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THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Ann Coles and are based on Matthew 5:1-6 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
John 11:1-44, Numbers 12, Psalm 5
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who
mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Sunday December 8 - Come, be with me and listen!
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him... Matthew 5:1
So far Matthew has described the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and it’s an all-action story. Firstly Jesus has walked from southern Israel to the north, where he started preaching; then he walked on the shore of Lake Galilee, gathering his first disciples. He travelled around the area preaching and healing all the sick and oppressed, and huge crowds began following him. The word spread fast that this preacher could heal the sick!
Then we read today’s verse, that Jesus saw the crowds coming and went up a mountain and sat down. It would be easy to read into this that Jesus was exhausted and trying to escape! But that would be a wrong interpretation. Jesus was now prioritising teaching, and being very intentional in his location and in his posture. From the mountain he could speak to the crowd and be seen; sitting down indicated that he wanted to draw the disciples close to hear important things. In fact, the words of this so-called Sermon on the Mount have stood the test of time and become life-giving texts for millions of followers of Jesus ever since.
Perhaps your life is also one of constant busyness or action. Perhaps today is the time for you too to find somewhere quiet where you can listen to what Jesus has to say to you.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you want to draw me close and speak to me. I’m going to stop and listen to your voice today, Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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