Jesus of Nazareth continued to teach in the region of Galilee. His message continued to make the authorities anxious, but found favor with everyday people. Interestingly, it seemed that both his critics and his supporters couldn’t agree on what Jesus was actually teaching. In fact, Jesus seemed to be a walking paradox at times. This perplexing tension was visible for all to see when Jesus delivered his famous, “Sermon on the Mount.”Jesus of Nazareth continued to teach in the region of Galilee. His message continued to make the authorities anxious, but found favor with everyday people. Interestingly, it seemed that both his critics and his supporters couldn’t agree on what Jesus was actually teaching. In fact, Jesus seemed to be a walking paradox at times. This perplexing tension was visible for all to see when Jesus delivered his famous, “Sermon on the Mount.”
Where was the Sermon on the Mount?
For nearly 2,000 years, attempts have been made to establish the location where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. We just don’t know the exact site.
The Church of the Beatitudes now stands at the summit of a Galilean hillside, traditionally known as the “Mount of the Beatitudes.” Completed in 1938, this church was built near 4th century Byzantine ruins that commemorated the site. Early pilgrims marked a rock-cut cistern as the actual location. This church now covers that spot, which also included an octagon enclosure. Part of the original mosaic floor of the 4th century church has been recovered and is now on display in Capernaum.
The view of the lake from the Church of the Beatitudes is stunning. You can see the synagogue at Capernaum through the trees to the north. To the south, you can see the houses of Tiberias covering the hillside. While we don’t know the exact location of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, these hillsides echo with his words. The landscapes on these few slopes seem perfect for a spontaneous amphitheater.
The Beatitudes
It was here, here on a mountainside, at a location not far from Capernaum, in the midst of a crowd of people, Jesus started his Sermon on the Mount by proclaiming a series of “Beatitudes” – or “Brief Blessings”:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(Matthew 5:3-12)
Randall acts as the lead writer for ColdWater’s Drive Thru History® TV series and Drive Thru History® “Adventures” curriculum.