When Jesus saw...
Illustration
Object:
When Jesus saw the crowd he went on a mountain so he could be heard better -- like us preachers from our pulpit! Notice that when they preached in those days, they sat down. All the rest stood to listen! Aren't you glad you live today?
Each item of Jesus' message could make a sermon in itself. When I was in seminary I wondered how I would find enough to preach about to fill every Sunday for weeks, months, and years! But now I feel I could preach the rest of my life on sometimes only one passage! Matthew only jotted down the essence of Jesus' message, which I'm sure took much longer to preach. It was like a confirmand's summery for his class.
That first sentence is one that puzzles people. It might make you think that he's referring to those who don't have much Spirit. But the true meaning is more like "those who are humble." Those are the ones who should be blessed, or happy, which is the other meaning of "blessed."
It is hard to believe that we should be happy when we cry just because God will comfort us! I was sad when my folks died, but God gave me comfort in knowing that they were with him and happy. We try to drag out life as long as we can, but I'll bet when we finally get "home" we will wonder why we held on until the last minute!
That next one about the meek goes against everything we feel we need! So many of Jesus' words seem to say the opposite of what our mind tells us they should mean! They require much thought and prayer and a pastor who can open the meaning for us!
What do we hunger and thirst for? Riches? Success? Fame? Good grades? You name it, but Jesus answers: righteousness, which may not be on our list. If it is, that is at least one thing we can count on being answered!
If we are merciful to others, they are more likely to be merciful to us. That makes sense.
So far I can't remember meeting anyone who is pure in heart -- even the guy I see in the mirror! It should be something we struggle for and desire if we want to see God!
We should all try to be peacemakers. There are surely enough people who would rather fight at every opportunity. Peacemakers are not always welcome in Congress! It shows that they have no backbone!
The next two are puzzling. Why should we be happy if we are persecuted? Our nature would make us more desirous of revenge! Notice that it says "unjustly"! Notice that our reward, like the prophets before us, will not be while we live on earth but when we go home to be with our Lord in heaven.
Read one of these every day and pray about it. Try to live it. Then you will find happiness! Jesus promised it!
Each item of Jesus' message could make a sermon in itself. When I was in seminary I wondered how I would find enough to preach about to fill every Sunday for weeks, months, and years! But now I feel I could preach the rest of my life on sometimes only one passage! Matthew only jotted down the essence of Jesus' message, which I'm sure took much longer to preach. It was like a confirmand's summery for his class.
That first sentence is one that puzzles people. It might make you think that he's referring to those who don't have much Spirit. But the true meaning is more like "those who are humble." Those are the ones who should be blessed, or happy, which is the other meaning of "blessed."
It is hard to believe that we should be happy when we cry just because God will comfort us! I was sad when my folks died, but God gave me comfort in knowing that they were with him and happy. We try to drag out life as long as we can, but I'll bet when we finally get "home" we will wonder why we held on until the last minute!
That next one about the meek goes against everything we feel we need! So many of Jesus' words seem to say the opposite of what our mind tells us they should mean! They require much thought and prayer and a pastor who can open the meaning for us!
What do we hunger and thirst for? Riches? Success? Fame? Good grades? You name it, but Jesus answers: righteousness, which may not be on our list. If it is, that is at least one thing we can count on being answered!
If we are merciful to others, they are more likely to be merciful to us. That makes sense.
So far I can't remember meeting anyone who is pure in heart -- even the guy I see in the mirror! It should be something we struggle for and desire if we want to see God!
We should all try to be peacemakers. There are surely enough people who would rather fight at every opportunity. Peacemakers are not always welcome in Congress! It shows that they have no backbone!
The next two are puzzling. Why should we be happy if we are persecuted? Our nature would make us more desirous of revenge! Notice that it says "unjustly"! Notice that our reward, like the prophets before us, will not be while we live on earth but when we go home to be with our Lord in heaven.
Read one of these every day and pray about it. Try to live it. Then you will find happiness! Jesus promised it!
