What Is the Difference Between the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain?

The Sermon on the Mount is uniquely detailed in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5–7). However, there is a parallel account in the Gospel of Luke (6:17–49), often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain. While it is not identical, the two sermons share many teachings, though Luke's account is shorter and focuses on fewer topics.

The Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17–49)

• The setting differs: While Matthew describes Jesus teaching on a mountain, Luke places Jesus "on a level place."
• Luke's version includes many of the same core teachings as the Sermon on the Mount, though with less detail.

Key shared elements include:

• Beatitudes: Luke lists four blessings (focused on the poor, hungry, mourning, and persecuted) and contrasts them with four woes (directed at the rich, well-fed, laughing, and well-regarded).
• Love for Enemies: Jesus teaches about loving enemies, doing good to those who hate you, and turning the other cheek.
• Judging Others: Warnings against judgment and hypocrisy, such as removing the log from your own eye before addressing the speck in your brother's.
• Wise and Foolish Builders: The parable of building on a solid foundation appears in both Gospels.

Differences Between Matthew and Luke

 
Audience Focus:

• Matthew emphasizes a Jewish audience, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
• Luke’s focus is on a broader, more universal audience, with special attention to the poor and marginalized.

Content Scope:

• Matthew’s version is more expansive, covering a wide range of teachings.
• Luke condenses the sermon, focusing on practical applications of love, generosity, and humility.

Beatitudes and Woes:

• Matthew includes spiritual dimensions, such as "poor in spirit" and "hunger and thirst for righteousness."
• Luke emphasizes literal poverty and hunger, reflecting his Gospel’s focus on social justice.

Other Gospel References

The Gospels of Mark and John do not contain direct accounts of the Sermon on the Mount or Sermon on the Plain. However, many of the teachings found in the sermon appear elsewhere in their narratives:

• Mark: Emphasizes the kingdom of God and includes some individual teachings found in the sermon, such as discussions on divorce (Mark 10:2–12) and the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28–34).

• John: Focuses more on Jesus’ identity and relationships rather than on extended ethical discourses. However, the themes of love and humility (e.g., John 13:34–35) echo the sermon’s principles.

Conclusion

While the Sermon on the Mount is unique to Matthew, the Sermon on the Plain in Luke provides a parallel perspective on Jesus’ core teachings. The Gospels of Mark and John do not include similar sermons but reinforce many of the same values in other contexts. Together, these accounts highlight Jesus' transformative teachings on life in the Kingdom of God.