Sermon on the Mount - Bible Study Book with Video Access (Revised and Expanded): 9-Session Bible Study

by Jen Wilkin

In His sweeping depiction of kingdom citizenship, Jesus utters some of the most familiar passages in all of Scripture. Most of us have only encountered the Sermon on the Mount in fragments, considering its subdivisions as complete teachings in their own right—a study on blessedness; a reflection on the Lord’s Prayer; a discussion of religious devotion, money, ambition, and relationships.   What if we navigated these three chapters in Matthew as they were originally heard? What if we read them as one cohesive, well-ordered message, intended to challenge us to think differently about what it means to be a follower of Jesus?   This 9-session study will give you the opportunity to do just that. Come and learn from Jesus, just as His disciples did. First released in 2014, this study is now updated with new teaching videos from Jen Wilkin.       

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Biblical Studies

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Jen Wilkin is a speaker, writer, and teacher of women’s Bible studies. During her thirteen years of teaching, she has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. Jen and her family are members of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. She is the author of Women of the Word.

Reviews

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the top 5 bible studies I've ever done. Jen does an excellent job guiding you through the text and encouraging you to explore the words on your own through defining words, prayer, and context. (read: no commentaries allowed!) Although familiar, the Sermon on the Mount is a treasure trove of deeply intimate truths of scripture that could easily be overlooked because of its familiarity. Don't let it be so! Prepare to dig deep, wrestle with the unknown & watch as Jesus speaks some of his most important words on earth. Mind-blowingly good, grounded in solid theology - this is a study every Christian should go through.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this bible study, much more to The Sermon on the Mount than I thought. I enjoy studying the Bible verse by verse.

[Jess McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a solid study of the Sermon on the Mount. I learned a ton and what’s even better, I’m hungry to learn more.

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic Bible Study resource, especially when used with the video session for each week. Wilkin takes a familiar passage of Scripture and helps the reader see it through the eyes of one sitting on the mountainside while simultaneously ensuring the applicability to a believer’s life today.

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second Jen Wilkin study, and I gotta say, it's as good as I'd hoped! My favorite Bible study up to this point has been Wilkin's study on Hebrews, Better. My women's bible study group went through it about four years ago and it revolutionized the way I read Hebrews and connected so many dots for me between the Old and New Testaments. When I heard they were picking up another Wilken study--and on a passage I've never really connected with, much as I hadn't to Hebrews prior to the Better study--you better believe I signed up quickly!

The Sermon on the Mount contains some of the most well-known and quoted passages, but again, it's never been my favorite. I've always been more fascinated with the stories of Genesis, the wisdom of Proverbs, and so many other parts of the Bible (all of which are indeed incredible). I had hoped by walking through this study, Wilken would help me to dig deeper into this passage, to understand it better, and to find a new kind of joy for it. And she did just that.

She's a fabulous teacher and I personally connect with her teaching style, so that helps. I love how she provides cultural and historical context that we simply miss in our modern understanding. She challenges us to annotate, to wrestle with questions that make us think and seek to understand. She's fun and relatable. And she always points us back to the Word.

One of my favorite parts of this study in particular has been to see the entire passage as a single, whole piece. Previously, I'd only ever thought of it as smaller chunks of passages with instructions that feel impossible and sometimes irrelevant. I believed this was God's word, it was true, and it applied to my life. But I struggled to understand it and to see how. I by no means have it all figured out, but this study has given me new eyes and a new appreciation for this section of the Bible.

But even more than that (another reason I love Wilkin's work and, of course, at the core of my faith in God's word), my deeper understanding of this passage drives me to a deeper understanding and relationship with my God. And it lights a fire in my heart to seek Him more zealously, to not merely hear and understand the word, but to do what it says. With a deeper understanding comes a deeper responsibility to adhere to what the Word says.

