January 16, 2008

Consider the Crowd (Part 1)

When considering the meaning of “kingdom living,” it is interesting to consider the crowd gathered around Jesus during His sermon on the mount. The scriptures tell us that as Jesus traveled around, teaching in the local synagogues and healing the sick, he gathered quite a following (Matt. 4:23-25). Who would not want to go hear this Jesus, who was gaining popularity as a teacher and healer? (4:24)

In stepping back, it is interesting to note two mindsets of the people who followed Jesus at this point. Today we will consider the disciples. When Jesus approached the disciples in Matthew 4:18-22, the invitation was simple, “follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. Jesus was speaking in their language; all of those included in the call were fishermen. It is interesting that they followed Jesus immediately, considering their situation. At least for Zebedee, this meant that James and John would not continue their father’s business. To follow Jesus meant to leave all they had behind - the comforts of family, and the security of their trade. Who knows what happened to the “Zebedee Fishing Company”? The heirs of the family trade had chosen to leave all to follow their King.

It was not uncommon to find an ancient teacher gathering a group of disciples around him . This teaching method implemented both the teaching of scripture through internal methods (memorization, and commentary), and through external actions (showing what the scriptures looked like being lived and watching him intently. The more time you spend with your teacher, the more you start to live life the way they do.

What were they thinking as Jesus began to lay out the Kingdom manifesto there on the mountain? “Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you.” For these disciples, Christ was setting the expectation and description of His followers. This was the call to “kingdom living”. These guys were on the inside looking out, knowing that this was expected of them. All the others in the crowd would expect them to show the same characteristics and ideals as their teacher, Jesus.

It is interesting to note that at the beginning of every beatitude, Jesus uses the word ‘blessed’. This word literally describes one who is deeply, or supremely happy, with a sense of divine favor. But, the things Jesus called them to do were impossible on their own. How would they do it? How do we do it? We have to be awakened by the power of life in the Spirit. When this happens, it does not matter what you are leaving behind. The promises of inheriting the kingdom, of comfort, satisfaction, mercy, and being called sons of God, are more valuable than any of the securities of this life. Resting on the power and promises of Christ is what it feels like to be deeply and supremely happy. The more you walk with him, the more you grow in this blessedness.

Written by Matthew Capps