Carl Bloch – Sermon on the Mount 1877

Have you ever really thought about Jesus as a preacher?  It’s really not how I tend to see him.  I mean, He’s God. Every word He says is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy and good.  He sits on a throne and watches over His kingdom.  However, He really is and was a top-notch, tell-it-like-it-is preacher.

Over the next few weeks, since I can’t meet with my awesome Bible Study Group, the Spirit Sisters, we’re going to take a close-up look at one of the greatest sermons ever given by one of the greatest public speakers/teachers that ever lived.  The Sermon on the Mount by Jesus.  So let’s dig in.

Please read Matthew 5 – 7 and pray that God will give you the supernatural ability to understand and use His Word.

I’d like to ask that you use a translation that uses blessed instead of happy,  Why? Because blessed is the better translation of the Greek word makarios.  Happiness is about the conditions we exist in.  Happiness can be experienced in our jobs, our relationships, our homes…Blessings are about the benefits God extends to us.  Although God provides ALL for us the greatest is the Holy Spirit in us.

There are so many verses in these three chapters that absolutely make my heart sing and my mind soar.  Let’s look at some basic truths.

• Jesus makes it really clear that what He values most and what will be valued in heaven is the opposite of what is important on Earth.
• Success can be achieved through Godliness, faithfulness, and contentment.  Basically, we are to seek the approval of God. (see 2 Corinthians 10:18)
• We will enter the Kingdom (of heaven) by working toward righteousness, through the narrow gate, (In other words, not the easy way.) and by doing the will of God.
• In Chapter 6 He really wants us to understand the He knows what we need.  We are not to worry. We are not to pursue things like riches, fame, possessions, etc.  It’s not that He doesn’t want us to have those things, He simply wants us to focus on righteousness and the Kingdom.

So what does that mean for me? For you?  Here’s the thing, I know I spend way too much time watching TV, searching and socializing on the internet, fussing over my home, going out with friends, etc. Notice what I did there… In looking over those words I realized it was way more about me than it should be. Oh, dear!  I see some change in my future.

Abba, Father, hear my prayer in the precious and holy name of Jesus.  Open my heart and mind to what You need. Let priorities and responsibilities be what You want to further Your Kingdom. Guide and direct my words and paths.  Make it so!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie