yours, let them take it from you. But don't be mean-spirited about it."

Jesus said, "You've heard that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth was the law of old, but I say to you: don't resist evil; offer your enemies only what they ask for." He told his followers, "If someone hits you on one cheek, turn the other cheek too. And if someone takes your shirt, give them your coat as well."

"If anyone forces you to go a mile," Jesus said, "go with them two miles. Give food and drink to those who are hungry and thirsty. Don't turn away from people who ask for help; instead, be generous." He reminded his followers that they've heard it said, "Love your neighbors and hate your enemies."

But Jesus said, "Love your enemies! Bless the ones who curse you. Do good to those who treat you badly, and pray for the ones who mistreat you. If you only love people who already love you, what reward do you deserve? Even tax collectors do that much!" And if you just greet your friends and family, what makes you special? Even ordinary people do that.

Jesus concluded by saying, "Be perfect, just as God is perfect in every way."