Matthew 5: KJV And seeing a multitude, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came to him: and he opened his mouth and taught them saying:
Blessed are they… Happy are those… etc.
You may have even memorized the following verses, according to the Bible version of your upbringing; but let us set the scene properly.
John Wesley begins his commentary of the scene: ‘And seeing the multitudes – At some distance, as they were coming to him from every quarter, He went up into the mountain. – Which was near, where there was room for them all.’
Do you see it? Jesus has sent the Disciples out into the towns and the countryside. The response of the people has been miraculous. It seems that everyone wants to hear what the Teacher and Messiah has to say. The crowds approach from every direction in numbers exceeding the services of the popular mega-church.
They are Jew and gentile alike. They are rich and poor alike. They are believers and unbeliever alike. They are Galilean and Judean, Samaritan and Roman, businessman and farmer, resident and traveler. The multitudes have, by the power of the Holy Spirit, come to hear what a Savior might say.
Who will listen? Who is this Jesus of Nazareth? What will He say? What will He do?
Is His teaching for me? Will the Lord bless me? Will Jesus bless me?
Before we begin, understand that Jesus is NOT preaching to the church. He is not recruiting members for the church. He is not even giving advice and direction for the church. Jesus is teaching the multitudes. Jesus is telling truth to all. The church and followers must come later – on their own – each believer – each who understands and would worship the Lord as He IS come to our salvation.
He will suffer and die for our sins. He IS our Shepherd.
(Have you ever thought this of the baby in the manger?)
The multitudes have come to the Shepherd on the mountainside. He will lead by the Word of God. Some will reject Him immediately. Some will follow and stray soon. Some will follow and stay after they have understood the cost. Some, a few, will remain faithful. All will listen. Each must decide.
To be continued…
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