The Sermon at the Temple

Rare Possessions: From The Archives of Book of Mormon Central

To read the article, go here: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/the-sermonatthetemple This article presents a fresh perspective on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount by exploring its parallels in the Book of Mormon, specifically in 3 Nephi 11-18, which it calls the "Sermon at the Temple." It suggests that the Sermon is best understood within the context of covenant-making at the temple, addressing an issue that has long challenged biblical scholars—how to interpret the Sermon’s purpose and audience. The Nephite setting offers a new lens, where Jesus' teachings are framed as covenantal instructions, with commandments, promises, and rituals leading to exaltation. The article highlights how this covenantal view enriches the understanding of specific passages and shows that the Sermon lays out conditions for entering God's presence. Furthermore, it notes that some New Testament scholars are beginning to see ritual significance in the Sermon, reinforcing the idea that its core message could relate to sacred covenants. This analysis demonstrates how the Book of Mormon contributes to restoring plain and precious covenants lost over time.