Verse of the Day 11/6

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 46-48, Hebrews 5:11-6:12

Good morning,

During the election campaigns crowds of people followed the candidates wherever they went, wanting to hear what they had to say, to get a closer look on the person who might be their next president. Even the modern political candidates know that even with the crowds seemingly surrounding them at every turn, they still need some time on their own to charge their batteries, and clear their minds.

During Jesus' earthly ministry, especially early on when he was performing many miracles the crowds thronged around Him. The disciples were caught up in it too. Today's passage is bettter known for the great teaching that comes from it, the "Beatitudes".. We should take notice that Jesus "withdrew from the multitudes" to take time to sit down and teach important lessons to his own small group of 12 disciples.

Matt 5:1-2 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, NKJV
Or from the Message:
Matt 5:1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

While the message was delivered to many from the mountain Matthew Henry's commentary notes:

"The auditors were his disciples, who came unto him; came at his call, as appears by comparing Mark 3:13; Luke 6:13. To them he directed his speech, because they followed him for love and learning, while others attended him only for cures. He taught them, because they were willing to be taught (the meek will he teach his way); because they would understand what he taught, which to others was foolishness; and because they were to teach others; and it was therefore requisite that they should have a clear and distinct knowledge of these things themselves. "


I like the way it is worded in "The Message", those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. There are many today that would be willing to follow Jesus in the crowds, in attending church services and other Christian activities, but not as many willing to "climb" with Him to spend time alone with Him, individually or in this case in a small group setting.

Read the passage below, it's one of the best lessons Jesus ever taught "blessed are the poor, the meek, those who hunger.....". I am not trying to put across a theological lesson here but think of the disciples as Jesus' small group. What would have happened if Matthew and Luke had not been there, being too tired from the hustle and bustle to spend time with the "small group". They would have missed out on some of the best teaching ever given. it may not have been recorded and passed on to us. (We know that God ordained, saw to it that it would be, I'm just encouraging some personal reflection).

Do you spend time in God's Word on your own on a regular basis? Do you allow yourself to be taught by Jesus from the Bible in a small group setting?

Remember the verses from Hebrews yesterday about not allowing ourselves to drift, to be diligent in following Christ. Are you in, are you committed to a small group?

Why not consider it today? Contact your pastor or someone that you know that can get you "plugged in" to one.

In Christ,

Mike

Matt 5:1-13

The Beatitudes(Luke 6:20-26)
5:1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn,For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek,For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful,For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart,For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.