Jesus, the Teacher
And what a wonderful teacher He is.
“Now when he saw the crowds, he went
up
on a mountainside and sat down.
His disciples came to him, and he
began to teach them …”
Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV)
Jesus opens His teachings with the word blessed; the Greek word that is used is makariŏs [mak-arʹ-ee-os], implying one who is very happy, fortunate, and even well off. Now as we read through the beatitudes, let us apply the above understanding.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they
will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will
inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they
will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for
they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they
will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult
you … because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is
your reward in heaven …”
Matthew 5:3-12
The Sermon on the Mount of which the above is the opening, continues through chapters 5, 6 and 7 of the Book of Matthew. Jesus takes us on a road of teaching us about being the salt and the light to the world and of making sure that our righteousness is evidenced before men. He then goes further by teaching about some of the no-no’s, like murder, adultery, divorce, and keeping oaths, and then advises that we should not even make an oath to someone. He removes the thinking of an eye for an eye and invites us to loan freely and then ends this section teaching about loving others, even your enemies, with: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
He teaches us to give freely and to be careful that these are not merely acts of righteousness or acts of kindness. Jesus then teaches us how to pray, and He tells us that the Father knows what we need even before we ask for it, and He says: “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling [stuttering about with vain repetitions] like pagans.” He tells us about the true aspect of fasting, about financial affairs, and that there is no need to worry: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away … Are you not much more valuable than they?”
He tells us to not judge others and to seek God and ask Him to provide for us, and then He adds this little section about the narrow gate before telling us to watch out for false prophets and expresses that the fruit which we bear will define whether we are doing the will of the Father. Jesus concludes by telling us that if we listen, absorb, and apply His teachings, we will be able to stand firm in whatever storm might come our way.
Join me as we journey together exploring the teachings of Christ, spend some personal time working through Matthew 5, 6 & 7. See the video series titled Prayer - Unpacking It, and Beatitudes – An Understanding. If you do not see them on the video page, please check back there shortly.
Joy, peace,
and thankfulness in Christ be yours in abundance.