I cannot more heartily recommend this one. It's well-organized, beautifully designed, and the homework is manageable as well as enlightening. The teaching brings it all together. Even if you aren't able to engage in the group discussion, this one is worth doing (though, of course, the group provides excellent opportunity to deepen your fellowship with others, learn from and grow alongside them, and for accountability too!). I'll certainly be going back through the teaching portion and reviewing my notes. And I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next Jen Wilken study to go through!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen Wilkin is an excellent bible teacher. This Sermon on the Mount study was one of my favorites. The videos are a must watch to supplement the study guide. Unlike some other studies I have done, the guide does not expound upon the meaning of God’s word or provide answers. Instead, Jen Wilkins teaching style is to pose questions in the study guide in order to encourage us to think through the passages on our own. She then follows up with clear, concise teachings in her video sessions.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study on the Sermon on the Mount. I learned so many things that I didn't realize in past readings. Good stuff. The way Jen breaks this down and has the questions helps you get a better understanding and think differently than you have before. Good stuff.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Excellent in depth study on the Beattitudes ...

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This study guide was 3-4 stars for me. Much of Wilkin’s premise at the beginning (in intro video and in text) was repetition of, “do not let commentaries cloud your view! Study scripture independently! Do not read any commentaries!” And yet.... this study guide IS a commentary. The questions were often leading or pointed or proof texting.
I also don’t usually like when study guides say “rewrite scripture in your own words”- that’s almost as bad as reading The Message version. I just skipped these questions.
If it were not for her initial claim that commentaries should not be used, I would have given it 4 stars. I liked that she separated the Sermon on the Mount apart from the rest of Matthew. The slow pace of studying 3 chapters made me soak a lot more in- I otherwise would not have realized how much content was in this small section of scripture.
While the sermon SEEMS to skip around, she did a good job of helping readers understand connections between verses and sections.
While I disagree with her premise/the approach to studying (see above), overall I learned a great deal from it and am grateful for the time and space to study Jesus’ own words so closely and deeply.

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful guide through the Sermon on the Mount; a great blend of guided personal study in the member book and thoughtful, insightful teaching from Wilkin in the video component. My wife and I did the study together, and we'll do additional studies from Jen in the future.

(full disclosure: the agency I work for represents Jen and this study)

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bible study workbook. It was a great study!

[Brooke Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned so much from this study!

[Cierra Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as a guide for a discipleship relationship with a younger girl and we both were equally edified by it! Certain parts of the sermon on the mount I think have become a kind of “christianese” to me so after breaking down each verse, I feel like I truly have a better understanding of certain parts for the first time! This study provoked deep thinking through intentional questions and allowed me and this younger girl to engage conversation that broke down barriers and helped to sanctify us both!

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Is truly a gifted writer who leads you to study the Bible at a deeper level. I now understand the verses about dogs/pigs and pearls. You read the Bible for years and then you do a verse by verse Bible study with Jen and the clarity becomes so enlightening.
I want to have the heart and dedication she has to know the desires of the Lord. I so wished she lived next door to me.

[Gina Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good stuff but not as much really deep diving into scripture as I feel like she usually has. I liked it but it was definitely my least favorite of the Jen Wilkin studies I’ve done.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful bible study that I recommend to everyone in their journey to knowing Jesus. You can't know Jesus without knowing this sermon!!!

[Elizabeth Van Gorp · Rating 5 out of 5]

you cannot go wrong with a Jen Wilken study

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study was such a wonderful way to study inductively to through the Sermon on the Mount. For so long I'd seen the verses and passages in the Sermon in a disjointed and disconnected way. Additionally I had read my own culture's context into the meaning of words and phrases instead of the cultural context of Jesus' day. But with the help of this study and Jen's powerful teaching, I'm now able to see the way that Jesus wove a powerful message together focusing his listeners on having a heart of obedience, not simply obeying in action but having a heart far from God. Themes of humility, righteousness, and obedience also resonate through the whole sermon. I am so thankful to have done this study with my small group, and I look forward to more Jen Wilkin studies in the future, as well!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher and author Jen Wilkin takes students on a verse-by-verse study through three chapters in Matthew known as the Sermon on the Mount.

Things I liked:
-through all three chapters at the start of every week
-Marking up the text with keywords (I printed off my own copy of the text, but it is at the back of the workbook for reference)
-Using the dictionary or thesaurus to write out definitions
-Looking up other passages to note what they teach about the day’s topic
-Rewriting sections of the sermon in our own words
-Weekly videos to summarize the teaching and delve deeper into interpretation and application

This was easily one of the best studies I’ve done. Wilkin’s studies are challenging and she teaches readers to study the Bible on their own, saying something like “these are the kinds of questions we should be asking” she says. Highly recommend!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. I appreciate Jen Wilkin's commitment to studying in context and equipping others (especially women) to study and know all of Scripture. The Sermon on the Mount is a portion of Scripture I've read many times, yet I don't know that I've ever taken the time to study the entire sermon together, looking at each section as part of a larger whole. It was challenging and enjoyable and increased my love for God and desire to know and obey Him. Also, the weekly teaching sessions are currently (temporarily) available via Lifeway's "Marked" podcast, which greatly added to the study's value.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent study and a really exceptional teacher. Jen masterfully leads us through the sermon on the mount, consistently linking the passage to its historical context and the intent for its original hearers. She shows how the whole message shows us the character and deeds of a true follower of Jesus and the expectations are high!!

It has enhanced my understanding and knowledge of these passages no end. Loved it!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how in-depth this study was. The video sessions are short (only 30 minutes) but the lessons are valuable and spark great conversation. Some of the written lessons varied for me in terms of how much I got out of them. But sometimes the weeks where I felt less impacted in the homework, the video lesson was more powerful.
I enjoyed this as a break from my group's usual Beth Moore/Priscilla Shirer studies.

[Emily Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Bible Study

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing this study, I realized I actually understood little of Jesus’ longest sermon. Now I pray that I will live out these words.

[Amaia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed Jen Wilkin's books and studies. I really enjoyed her studies on Joshua and Hebrews. This study was good, but not my favorite. First, it was too short overall. It was only 9 weeks. I definitely think it could have been more like 12. My group would spend multiple weeks on a passage. Second, I think some of the questions were too broad or I wasn't sure what she was trying to get at. Last of all, there were too many questions in each lesson, and many were questions about other passages. Each lesson could have less but more direct questions relating to the actual passage. If you don't feel skilled enough to write your own study then her studies are a good starting point to dig into the Bible. However, I think I would get a couple of good commentaries and write my own.

[Madi Lorch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible study completely changed the way I approach Scripture. For the first time, I genuinely looked forward to digging in each day. Jen Wilken challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me sit in the “I don’t know” long enough for the Holy Spirit to meet me where I was. The videos were engaging, the cross-references kept me exploring, and I had more lightbulb moments than I can count. My understanding of the Sermon on the Mount (and my faith) will never be the same. Absolute game-changer and worth every single penny!!!

Extra shoutout to the ladies at GBF for all your wisdom, knowledge, and prayers these past few months. I am blessed to learn and grow alongside y'all!

[Kristy Eastridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical look on the entire Sermon on the Mount as a whole, not just in bits + pieces as we traditionally hear. Christ commands for a deeper obedience, not one that pursues outward righteousness or praises from others.

A person's character does not reveal its foundation until the storms of life come -- and it will come (Matt 7:24-27).

"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." -- Deitrich Bonhoeffer. This is truly what Christ is calling us to do in His sermon. It does not come naturally to us, and that is why the grace of salvation in Christ is necessary to the believer.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with other women in my church as a workbook that goes with a video teaching series on the sermon in the mount. The first 3 or 4 lessons especially are fantastic. So much content, so much I’d never noticed or realised, so much connection with other parts of the Bible, just amazing. Would highly recommend this study with its video or audio companion to compliment this study. Top quality.

[Shelley Winkler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5–my Dgroup has been doing this study since Sept. the sermon on the mount is such a rich, powerful, CONVICTING part of scripture and it was great to dive in deeply together. But honestly I didn’t love this one, Jen. Many of the questions felt forced and felt straight out of a Christian school bible class. Jen threw out a good number of bold statements in her video commentary that really needed more follow-up.

[Tanya Kiefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This study is beautifully written but at points a little confusing. This study made me think more than I thought it would and has made me go deeper into God's word than I expected to need to go.
I did find a few places that I wish would have been explained better or written differently.
This study also really made me go through my past and current hurts and emotions that I didn't want to but did anyway.
All in all, a great study on the sermon on the mount.