The moral vision of Jesus in Matthew 5

This article sets out distinctive features of the moral vision of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in Matthew 5, the opening chapter of the so-called Sermon on the Mount. After identifying the narrative setting of Matthew 5, the article surveys key themes relating to the beatitudes, the Christian community as salt and light, the mission of Jesus as fulfilling Torah, and the antitheses as illustrations of surpassing righteousness. The article concludes with reflections on various challenges associated with living up to the moral vision of Jesus, as well as ethical and interpretive guidelines.